It’s essential to understand how the sexual response cycle in men works, in order to learn more about sexual problems (dysfunction) and how they occur. There are four stages in the sexual response cycle – a stage of excitement (which is the initial stage), the ‘plateau’ where things run steadily, the point where sexual pleasure reaches a peak (orgasm) and the final stage, called resolution.
Sexual dysfunction and other related problems start appearing during these four stages, and such problems are quite common among men. Doctors believe that 31% of men face problems with their sex life sometime or the other. Sexual problems can be treated, and consulting a doctor can be very helpful in such cases.
The major problems, as per their prevalence are:
- Ejaculation problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
1. Problems With Ejaculation
There are three ejaculation disorders that men can face, and these are:
- Retrograde Ejaculation: Under this condition, the discharge of semen during ejaculation doesn’t come out through the penis. Rather, it’s forced back into the bladder from the urethra. This disorder can be easily spotted; as such a problem cannot occur due to any psychological cause.
- Retarded Ejaculation: This problem is also called inhibited ejaculation, and under this problem, ejaculation occurs very slowly (unnaturally so).
- Premature Ejaculation: This is a very common condition that most men face at least once in their lives. A man who experiences this problem ejaculates very soon after penetration. This is quite hard to identify, as sometimes psychological causes can also be responsible for temporary cases of premature ejaculation.
The causes behind such ejaculation disorders are many, ranging from lack of attraction for the partner and social issues (for premature ejaculation) to problems with the nervous system in the genital region. Nervousness can also cause ejaculation problems, because men tend to get worked up when they’re in the company of very attractive women and ones that they’re trying hard to please.
Antidepressants and other drugs can also cause ejaculation problems and damage to the nerves in the spinal cord can cause such issues. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition that many diabetics face and this is caused due to neural reasons.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by an inability to maintain a consistent erection over a period of time. This condition is also called impotence, and this occurs due to psychological and physiological factors. This issue occurs when the blood flow to the penis is blocked due to secondary causes like atherosclerosis (a condition in which the arteries harden).
Medications and other conditions like Peyronie’s disease can also cause erectile dysfunction. Physical injury to the penis or other parts of the genital region is a major cause of erectile dysfunction too.
3. Loss of Libido
This is another sexual disorder that’s prevalent, and hard to notice as well. A steep decrease in a person’s sexual desire can only be noted over a period of time and this can stem from psychological and physical factors. Depression and anxiety are the psychological reasons behind inhibited sexual desire and medications taken for depression, high blood pressure and diabetes can also bring down the sex drive in males.
Low levels of testosterone causes this problem, as this hormone is responsible for masculinity and men’s libido.
Prevention of Sexual Problems
There are small changes that you can bring about in your lifestyle so that you can significantly bring down your chances of being affected by sexual problems.
- Smoking is one of the main causes of sexual issues as it plays a key role in causing atherosclerosis. Staying away from cigarettes can be a good thing to do.
- Alcohol can help your sex life when taken in very small doses. In high doses, however, it can hamper your sex life and bring down your libido.
- Psychological issues are the main culprits that are responsible for sexual problems. Opting for therapy measures for problems like depression and anxiety can work wonders. You should stay away from medications like antidepressants though.
- Opening up to your partner is another major aspect that you should follow. Only when you discuss your likes and dislikes openly will you your sexual conquests together excite you as well as your partner.
Treatments for Sexual Problems
You can choose between medical measures and surgical/psychological methods when it comes to curing sexual problems.
- Medications like Cialis, Levitra and Viagra can be orally taken to cure sexual problems and increase the overall blood flow to the penis.
- Penile implants, vacuum devices and other mechanical aids can help in curing problems like erectile dysfunction and there are many takers for such types of treatment.
- Counselors can help in coping with psychological problems like anxiety, depression and stress.
To ensure that you don’t suffer from any of the above problems, always consult a doctor regularly and obtain some medical advice.
