Understanding Male Sexual Dysfunction and How to Deal With It

Sexual issues are usually hard for people to discuss with others. This explains why not many men would not readily disclose that they are experiencing sexual dysfunction, even though the problem is said to be a common one. It is no doubt an embarrassing thing for men to admit openly that they are not able to perform well between the sheets – it is belittling, they think. But this problem could put further pressure on men making it to become aggravated. Thankfully, there are numerous remedies and approaches that can help you deal with male sexual dysfunction. We discuss these and other matters that relate to sexual performance in men, especially as they get older.

What is male sexual dysfunction?

Male sexual dysfunction describes a problem which is characterized by a man being unable to derive pleasure from sexual activity. It could be physical or psychological in nature. The problem is not just one that prevents a man from deriving sexual satisfaction, but also one that prevents his partner from enjoying intercourse. It is a sign of an ineffectual sexual response cycle, which consists of four phases, namely: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.

This sexual problem is one that affects men of all ages and it is a common one. It is estimated that almost 1 in 3 men experience some level of sexual dysfunction. However, it is more prevalent among older men. Men are believed to experience hormonal changes somewhat to those experienced by women during menopause. This phenomenon is described as andropause – also known as male menopause or, more formally, as aging male syndrome (AMS). The decline in hormone levels can begin as early as the 30s.

Although drop in male hormone levels, especially in testosterone levels, is believed to be responsible for male sexual dysfunction, the decline is not as rapid as is the case with the fall in estrogen levels in women. The amount of testosterone levels start to decline from around the age of 30 and continues with the passing of the years. However, some men in their 70s are believed to have hormone levels comparable to those of some in their 30s. An investigation into the cause of low testosterone problem is highly essential in treating male sexual dysfunction.

What causes male sexual dysfunction?

In addition to changes in testosterone levels, there are several other factors that could bring about sexual dysfunction in men. These could be physical, medical or psychological.

Physical/medical causes – Problem with sexual satisfaction may arise when there are certain disorders in the body. The maladies that could cause sexual dysfunction include diabetes, blood vessel disorders (e.g. atherosclerosis), chronic diseases (e.g. liver or kidney failure), neurological disorders, and drug abuse. The medications you take could also be problematic. Prescription drugs, such as high blood pressure medications and antidepressants, have been known to affect sexual function and desire.

Psychological causes – The state of a person’s mental health could also bring about male sexual dysfunction. Problems in a romantic relationship may interfere with the ability of the partners to derive pleasure from sexual activity. Fear about sexual ability, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and depression are possible causative factors. Work-related stress and past sexual trauma may also cause sexual dysfunction.

Types Of Sexual Dysfunction

Male sexual dysfunction is sometimes thought synonymous to erectile dysfunction or low libido. But it can actually manifest in several forms. It is typically classified into four main types, namely:

Sexual desire disorders
Sexual arousal disorders
Orgasm disorders
Sexual pain disorders

Sexual desire disorders – These are what people commonly refer to as low libido. They affect a man’s interest in sexual activity, either with a particular partner or all women. Desire disorders could develop gradually or suddenly. Factors capable of causing these to occur include hormonal changes, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sexual inhibitions, relationship issues, and certain medications.

Sexual arousal disorders – Men suffering from arousal disorders find it hard to become sexually aroused. The interest in sexual activity may be present, but there will be difficulty in achieving the firm erection needed. The most common form of these disorders is erectile dysfunction (ED). Also known as impotence, ED affects an estimated 30 million men in America on a continuing basis and almost all adult males intermittently. It is mainly caused by inadequate flow of blood to the penis.

Orgasm disorders – This type of sexual dysfunction affects the ability of a man to achieve orgasm or climax during sexual activity. Orgasm disorders are not common in men as they are in women.

Sexual pain disorders – Similar to orgasm disorders, sexual pain disorders are mostly common among women, but it can affect both sexes. Sexual pain may be brought about by infections and medical conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and genital herpes.

Aside the sexual problems listed above, ejaculation disorders also make a very common form of male sexual dysfunction. These come in different types as well.

Premature ejaculation – This describes a male sexual problem characterized by ejaculation occurring soon after penetration or even before penetration occurs. Premature ejaculation may result from nervousness and certain psychological factors.

Retarded or inhibited ejaculation – In this case, ejaculation takes longer than usual to occur or does not. Inhibited ejaculation could arise from lack of attraction or past sexual trauma, among others.

Retrograde ejaculation – This is when the ejaculate, at orgasm, is forced to go back into the bladder, instead of going out of the penis through the urethra. Retrograde ejaculation occurs more among men suffering from diabetes. It may also arise after certain surgical procedures.

Diagnosis Of Sexual dysfunction

It is highly essential that you seek the advice of your doctor immediately you notice any signs of drop in your sexual performance, especially when you are older than 30 years. The reason why this is necessary is that what you observe may be a sign of an even greater health problem, such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues.

You should expect your doctor to ask questions on the symptoms you have observed. It is important not to conceal anything if some of the questions sound rather embarrassing. Your sexual and medical history will be assessed. Tests would also be ordered to aid in making the proper diagnosis. These include tests to check the levels of testosterone, cholesterol and glucose in your blood. Your blood pressure would be assessed and physical examination of your penis, testicles and rectum may be carried out.

How to treat male sexual dysfunction

Treatment of male sexual dysfunction typically involves efforts geared at correcting whatever underlying physical or psychological factors responsible for it. The most common treatment options include:

Medications – Drugs that help to improve the flow of blood to the penis are often used to fight male sexual dysfunction, especially erectile dysfunction. The most recognized of these medications include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs are ideally combined with sex therapy for the best results. But be warned that these drugs do come with side effects, including dizziness and vision changes.
Hormone therapy – Your doctor may order hormone replacement therapy to raise testosterone levels, depending on diagnosis. This comes in form of patches, gels and injections.
Mechanical devices – Vacuum devices are examples of mechanical devices that could be recommended to improve the flow of blood to your penis. These penile pumps are used to draw blood into the penis before sexual activity and the blood supply is sustained with the use of a band placed around the base of the penis. Penis rings also serve somewhat similar purposes. Penile implants may be recommended for erectile dysfunction.
Counseling – Since male sexual dysfunction may be caused by psychological factors, you may be referred to a psychological counselor. This professional will work with you in dealing with fear, anxiety, depression, or guilt that might be responsible for the problem.

In some rare cases, surgery may be carried out to deal with male sexual health issues.

Prevention of sexual dysfunction

It should be noted that drugs are mostly effective in improving erections, not necessarily other forms of sexual dysfunction. Your diet and lifestyle play greater role in your sexual health. If you get these right, you can prevent male sexual dysfunction altogether. Actions that have been known to work for many men include:

Healthy eating habits
Regular physical exercise
Stress reduction
Quitting smoking
Reduction of alcohol intake
Weight loss

You can reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. This help to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure that could lead to erection issues. You should take lesser amount of alcohol drinks (no more than two a day), if you have to take any at all. Efforts should be made to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to avoid sedentary lifestyle as much as possible and try to walk around more. Special pelvic exercises known as kegel exercises have also been suggested for improving sexual function in men.

Watermelon juice, rich in the amino acid citruline, has been found to improve blood flow to the penis. Your doctor may also recommend certain supplements like Vigrx Plus and vitamins for dealing with male sexual dysfunction. Supplements containing the amino acid L-arginine, ginseng (especially Panax ginseng or red ginseng), or zinc could be helpful. The potency of red ginseng is so great that it has been nicknamed “herbal Viagra.”

HGH for sexual dysfunction in older men

As people grow older, the level of human growth hormone (HGH) in their body drops. This decline has been associated to male sexual dysfunction, especially when combined with the effect of testosterone decrease. It is believed that there is a correlation between sexual function and HGH levels, although clinical evidence has not been overly definite. Sexual performance has been observed to be at its peak during puberty, after which a decline sets in.

In the often-cited 1990 study by Dr. Rudman, improvement in sexual performance was one of the benefits from HGH therapy that were observed in elderly men aged between 65 and 81. This finding was somewhat corroborated by the larger Palm Springs Study, which involved 302 participants. Unlike some popular medications, HGH is thought capable of improving libido and sexual drive as well.

Male sexual dysfunction could be an embarrassing thing to discuss with other people. But you need to rise above the awkwardness and discuss it with your doctor because it could be a sign of greater problems. There are several treatment options that could help, including drugs, therapies and counseling. However, diet and lifestyle choices offer arguably the best means of dealing with the problem. Certain supplements such as Genf20 Plus can also be beneficial. You will benefit from improved communication with your partner as well.