The health of men is a significant concern for many individuals. Men’s health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer receive a great deal of attention with regard to their prevention and treatment. However, there is one frequent men’s health issue that receives much less attention, although affecting more than one-third of the U.S. population annually. Sexual dysfunction is the problem.
OVERVIEW:
What is male sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction refers to any physical or mental issue that hinders you or your partner from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Male sexual dysfunction is a prevalent health issue that affects men of all ages but is more prevalent as men age. Often, treatment can benefit men with sexual dysfunction.
The most common forms of male sexual dysfunction include:
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection).
- Premature ejaculation (reaching orgasm too quickly).
- Inhibited or delayed ejaculation (reaching orgasm too slowly or not at all).
- Low libido (reduced interest in sex).
- What causes male sexual dysfunction?
- Physical causes of sexual dysfunction can include:
- Lack of testosterone.
- Prescription drugs (antidepressants, high blood pressure medicine).
- Disorders affecting the blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) and hypertension.
- Stroke or nerve damage from diabetes or surgery.
- Smoking.
- alcoholism and substance abuse
- Possible psychological factors include:
- Regard for sexual performance.
- Relationship or marriage issues.
- Depression and guilty feelings
- Repercussions of prior sexual trauma.
- Work-related anxiety and stress.
How do guys react to sexual dysfunction?
Most men with sexual dysfunction experience issues with ejaculation, obtaining and maintaining an erection, and diminished sexual desire.
Ejaculation problems
The following are ejaculation issues:
- Premature ejaculation (PE) is the occurrence of ejaculation prior to or too soon after penetration.
- Inhibited or delayed ejaculation: Ejaculation does not occur or takes a significant amount of time.
- Retrograde ejaculation: During orgasm, the ejaculate is driven back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.
It is unknown what causes premature ejaculation (PE). In many cases, PE is caused by performance anxiety during sex, however, there are also other possible causes:
- Stress
- Temporary depressive state
- Repression of sexuality in the past.
- Low self-assurance
- Partner’s lack of communication or unresolved conflict
Studies suggest that the breakdown of serotonin (a naturally occurring mood-altering neurotransmitter) may contribute to PE. Certain medicines, particularly some antidepressants, and nerve injury to the spine or spinal cord might influence ejaculation.
Included among the physical causes of blocked or delayed ejaculation are chronic (long-term) health conditions, drug side effects, alcohol misuse, and surgical procedures. Psychological variables such as sadness, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues might also contribute to the condition.
Retrograde ejaculation is particularly prevalent in guys with diabetes who have nerve loss caused by diabetes. The backward flow of ejaculate is caused by issues with the nerves and neck of the bladder. Retrograde ejaculation may occur as a side effect of certain drugs or after surgery on the bladder neck or prostate in other individuals.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain and maintain an erection necessary for sexual activity. Studies indicate that roughly half of the American males over age 40 are impacted by erectile dysfunction. ED causes include:
- Diseases that influence blood flow, such as atherosclerosis.
- Nerve diseases.
- Stress, relationship difficulties, despair, and anxiety regarding performance.
- Damage to the penis.
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, and lack of exercise.
- Low libido (reduced sexual desire)
Low libido indicates a decline in sexual desire or interest. The disorder is frequently associated with low testosterone levels. Testosterone maintains sperm production, sexual desire, muscle, hair, and bone. Low testosterone levels can impact the body and the mood.
Depression, anxiety, or relationship problems may also contribute to decreased sexual desire. Diabetes, hypertension, and certain antidepressant medicines may also lead to decreased libido.
How can physicians detect male sexual dysfunction?
Your physician may initiate the diagnostic process with a physical examination. Physical examinations may include:
- Blood tests determine your testosterone, glucose (for diabetes), and cholesterol levels.
- Check blood pressure.
- Examining the prostate with a rectal examination.
- Examining your genitalia and penis.
If you have issues with blood flow to the penis, further tests can show it.
In addition to asking about your symptoms, your doctor may inquire about your medical and sexual history. Although these inquiries may seem quite intimate, you should not be embarrassed. So that the best treatment can be provided, it is vital that you respond truthfully. You may be referred to a specialist (such as a urologist, endocrinologist, or sex therapist) who can assist you. We offer online scheduling at https://questiondoctors.com/online-diagnosis.
How is a sexual dysfunction in men treated?
Many types of sexual dysfunction can be remedied by treating the underlying mental or physical disorders. Therapies include:
Drugs that enhance sexual function by boosting blood flow to the penis are categorized as medications. Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) are safe and effective for most men.
Low testosterone levels are treated with hormone replacement methods, including injections, patches, and gels.
A psychological counselor can help you manage feelings of worry, despair, fear, or guilt that may impair sexual function through psychotherapy.
Vacuum devices and penile implants are mechanical aids that can help certain men with erectile dysfunction.
Can sexual dysfunction in men be avoided?
Although male sexual dysfunction cannot be prevented, addressing its causes might help you better understand and manage the problem when it occurs. The same approach that is recommended for maintaining cardiovascular health should also be followed to preserve sexual health.
Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor for all of your medical/health concerns.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Consume a heart-healthy diet (the Mediterranean diet is often recommended).
- Perform frequent aerobic and strength-training exercises.
- If necessary, seek help for emotional or psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Communicate with your partner more effectively and frequently.
MOST FAQS:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or sustain a sexually satisfying erection. True or false?
A: True.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or sustain an erection that is sufficiently strong for sexual engagement. ED, often known as impotence, may involve the complete inability to achieve an erection, transient erections, or the inability to consistently achieve an erection.
ED may be caused by diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, nerve illness or nerve injury, multiple sclerosis, or atherosclerosis (atherosclerosis). The treatment for erectile dysfunction relies on the underlying cause.
Both physical and psychological problems might contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). True or false?
A:True.
The intricate process of achieving an erection involves brain signals, the male sex hormone testosterone, a healthy neurological system, and healthy vascular tissue in the penis. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by medical, physical, and psychological reasons. This may involve three primary issues:
– Inadequate blood supply to the penis. – Inability to store blood in the penis during an erection. – Brain or spinal cord nerve signals do not reach the penis.
Medicine, alcohol, or drugs may also have an effect on erectile dysfunction.
One of the causes of erectile dysfunction is aging. True or false?
A: False.
Although erectile dysfunction is more prevalent among older men, aging is not the cause of ED. The majority of cases of erectile dysfunction have a physical reason, and ED can also be a warning indication of a more serious illness, such as heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Typically, treating the underlying cause can restore erectile function.
How many guys in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction?
A: Approximately 30 million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction.
The majority of men occasionally experience trouble achieving or keeping an erection, however other men experience the issue more regularly or severely. In these guys, Erectile Dysfunction can have a negative impact on marriage and intimate relationships, as well as generate low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depression, and stress.
Inherited erectile dysfunction is possible. True or false?
A: False.
Erectile dysfunction is neither genetically inherited nor caused by genetic risk factors. ED risk factors include age over 50; diabetes; high blood pressure; and high cholesterol.
– smoking
– cardiovascular illness – heavy alcohol consumption
– being overweight – being physically inactive
What drugs or treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?
A: The most common therapies for erectile dysfunction are oral drugs that enhance blood flow to the penis, resulting in a harder or longer-lasting erection. These medications include sildenafil citrate (Viagra®), vardenafil HCl (Levitra®), and tadalafil (Cialis®).
Alprostadil (Caverject®, Edex®, Muse®) is a drug available in two forms for individuals who cannot tolerate oral drugs. Patients can inject alprostadil directly into the side of the penis, or insert a suppository into the urethra near the penis’ tip.
External vacuum pumps are available for men who cannot or do not choose to take drugs. These pumps help suck blood into the erectile tissue, resulting in an erection.
Some pharmaceutical drugs may cause erectile dysfunction. True or false?
A: True.
Numerous drugs might produce erectile dysfunction as an adverse effect. Medications for hypertension might induce erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Additionally, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, as well as alcohol, can cause erectile dysfunction.
Surgery, depression, worry, stress, marital troubles, and performance anxiety are additional causes of erectile dysfunction.
ED can result from prostate cancer removal surgery. True or false?
A: True.
Erectile dysfunction is a potential consequence of surgery to remove prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy). A recent method known as nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy can result in the gradual return of erectile function.
Low testosterone levels result from erectile dysfunction (low T). True or false?
A: False.
Low testosterone can induce erectile dysfunction, but erectile dysfunction does not cause low testosterone. In addition to erectile dysfunction, sexual symptoms of low T include diminished sexual desire (libido) and decreased sexual activity. Increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, weariness, and depression are nonsexual symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction may be an indicator of heart disease. True or false?
A: True.
Erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease or other vascular issues. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the arteries that supply the penis might impede the blood flow required to initiate or sustain an erection.
Among the surgical treatments for ED are artery bypass and vein repair. True or False?
A: True.
In some situations of erectile dysfunction, surgery is also a possibility for treatment. Surgical intervention is to repair arteries in order to restore blood flow to the penis, which may have been impeded or lost due to a blockage or a leak. Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction may involve: – Repair of leaking veins that inhibit sustaining an erection – Bypassing blocked arteries to re-route blood to the penis – Blocking veins that drain blood from the penis
Men nowadays are more interested in improving their sexual performance, but they are typically reluctant to seek assistance. However, there are numerous treatments available for male sexual dysfunction today; some men can find substantial results in as little as six months. Take charge of your sexual life and educate yourself on your therapy alternatives. Make an appointment online with us Today! https://questiondoctors.com/online-diagnosis.
