Sexual Problems in Men

Many men struggle with problems during sex. Doctors call this sexual dysfunction. Your
health, stress, relationship concerns, and other issues can lead to these problems.
About 31% of men, and 43% of women, have some sort of difficulty during sex. But
many types of sexual problems can be treated or otherwise improved. Thanks to
ongoing research, doctors understand more about them than ever before.
Common Sexual Problems
You can have problems at different points during sex. Men may experience:

 Lack of sexual desire

 Inability to get or keep an erection
 Orgasms that happen too slowly or too quickly
 Inability to have orgasms

Other possible issues are:

Deformities of your penis. One type is Peronei’s disease, in which a buildup of collagen
or scar tissue causes the penis to bend.
Retrograde ejaculation, when semen is forced back into your bladder instead of out of
your penis. This may happen in men with nerve damage from diabetes, or after bladder
or prostate surgery.
Sex and Aging
Some changes in your desire for sex and sexual performance are common as you age.
You may need more foreplay before sex, or more stimulation to get and keep an
erection. It also may take longer to get an erection after an orgasm
But drastic changes can be a sign of a bigger problem. Talk to your doctor if this
happens.
Health Problems
Your overall health and any medical conditions you have also affect your sex life.
Conditions that can affect your sexual ability or desire for sex include:

 Heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease

 Diabetes
 Hormone imbalances
 Nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
 Obesity
 High blood pressure
  High cholesterol

Sudden changes in your sex drive or ability to have sex can be a sign you have a
medical condition. Tell your doctor if you notice them.
Medications, such as depression and high blood pressure drugs, can also affect sex. If
you notice problems after you start a new medicine, ask your doctor how to manage the
side effects or if they can switch your prescription.
Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, and other unhealthy habits also may hurt your sexual
function. On the flip side, regular exercise, weight loss, and stress management could
improve your sex life.
Mental and Emotional Issues
Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional issues can have a big
effect on your sex life. Just worrying about how you'll perform during sex can keep you
from enjoying sexual intimacy. So can guilt about sex, fear of pregnancy, or memories
of a traumatic sexual experience.
Concerns with your relationship can lead to sex problems, too. Anger at your partner,
boredom with the relationship, and other ongoing issues can all affect you sexually.
Treatment Options
If a medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or depression is
affecting your sex life, your doctor may need to address it first.
Your doctor might suggest changing unhealthy habits, such as smoking or drinking too
much alcohol, and encourage you to exercise. These things can improve your overall
health as well as your ability to have sex.
Other treatment options include:

 Counseling to help you manage stress, anxiety, fear, or guilt, or to address

depression or other mental health concerns
 Medications for erection problems that you take as a pill, such as Cialis, Levitra,
Stendra, or Viagra
 Medicines for erection problems that you get as a shot, like alprostadil
 Testosterone replacement therapy and other hormone treatments for imbalances
 Medical devices, such as vacuum erection devices, that help you get an erection
 Penis implant surgery
 Surgery to correct penis deformities
  Penile traction therapy, in which you wear a device on your penis to correct
deformities
Sexual Problems in Women
Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among women. Almost half of all women have
persistent problems with sex, such as little or no sex drive, trouble reaching an orgasm,
or pain during intercourse.
Satisfying sex involves your body, mind, health, beliefs, and your feelings toward your
partner, among other factors. Here are some possible causes behind problems in your
sex life.
Medical or Physical Conditions
Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis,
and even simple fatigue can make sex uncomfortable or painful. They can make it hard
for you to get aroused or climax during sex.
Scarring from surgery or radiation treatment in your vaginal opening or in other parts of
your genital area also can change your sexual experience. So can infections such as
genital herpes.
Other possible causes include hormonal imbalance or physical changes related to:

 Pregnancy (you may have sex less often or find it uncomfortable, especially
during the third trimester)
 Childbirth (your genitals may be less sensitive, you may have had a difficult
delivery)
 Breastfeeding (low estrogen levels may lead to vaginal dryness, you may lack
energy for sex)
 Menopause (vaginal dryness, lack of libido)

Mental and Emotional Issues

The right mood and a healthy, respectful connection with your partner play an important
role in sexual intimacy. But there may be factors that leave you feeling self-conscious,
fearful, or uninterested. Reasons may include:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Past sexual abuse
Low self-esteem
Medications, Drugs, and Alcohol
Drinking can make orgasm longer to achieve or feel less intense. Tobacco smoking and
long-term use of heroin and other illegal drugs also can lead to sexual problems.

Some medications can make sex less pleasurable, dampen sex drive, or cause vaginal
discomfort. Types of medications include:

 High blood pressure drugs

 Antidepressants
 Antipsychotic medications
 Epilepsy drugs
 Certain cancer drugs
 Medication for urinary tract infection
 Steroids

Treatments and Other Help

Medical treatments may include:

 Drugs to raise low libido (desire for sex)

 Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles to help achieve better orgasm
 Anti-inflammatory drugs to take before intercourse to lower pain

Other advice to improve your intimate experience may include:

 More open communication between you and your partner,

 Making time for sex
 Improving intimacy with your partner
 Healthy habits, such as minimizing alcohol, getting exercise and eating a healthy
diet
 Therapy or counseling to help you manage stress or anxiety, or work through
feelings of fear or shame in regards to sex
 Vaginal lubricant for dryness or lessen pain during sex
 Vibrators and other tools to enhance arousal
 Techniques on how to reduce distractions and be more present during sex
References:

5 Facts All Men Should Know About Sexual Problems and Dysfunction | Patient Care.
(n.d.). Weill Cornell Medicine. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from
https://weillcornell.org/news/5-facts-all-men-should-know-about-sexual-problems-and-
dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction: Treatment for Women’s Sexual Disorders. (2019, August
17). OnHealth. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/female_sexual_disorder_treatment

NHS website. (2020, June 19). Female sexual problems. Nhs.Uk. Retrieved November
6, 2021, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/female-sexual-problems/

Sexual Problems in Men. (2021, January 21). WebMD. Retrieved November 6, 2021,
from https://www.webmd.com/men/guide/mental-health-male-sexual-problems