Sexual health issues can affect men at various stages of life and often impact their overall well-being. Remember that these conditions are not uncommon and can usually be managed effectively with the right treatment.
Many men experience sexual health issues that can disrupt a fulfilling sex life. These challenges are common and can arise at different times in a man’s life, often due to factors like certain medications, underlying medical conditions, relationship difficulties, or mental health concerns. Fortunately, most of these conditions are treatable. If you notice any symptoms of sexual health problems, it’s important to consult a specialist, such as Dr Ashutosh Singh, a renowned Urologist in Noida. Keep reading to learn about the most common sexual health issues affecting men.
Common Sexual Health Problems in Men
Here is a list of the five most common sexual health issues affecting men.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual health issues reported by men. It refers to the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity. A man may be experiencing ED if he is unable to achieve an erection at any time, can achieve an erection but cannot sustain it long enough for sex, or can only sometimes achieve an erection when desired. ED can affect men of all ages and may indicate an underlying condition or health-related issue.
To address ED, a doctor might suggest various treatment options, including:
- Lifestyle changes, like healthy eating, exercise, and quitting smoking
- Medications that boost blood flow to the penis like Viagra
- Testosterone drugs
- Penile suppositories or injections
- Penis pumps
- Surgery involving the insertion of penile implants
2. Premature Ejaculation
Premature Ejaculation (PE), also known as early ejaculation or rapid climax, occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual activity than he or his partner would prefer. While physical factors can contribute to PE, it is often linked to psychological issues. Causes may include low serotonin levels in the brain, depression, performance anxiety, stress, lack of confidence, aging, or relationship problems.
Treatment options for PE may involve:
- Counseling or psychological therapy
- Medications to impact serotonin levels
- Behavioral therapy to train your body to delay ejaculation
- Application of topical numbing sprays or creams on the penis before having sex to decrease sensation
3. Low Sex Drive
Low libido, or a reduced sex drive, is characterized by a persistent lack of interest in sexual activity. It’s normal for sexual desire to fluctuate throughout a person’s life, influenced by factors such as age, mental health, hormones, and various life circumstances. Low libido can be caused by medical conditions like an underactive thyroid, depression, stress, low testosterone levels, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Treatment options may include:
- Testosterone therapy
- Treating underlying conditions like an underactive thyroid
- Medication change, if low libido is a side effect of a medication
- Exercise
- Therapy or counselling
4. Retrograde Ejaculation
It occurs when semen flows backward into the bladder during ejaculation instead of exiting through the penis. Symptoms include little to no ejaculation during orgasm and cloudy urine afterward.
This condition can result from:
- Certain medications (such as antidepressants or drugs for urinary issues)
- Surgical procedures affecting nerve or vascular function
- Treatments for prostate enlargement like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
- Nerve damage from diabetes
- Medical conditions like multiple sclerosis
Treatment often involves taking sympathomimetic medications, which stimulate the release of noradrenaline to narrow the urethra and prevent semen from flowing backward. If caused by medication, the condition usually resolves after discontinuation, but if due to surgery, it is often irreversible.
5. Delayed or Inhibited Ejaculation
Delayed Ejaculation, also known as Inhibited Ejaculation, occurs when a man is unable to ejaculate when desired, requires prolonged stimulation to do so, or is unable to ejaculate at all. Causes can include certain medications, pelvic or genital injuries or surgeries, alcohol or drug use, hormonal imbalances, nerve damage, stress, multiple sclerosis, fatigue, and aging.
Treatment options may involve:
- Counseling or therapy
- Using a vibrator or electrical stimulation of the penis to induce ejaculation
- Changing medications
Sexual health issues are common amongst men and can significantly impact their quality of life. These conditions are usually treatable, often with a combination of medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments. Addressing these concerns with a specialist can lead to effective solutions and improved well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Schedule a consultation with Dr Ashutosh Singh, a leading Urologist in Noida, via Apollo 24|7, and initiate the first step toward better sexual health.
Reference Links
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sexual-health-problems-male#delayed-ejaculation
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/sexual-health-for-men
https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/common-sexual-health-problems-in-men
https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/common-sexual-problems-men
