Sexual dysfunction happens when you have problems that stop you from gaining pleasure while engaging in sexual activities. It can happen at any time, and at any age, this health condition isn’t age-related, although the risk may increase as you age.
Stress is a major cause of sexual dysfunction, and other causes include:
- Drug use
- Excessive alcohol
- Sexual trauma
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
When a Bad Night Switches To a Disorder
There are four different categories of sexual dysfunction. However, it’s extremely normal to feel out of sorts some days, and not want to engage in any sexual activity, but when it lingers for too long, then it becomes a thing of major concern.
Categories of Sexual Dysfunction
- Arousal Disorder
This happens when emotionally, you want to engage in sexual activities, whether solo or partnered sessions, but your body won’t cooperate with you.
- Pain Disorder
This is when you experience pain during sexual intercourse.
- Desire Disorder
This is when you have no urge to engage in any form of sexual practice.
- Orgasm Disorder
This happens when you are unable to climax during sex, and it leaves you frustrated and upset.
All of these can happen on a regular occurrence, but when it happens too often and interferes with your sexual life, then it is considered a disorder.
Low Libido
Low libido occurs in men when there is a decline in testosterone production. Other causes include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Diabetes
- Sexual inhibitions
- High blood pressure
Sexual Dysfunction in Men – Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction occurs when you find it difficult to have an erection or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual activities. Erectile dysfunction can happen due to the following:
- Injury to the penis
- Chronic illness
- Peyronie’s disease
- Nerve disorder
- Certain medications
Premature ejaculation is when you ejaculate even before penetration or a few seconds after penetration. It is mostly caused by performance anxiety and other factors such as:
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Psychological stressors
- Sexual inhibitions
Impaired ejaculation is when you are unable to ejaculate at all. Men who are diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy usually go through retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation happens when the ejaculation goes into the bladder rather than coming out of the penis.
However, this condition might not result in any medical problems, but it can cause infertility. So, you should see your doctor if you are experiencing something similar.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing sexual related issues frequently, it can cause anxiety between you and your partner. But, if the situation doesn’t get better, then you should visit your doctor.
You should tell your doctor in detail the symptoms you are experiencing, and be ready to give your complete medical history and a list of all your current medications.
Your doctor would conduct a physical exam, and depending on the outcome, diagnostic testing would be done. If no physical cause is found, then you should consider seeing a therapist.
How to Treat Physical Causes
How to treat erectile dysfunction would depend totally on the cause. In some cases, treating the underlying cause would resolve the condition, and other times, switching of medications might be just what is needed.
Over the years, there have been lots and lots of improvements in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Many men have seen positive results from using certain medications, mechanical aids, and even penile implants.
How to Treat Psychological Causes
Most times, counseling can help, because your therapists can help you manage your stress and anxiety levels. Having joint counseling with your partner is a better option, as it can foster understanding and improve intimacy.
Sometimes, all you need is just orientation on sexual behaviors. For deeply rooted ongoing sexual dysfunction, you may need psychotherapy.
Long-Term Outlook
Generally, when you allow sexual dysfunction to linger, it can cause an increase in your level of stress and anxiety. This can even make it more difficult to overcome, and certain medical conditions can worsen it.
Sexual dysfunction that is caused by stress can be easily reversible if you can open up and approach it rightly. Serious psychological problems can take a much longer time to resolve, but when you work on them, it can be improved.
Things to Note
If you are experiencing any symptoms of sexual dysfunction, discuss it with your partner, and visit a doctor as soon as you can.
However, your chances of developing sexual dysfunction would increase if you engage in excessive drinking or drug abuse.
Also, before starting any new medication, ask your doctor about the side effects, and only take them based on your doctor’s direction.
