Thursday, February 25th 2010

By lindsay fleming

Three sexual dysfunctions common among men are decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders. Approximately one in seven men will admit to feeling decreased sexual desire, which is a dysfunction that increases with age. Inhibited desire refers to a decrease in desire for, or interest in sexual activity.

Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. The condition correlates with daily alcohol intake, poor general health, emotional stresses, fatigue, and insufficient sleep. A decreased sexual appetite may also result from experience with a partner who had an abortion. Different types of medications such as antidepressants and antihypertensives can also result in lower sexual desire.

After the age of 40, decreasing testosterone levels is also a common cause of a low sex drive. For some men, this decrease in testosterone becomes clinically significant and is referred to as Andropause or Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male (ADAM). Treatment for this condition includes testosterone supplementation through pills, injections and patches.

Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, nerve disorders, psychological factors, nervousness about the ability to perform, and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain medications, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease (scar tissue in the penis) also can cause erectile dysfunction.

Research has shown that approximately seven per cent of men in their twenties have complained of difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection, while nearly 52 per cent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have had some degree of erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, this type of sexual disorder can be easily treated through the use of oral sildenafil, such as Viagra. These drugs have been proven to be effective in 72 per cent of men if taken approximately one to two hours before sexual activity.

Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual dysfunction and is often caused by nervousness surrounding sexual performance. Certain drugs, including some anti-depressants, may affect ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.

The traditional treatment for premature ejaculation is known as the “stop-start” method. Graduated masturbation exercises are used to help men recognize their stage of ejaculatory inevitability. As men reach orgasm, the treatment reduces the amount of stimulation in order to maintain the erection. The “stop-start” method is 90 per cent effective in the short-term, but for long-term results it is recommended that couples attend therapy sessions together to gain a better understanding of the causes of premature ejaculation. In counseling, couples are encouraged to work together to gain trust and reduce sexual anxiety.

Conversely, inhibited ejaculation often has greater impact on the self-esteem of the men’s partners since they may begin to feel as though they are not attractive or adept enough lovers to cause their partner to ejaculate.

Retrograde ejaculation refers to when the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis. It is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Problems with nerves in the bladder and bladder neck allow the ejaculate to flow backward and into the bladder.

In other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck or prostate or after certain abdominal operations. Retrograde ejaculation causes infertility problems, as the sperm cannot reach the woman’s eggs. Interestingly, some forms of alternative medicine recommend retrograde ejaculation as a way to conserve the body’s energies. Many conditions are easily manageable with simple treatment.

If you are reluctant to discuss these issues with your physician, try talking to your partner. Often, sexual dysfunction has psychological roots, and building a stronger, honest relationship with your partner can help alleviate these causes.

Despite the recent increase of research in this field, there are still many unknowns concerning female sexual disorders, which include lack of sexual desire, difficulties becoming sexually aroused or achieving orgasm, and pain during intercourse. Relationship and emotional problems, insufficient stimulation and multiple pelvic disorders that can cause painful intercourse are all known causes for female sexual dysfunction.

Vaginal dryness is mostly found in younger women as the result of a lack of stimulation. However once a woman has entered menopause vaginal dryness can also be linked to hormonal imbalances. Vaginal dryness can cause a decrease in women’s sexual desire since it makes sexual intercourse incredibly painful. Itching, burning, and frequent urination may accompany the condition. Treat vaginal dryness by using synthetic lubricants, increasing your water intake (aim for eight glasses daily), and having sex regularly to encourage more lubrication. Also, try to eat an isoflavone-rich diet. Isoflavones are plant-based substances that mimic the action of estrogen, and are commonly founding soy products.

Vaginismus, a spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening, also makes intercourse painful for women. Such spasms can be caused by infection or irritation from spermicides and condoms or from fear and anxiety. This condition often has a cyclic effect: women believe that intercourse will be incredibly painful, which causes them to spasm and make sex incredibly painful. The rate of women affected by vaginismus is widely divergent across cultures, suggesting that it has a largely psychological cause. Therapy is often helpful in treating this condition, although physical therapies like vaginal dilators and Botox have been found to be successful.

The most common reasons for low libido in women are tension-fatigue states and relationship difficulties. Women differ from men in that men use sex to relax, while most women need to be relaxed in order to have sex. For example, men can have an argument with their partner and still feel like having sex afterwards, but many women need time before they want to be close again. It is also important to establish whether a woman truly has a low sexual drive, or simply has a lower sexual appetite than that of her partner. In some cases women can have sexual desire disorders that cause them to feel little or no pleasure from sexual activity. The greatest cause of this disorder may be depression or antidepressant medication.

If a woman is experiencing a sexual arousal disorder, then she is unable to become sufficiently lubricated. As mentioned above, this may be caused due to lack of stimulation or hormonal imbalances. In orgasmic disorders, women are able to enjoy sexual activity, however, they are unable to reach an orgasm. Physical causes for this are often rare, unless there is some kind of nerve damage. Psychological factors such as unrealistic expectations, or feelings of guilt may induce such behavior.

Overall, sex is something that is meant to be enjoyed and therefore it is important to take into account all of the physical and psychological factors that can affect sexual performance and experiences. Many sexual dysfunctions can be brought on by feelings of anxiety or stress, which is why it is important for women to be open and relaxed with their sexual partners. If problems continue to persist, especially if intercourse is extremely painful, it is recommended that advice be sought from a medical professional.

Tags: antidepressant, botox, erectile disorder, female, inhibited ejaculation, orgasm disorder, premature ejaculation, reduced libido, retrograde ejaculation, sex, sexual dysfunction, vaginal dilators, vaginismus