Sexual Dysfunction In Males – Symptoms, Causes, Dygnosis, Tests, & Treatment

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 Lyara Smith

Male sexual problem cannot be avoided. The best option is to know how to deal with the causes of sexual dysfunction so that you can better understand how to cope with the complications when they happen. The trick is to follow the doctor’s treatment plan and maintain cardiovascular health.

Sexual dysfunction can affect males at any age. However, it is more common among older men. The most common problem concerning sexual dysfunction may include erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory disorders, and low sexual desire. These problems are often taken care of by treating the cause of such disorders.

Sexual dysfunction among males is any physical or psychological problem that may hold you or your partner back from enjoying sexual pleasure. Various kinds of treatment available can help men who suffer from sexual dysfunction. The main types of sexual dysfunction are:

ED – It is usually characterized by difficulty keeping or getting an erection.
Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a condition where an individual reaches orgasm too soon.
Inhibited or Delayed Ejaculation – It is a condition where an individual reaches orgasm either too soon or not at all.
Low Libido – An individual has a low interest in sexual activity.

Causes Leading To Sexual Dysfunction Among Males:

Prescription drugs like antidepressant drugs and high blood pressure (BP) medicines.
Disorder of the blood vessels like atherosclerosis. In this, the arteries become hardened, and there is high blood pressure.
Stroke or nerve damage due to surgery or diabetes.
Low level of testosterone.
Drug abuse.
Alcohol intake.

It could also be due to psychological factors such as:

Concerns related to sexual performance.
Any feeling of guilt or depression.
Relationship or marital issues.
Any sexual trauma.
Anxiety and stress resulting from work pressure.

Effect Of Sexual Dysfunction On Men

The most common problems men face related to sex are trouble ejaculating, low sexual desire, and keeping or getting an erection.

Ejaculation Complications

The various issues related to ejaculation could be the following:

PE (Premature Ejaculation) – It is ejaculation that either happens too soon after ejaculation or even before.
Delayed or Inhibited Ejaculation is the kind of ejaculation that either does not happen at all or takes a long time to happen.
Retrograde Ejaculation – During orgasm, the ejaculate gets forced back into the bladder instead of through the penis.

Although the exact cause of PE (Premature Ejaculation) is unknown. However, it happens when there is extra concern about performance at the time of sex on many occasions. Other factors may include:

Temporary depression.
Stress.
Any incidence of sexual repression.
Low self-confidence.
Communication issues with a partner or any unresolved conflict.

Studies indicate that when serotonin (a natural chemical in the human body that influences mood) breaks down, it may lead to PE. Also, certain medicines, like a few antidepressants, may affect ejaculation. It is similar to nerve damage at the back or spinal cord.

Physical reasons for delayed or inhibited ejaculation could include the following:

Medication after effect.
Surgery.
Consumption of alcohol.
Long-term health issues (chronic).
Psychological factors like stress, depression, anxiety or relationship issues.

A phenomenon called retrograde ejaculation is most common among men having diabetes or those suffering from diabetic nerve damage. Any issue related to nerves in the bladder or the bladder neck may compel the ejaculate to flow backward. It could also happen post an operation of the prostate or the bladder neck.

ED (Erectile Dysfunction)

It is the inability to keep or get an erection for having sex. ED is quite common among males. Studies indicate that almost half of Americans above the age of 40 suffer from this disorder. The reasons for ED include:

Diseases that affect the flow of blood like hardening of an artery.
Disorders of the nerve.
Penis injury.
Conflicts related to relationships, stress, performance, anxiety, and depression.
Chronic illness such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Unhealthy habits such as drinking, smoking, excess alcohol, overeating, and lack of proper exercise.

Reduced Sexual Desire (Low Libido)

Low libido means that there will be reduced interest or desire for sex. Such a condition is often linked with a low level of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone helps maintain sex drive, bone, hair, muscle, and sperm production. Low testosterone can affect mood and body.

Reduced sexual desire may lead to depression, relationship difficulties, and anxiety. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medicines like antidepressants may lead to low libido.

Diagnosis Of Male Sexual Dysfunction

A doctor may proceed with the diagnosis process on the basis of a physical exam. The physical exam may include:

Blood pressure (B. P.)
Blood test to check the testosterone level, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Rectal exam for checking the prostate.
Examination of the testicles and penis.

There may be other tests to check if there is any problem related to the flow of blood to the penis. In addition, the medical expert may ask questions concerning the symptoms along with medical and sexual history.

Although these questions may seem very personal, there is nothing to be embarrassed of. These questions must be honestly answered to extend the best possible treatment. If required, a visit to more than a single specialist (sex therapist, endocrinologist and urologist) may be required for a comprehensive assessment.