Male Sexual Problems and Treatments

Most men have sexual insecurities or will encounter a sexual dysfunction at some stage in their lives. 

For men, a sexual dysfunction is any physical or psychological problem that prevents a man from achieving sexual satisfaction.

Male sexual dysfunction is a common sexual health problem affecting men of all ages.

The most common male sexual dysfunctions are;

• premature ejaculation
• erectile dysfunction
• low libido

 
Retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and micropenis are less common male sexual dysfunctions.  

This article provides an overview of these sexual problems, its causes, and some treatments. 

Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a man ejaculates too quickly and without control during sexual activity (foreplay) or sexual intercourse. In other words, ejaculation occurs before a man wants it to happen.

Also known as early ejaculation, PE is the most common male sexual problem, affecting up to 30% of men. 

Classified as a sexual disorder, early ejaculation is a poorly understood condition "assigned to men who ejaculate prematurely during vaginal intercourse." Some define "premature" as within 1 minute, others state within 2 minutes. It has been reported that on average men ejaculate within 3 to 5 minutes of vaginal penetration.

Others define PE if sexual intercourse is "unsatisfying to one partner," or "any ejaculation that occurs before the man wishes." Defining PE is difficult as couples will have a range of preferences as to what constitutes an adequate time for intercourse.

Many men experience great distress because of this condition. For some men, pornography has created unrealistic expectations and performance anxiety on what is considered an adequate time for intercourse.   

PE can be classified into two forms:

• Lifelong (primary) - Lifelong PE occurs every or most of the time since becoming sexually active.
• Acquired (secondary) - Acquired PE develops after an sexually active man has not previously experienced ejaculatory problems.

Physical causes of PE include;

• abnormal hormone levels 
• Abnormal levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters

• Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
• Inherited traits

Psychological causes of PE include;

• performance anxiety 
• stress
• poor body image
• sexual abuse
• guilt
• relationship worries 
• depression

 
Some sexual and behavioural techniques to delay ejaculation and last longer in the bedroom, includes; 

• the start and stop technique 
• the squeeze technique
• the kunyaza technique
• kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
• breathing control exercises

 
Other PE treatments include; 

• delay ejaculation sprays
• herbal concoctions 
• wearing a thicker condom to decrease sensation
• masturbation to control ejaculation before intercourse  
• counselling  

​Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the male inability to achieve or sustain an erection for intercourse or other sexual activities.
 
Most men have or will experience some from of erectile dysfunction (ED) at some time in their life, in which the causes can be physical or psychological.
 
Physical causes of ED include;

• heart disease
• high cholesterol
• obesity
• nerve disorders
• high blood pressure
• lack of exercise
• alcohol and drug use
• smoking
• excessive watching of pornography

 
Psychological causes of ED include;

• stress
• relationship issues
• depression
• performance anxiety

 
Treatments for erectile dysfunction include;

• medicine to lower blood pressure,
• hormone replacement,
• making healthy lifestyle changes (not drinking alcohol, losing weight, quitting smoking),
• reduce stress and anxiety,
• counselling,
• surgery, and
• certain medication (Stendra, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra)

Low Libido
Low libido, also known as sex drive, is when a person has a reduced interest in sexual desire or sexual activity. In males, the condition is often linked with low levels of testosterone. The male hormone testosterone maintains sex drive, sperm production, muscle , hair and bone. Low testosterone can affect the male body and mood.
 
Loss of sex drive is common in men and women. It can be caused by a number of factors including stress, anxiety, tiredness, low testosterone levels, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications like antidepressants, and relationship problems.
 
Some relationship problems which can result in low libido are;

• long-term relationship and overfamiliarity with partner
• loss of sexual attraction
• unresolved conflict and frequent arguments
• lack of trust

 
Treatments for low libido include

• better communication with partner
• reduce watching pornography and sexually explicit material
• herbal concoctions and aphrodisiacs 
• healthier lifestyle
• medication
• testosterone replacement therapy  
• counselling ​​​

Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a rare type of ejaculation problem in men. It happens when semen travels backwards into the bladder instead of through the urethra (the tube that urine passes through) during ejaculation. Usually when a man ejaculates, semen flows out of the urethra.
 
Retrograde ejaculation is caused by damage to the nerves or muscles that surround the neck of the bladder.
 
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation, also known as inhibited ejaculation, is a male orgasmic disorder. Delayed ejaculation occurs when a man experiences a significant delay before ejaculation, or when a man is unable to ejaculate.
 
Delayed ejaculation can be caused by physical or psychological factors.
 
Common physical causes include;

• diabetes
• spinal cord injuries
• surgery to the bladder or prostate gland
• old age

 
Common psychological causes include;

• sexual trauma
• relationship problems
• stress
• depression

Micropenis 
Micropenis is an abnormally small penis that is often diagnosed in infancy of very early childhood. The condition is caused by hormonal or genetic abnormalities. It is an extremely rare condition, affecting 0.6% of men worldwide.

The primary symptom of micropenis is a penis that measures less than 0.75 inches in length at infancy. The mean (average) stretched penile length for a newborn is 1.4 inches. Among adult males, a micropenis is defined as a penis less than 3.6 inches in length.

A medical doctor (endocrinologists, urologists, and surgeons)  should be consulted in treatments for a micropenis. Treatment that begins earlier in life can lead to better results. Treating micropenis can be helpful in boosting self-confidence later in life and improving the chances of satisfying sexual activity.

Male Sexual Dysfunction Causes
Male sexual dysfunction is caused by physical or psychological factors.
 
Physical causes include;

• low testosterone levels
• prescription drugs
• smoking
• alcohol and drug use
• stroke or nerve damage

 
Psychological causes include;

• sexual performance anxiety
• marital or relationship issues
• depression
• sexual trauma
• stress
• exhaustion and tiredness
• low confidence
• history of sexual repression ​  

Treatments For Male Sexual Dysfunction 
Some effective treatments for different forms of sexual dysfunction in men include;

• healthy lifestyle including;
  • no alcohol
  • healthy eating
  • regular exercise  
  • no smoking
• losing weight
• reduce stress and anxiety
• sexual exercises and techniques
  • kegel exercise
  • breathing exercises
  • start and stop technique
  • squeeze technique
  • tantric sex techniques
  • kunyaza technique
• herbal and traditional medicine 
• counselling

 
Read Kunyaza to find out more about how to delay ejaculation and last longer in the bedroom.