Men’s Sexual Dysfunction
Most Common Sexual Problems in Men
Sex for a man allows him to be at his most powerful, most intimate, and most vulnerable. A man’s ability to enjoy sexual relations is a sign to himself – and his partner – that he is virile, engaged, and alive. When a man experiences sexual dysfunction for any reason, the outcome can result in anger, shame, frustration, guilt, and embarrassment.
For men who define their masculinity or value in a relationship by their ability to perform in the bedroom, admitting that there could be a problem can be difficult, and asking for help even more so. Acknowledging that there is a problem is a positive first step.
And when you are ready to get that help, it is important to seek a neutral counselor or third party who understands sexual dysfunction and other issues that can affect a relationship.
Erectile Dysfunction
Probably the most common of sexual issues – erectile dysfunction (ED) – occurs when a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection long enough for successful intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can be a frustrating, embarrassing, and sometimes shameful occurrence to a man, whose virility or masculinity may feel challenged.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is due to physical or health-related issues; in other cases, it may result from stress, from exhaustion, or from emotional, physical, or psychological trauma. Regardless of the cause, it’s best to determine if there are any medical concerns that are affecting your performance – and to seek medical treatment to address them.
Counseling can help you navigate your feelings and concerns with regard to erectile dysfunction.
Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates before he is prepared to do so. Premature ejaculation can be frustrating for both partners – it not only interrupts the natural flow of a sexual encounter, but it can also cause embarrassment for the man and sometimes confusion for the partner.
A pattern of frequent premature ejaculation can result in depression, stress, guilt, and an overall lack of confidence in relationship issues. Discussing your experiences with a qualified sex therapist can help uncover the root of the problem and lead to resolution.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is a curvature in the penis that causes intercourse to be painful and sometimes impossible. It is caused by the buildup of scar tissue in the penis, but the reasons for the scarring are still unclear.
Whether the curvature is slight or severe, Peyronie’s disease can interfere with the man’s ability to maintain and keep an erection, which can impact any acts of intimacy. A number of factors are thought to play into developing Peyronie’s disease, the most common being repeated trauma to the penis that can occur from sex, sports, or an accident.
The good news? A relatively simple medical procedure can reverse the effects of Peyronie’s disease. However, psychologically, the effects of years of pain and substandard performance may weigh heavily on a relationship or the psyche.
Low Testosterone
Andropause may be seen as the male equivalent to menopause. Men’s testosterone levels peak at around age 19. At about age 30, testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1% each year. As testosterone diminishes, low-T can lead to a lowered sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, moodiness, irritability, and a loss of muscular strength.
Low-T also causes men to lose their hair and makes them more susceptible to osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, treatments are available: Your doctor may prescribe testosterone therapy, which could include injections or medication. The physician may also recommend lifestyle changes such as an improved diet or exercise program.
Seeking therapeutic help can help you navigate through the many emotional and psychological concerns that low testosterone brings.
Delayed Ejaculation
Also known as impaired ejaculation, delayed ejaculation is when it takes an extended amount of time and difficulty for a man to achieve orgasm. Some men who have this condition cannot ejaculate at all.
This can be a temporary issue or a chronic problem; either way, it can add stress to a relationship. Certain external conditions can contribute to the condition, such as depression, stress, performance anxiety, and poor self-esteem.
If delayed ejaculation has become a concern, medical treatment – combined with therapy – can help.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation, also known as dry orgasm, occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of being ejaculated out of the penis during climax. And while not harmful, retrograde ejaculation is a cause of male infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Medical treatment can restore normal ejaculatory function. It can be the reason why a couple has difficulty conceiving.
Prostate Cancer Surgery and Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment can leave a man with a lowered sex drive, loss of penis length, lowered sperm counts, and even dry orgasm – which means that no semen is ejaculated. Once the treatment for prostate cancer is completed, many men are able to resume a satisfying sex life with their partner. It just may take a little time and patience to regain what he lost, and sex therapy can help.
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction
A class of medications doctors prescribe to treat major depressive and anxiety disorders, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can have side effects that can affect sexual performance. Even after the SSRI is discontinued (“post-SSRI”), some patients continue to experience some of these side effects – such as a decrease in libido, numbness in the genitals, and erectile dysfunction.
Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction may result in difficulty achieving orgasm, drowsiness, and insomnia. If SSRIs are impacting your sex life, be sure to raise these concerns with your medical doctor or psychiatrist. Perhaps the dosage can be altered, or perhaps there is a similar medication that can be effective without upsetting your sex life.
Other Health Conditions
Sexual dysfunction can be a symptom of many other underlying health conditions, such as clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure, diabetes, nerve damage, HIV, and cancer. Vascular diseases (issues with the blood vessels) can reduce the amount of blood flow to organs, including sexual organs, resulting in difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Your doctor will diagnose the condition and then prescribe treatment, which may include medication. The physician may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, refraining from alcohol, or losing weight, each of which can impact your level of sexual functionality.
Men Seeking Help for Sexual Dysfunction
Difficulties in the bedroom can happen for any number of reasons. Whether they are due to a medical condition or psychological reasons, it’s always good to have someone to talk to who can help you – and your partner – achieve the relationship you deserve, both inside and out of the bedroom.
For Male Sexual Dysfunction Treatment in Montclair, NJ Contact Our Sex Therapists Today!
In Montclair, New Jersey, Advanced Psychology Partners helps people work through sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, and intimacy and fidelity concerns. If you need a trusted, experienced counselor to help you achieve your relationship goals, call Advanced Psychology Partners today at (973) 534-5333 or request an appointment online to learn more about our discreet, caring therapeutic care.
