Male Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is male sexual dysfunction?

Male sexual dysfunction is a common health condition affecting men of all ages but especially the older ones. In this condition, many men struggle with problems during sex and it occurs with increasing age. Sexual dysfunction can be physical or psychological that prevents men from getting sexual satisfaction or pleasure. Problems in sex may be caused due to various factors such as your health, stress, relationship concerns, and other issues.

The most common type of sexual dysfunction disorders include erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, inhibited sexual desire, and low libido. Around 31 percent of men and 43 percent of women get some kind of difficulty during sex. But several sorts of sexual disorders can be corrected by treating the underlying causes and can be improved with the help of the latest technologies. 

Causes of male sexual dysfunction

There are a variety of causes leading to male sexual dysfunction including common sexual problems, health problems, mental and emotional issues.

Common sexual dysfunction problems

Men with sexual dysfunction may feel problems at different points during sex including: 

• Lack of sexual desire
• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Orgasms that occur too slowly or quickly
• Inability to have orgasms
• Deformities of your penis 
• Retrograde ejaculation

Health problems affecting male sexual health

Several medical conditions and overall decay of men’s health may affect their sexual life including:

• Heart and blood vessels disorders e.g. high blood pressure
• Low testosterone levels
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Hormones imbalances
• Stroke and nervous system disorders e.g., multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Prescriptions drugs for  depression and high blood pressure 
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Drug abuse 

Mental and emotional issues

Mental and emotional issues can have a big effect on your sex life including 

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear of pregnancy
• Low confidence during sex
• Relationship concerns

Regular workout, maintaining weight, and managing stress can be helpful to improve your sex life. Occasional problems with sexual functions are normal but if problems last more than a few months or cause distress for you and your partner, you should talk to your healthcare provider. You may feel shy while discussing your sexual problems with a doctor but being honest about your sexual concerns can be the first step to get help and the best treatment can be recommended.

Diagnosis and treatment of male sexual dysfunction

Your doctor may ask you several questions about your symptoms, medical and sexual history. They may perform a physical exam and other tests ( including blood tests, Blood pressure check, rectal exam, and examination of your penis and testicles) to check whether an underlying health condition is a reason behind your sexual problems. If your medical condition including heart disease, diabetes, or depression are causing problems in your sexual life, your doctor may treat it first. 

The healthcare provider or doctor may also ask you to follow a treatment plan, eat a heart-healthy diet, avoid smoking, and drinking alcohol. They may also encourage you to do workouts such as aerobic exercise and weight-building exercise, and change unhealthy habits. If sexual problems are happening due to emotional and psychological issues, you can also get treatment to manage stress, depression, and anxiety. In addition, open communication with your partner may also help you.  

Male sexual dysfunction cannot be prevented but such things may help you to improve your sexual ability and overall general health. Other treatments are also available such as hormone therapy, counseling, testosterone therapy, Penile traction therapy, surgery to correct penis deformities, penis implant surgery,  medications, psychological therapy, and mechanical aids are some of the therapies that can help alleviate male sexual dysfunction. 

Foods that help you to reduce male sexual dysfunction

Some foods have the potential to improve male sexual dysfunction disorders especially erectile disorder. This diet may also help you to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and erectile dysfunction in males. The diet include 

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Olive oil
• Fish
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Flavonoid-rich foods and drinks including strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, and citrus products. 
• L-arginine rich food such as poultry, red meat, nuts, and dairy products
• Foods rich in nitrate including spinach, lettuce, radish, beetroot, and Chinese cabbage
• Cocoa and dark chocolates
• Tea
• Foods rich in lycopene including tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, papaya, and red peppers

The bottom line

If managing a healthy lifestyle is not helping you with your sexual problems, consult with your doctor immediately.