Understanding men’s sexual concerns and it’s treatments

Most personal relationships revolve around sex, and sex and intimacy invariably interact in two different ways. Relationship problems due to men’s sexual diseases can easily impair the sexual engagement between a couple.

About 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction, making it a common problem. According to several population-based studies, hypoactive sexual drive disorder affects 15% of males. Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, is the most typical sexual problem in men, with a reporting rate of about 30%.

Furthermore, less than 5% of males have been reported to have sexual pain issues. Sexual problems have been demonstrated to have a considerable negative influence on men’s overall quality of life and relational interactions in addition to their widespread incidence.
For a vast majority of men, occasionally having sexual issues is not necessarily the cause for alarm. Additionally, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your relationship will not remain healthy with your spouse.

According to a study, men typically struggle to achieve or maintain an erection for up to 20% of sexual interactions. However, more than 50% of the time having problems getting an erection may be a sign of a sexual issue. It makes sense to consult a certified practitioner if you’re experiencing an erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems.

Causes
The following factors can lead to male sexual problems or diseases:
• Use of alcohol
• Use of illicit drug
• Smoking habits
• Chronic diabetes
• Cholesterol fluctuation
• Heart conditions
• Blood pressure
• Overweightness
• Metabolism issues
• Select medications including blood pressure medicines
• Parkinson’s disease
• Depression, stress and anxiety

Risk factors
Men who have one of the following risk factors are more likely to experience sexual diseases:
• Age: One of the main risk factors is age. Sexual diseases are typically more prevalent between the ages of 40 and 70, however estimates vary.
• Diabetes: Numerous sexual issues can be exacerbated by diabetes, which can also damage the nerves and cause circulation issues.
• Obesity: Overweight men are significantly more likely to experience sexual issues. Up to 79% of those who struggle with ED and other sexual issues have a BMI of 25 or higher.
• Depression: According to research, men’s sexual issues and sadness are strongly correlated. In some cases, it isn’t clear if sexual problems lead to depression or depression leads to sexual diseases.
• Additional risk factors: Men who smoke have metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, or low testosterone are also more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.

Treatment
Targeting the disease’s underlying cause is a key component of sexual issue treatment. Your doctor can advise you on the most effective course of action.

Changing Lifestyle
If your BMI is over 25 or you are physically sedentary, regular exercise can help address sexual problems and improve your vascular health.

In a 2018 study, the impact of exercise on male sexual dysfunction brought on by inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease was examined. The researchers discovered that 160 minutes per week of aerobic exercise over a period of six months can help lessen such issues.

In addition to quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce the symptoms of sexual diseases.

Medicines
Most men use medication as their first course of treatment for sexual issues. However, it seems sense to speak with a licenced doctor before beginning a sexually transmitted illness treatment.

Counselling
Numerous sexual diseases and problems are brought on by psychological conditions like stress, sadness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or anxiety disorder. This is where a counselling or talk therapy comes to your rescue.

Talking to your Partner
Men’s sexual diseases can cause substantial relationship problems, but it’s crucial to understand that the majority of such diseases are normal and manageable. It could be awkward to judge your partner for having such sexual illnesses. Additionally, it is crucial for men to be honest about their sex life because doing so can help them discover a solution and strike a healthy balance in their relationships.

Remember that sexual diseases in men eventually affect you both, so being open and honest with your spouse about how you’re feeling will help you both find a solution.

Founder of Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health, Dr. Chirag Bhandari