Sexual dysfunction is the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining a satisfactory sexual function. The main types include erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, and premature ejaculation. Learn more below.
For men affected by the condition, sexual dysfunction is a complex issue. The problem can interfere not only with sexual life but also with quality of life and emotional well-being.
Understanding that male sexual dysfunction can be treated and even cured is essential for promoting a healthy and satisfying sex life.
In today’s text, we will explore these and other types of sexual dysfunction, explaining the causes of these conditions and recommended treatments.
What is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunctions are persistent or recurrent problems that hinder maintaining healthy sexual activities naturally.
Conditions that can be understood as sexual dysfunction cause issues that affect desire, arousal, or orgasm. They can even cause pain during the act.
The causes of sexual dysfunctions can be physical, psychological, or a combination of both factors.
The treatment is usually conservative and involves a comprehensive medical approach. In some cases, with the guidance of a urologist, the patient may also be advised to seek psychological therapies and implement lifestyle changes, which are crucial for all patients.
07 Types of Sexual Dysfunction: What Are the Conditions in Men?
There are some types of sexual dysfunction that can affect men, harming not only their sexual life but also their quality of life. Below, see some of the main male sexual dysfunction conditions:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Erectile dysfunction causes a persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
- Premature Ejaculation: premature ejaculation is also a type of sexual dysfunction. It occurs when ejaculation happens earlier than desired, often before or shortly after penetration, causing personal distress or relationship difficulty.
- Anejaculation: a man with anejaculation has a dysfunction that causes the inability to ejaculate. In retrograde anejaculation, the sperm goes back into the bladder instead of leaving the body. In the case of non-retrograde anejaculation, there is no semen emission during ejaculation.
- Delayed Ejaculation: in this condition, the man has difficulty ejaculating even with adequate stimulation during sex.
- Orgasmic Dysfunction: there is also a condition that falls under orgasmic dysfunction. In this case, the man has persistent difficulty or absence of orgasm (climax) after adequate sexual stimulation.
- Peyronie’s Disease: Peyronie’s disease is also a dysfunction. In this case, the penis develops an abnormal curvature during erection, often causing discomfort or difficulty in sexual intercourse.
- Priapism: Priapism causes a painful and persistent erection. It occurs without sexual stimulation (often at inopportune times) and is not associated with sexual desire. It can be considered a medical emergency in some cases.
Difficulty Achieving or Maintaining Erections: What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is one of the main (and most well-known) types of sexual dysfunction. Those who have this type of dysfunction have a persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
This can happen due to a combination of physical, psychological, and emotional factors. Physiologically, erection involves a complex process that requires adequate blood flow to the penis, as well as proper nervous and hormonal functioning.
The diagnosis of ED needs to involve a detailed medical evaluation. Treatment, which can be conservative or surgical, depending on the case, usually includes lifestyle changes, psychological therapies, specific medications, or, in some cases, surgical interventions to improve blood circulation.
What Are the Causes of Sexual Dysfunction in Men?
Conditions can be caused by physical, psychological, or a combination of both.
Among the main physical causes are:
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or hypertension;
- Hormonal problems, such as low testosterone levels;
- Side effects of medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications;
- In rarer and more severe cases, injuries to the pelvic region or spinal cord.
- Penile fibrosis, such as in the case of Peyronie’s disease, where the penis presents a deformity that makes sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.
In some cases, the causes can be psychological, such as:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression;
- Concerns related to sexual performance;
- Psychological trauma or negative experiences.
Additionally, we can cite causes related to lifestyle:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and/or recreational drugs;
- Lack of regular physical exercise;
- Obesity and poor diet.
Furthermore, communication problems or conflicts in the relationship can be related to sexual dysfunctions, as well as unrealistic expectations about sexual performance.
Remember: although you have all these tips at hand, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Is There a Cure for Sexual Dysfunctions?
Sexual dysfunctions can indeed be treated, but each case must be seen individually and depends on the underlying cause and the health condition of each patient.
In many cases, sexual dysfunctions can be successfully treated through therapies, appropriate medications, penile injections, and surgery (in some cases), allowing significant changes in sexual function and the patient’s life.
Recommended Treatments
Among the main possible treatments are:
- Oral medications: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, which improve blood flow to the penis and help treat erectile dysfunction;
- Hormone therapy: as in the case of men with low testosterone levels;
- Psychological therapy: which can be done through follow-up with a psychologist or sexologist.
- Vacuum devices: which create an erection by pulling blood into the penis with a vacuum and then maintain the constriction ring;
- Penile injections: which are medications injected directly into the penis to stimulate an erection;
- Surgeries: Egydio Technique and the insertion of penile implants, surgically implanted devices in the penis to allow controlled erections;
- Lifestyle changes: with a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, and smoking;
- Treatment of underlying conditions: such as diabetes and blood pressure control.
Is it Possible to Prevent Sexual Problems?
Preventing sexual dysfunction is easier than you think. Simple measures can help prevent some conditions. They are:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise;
- Controlling chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol;
- Finding effective ways to deal with chronic stress, which can help prevent mental health issues that can affect sexual function;
- Improving communication with your partner, which can help reduce anxiety related to sexual performance.
Although not all forms of sexual dysfunction can be completely avoided, adopting a healthy lifestyle and being attentive to overall health can help minimize risks and promote a more satisfying and healthy sex life. If you identified with the conditions we discussed in this text, seek medical help.
Want to know more about sexual dysfunctions, sexual health, and other related topics? Join the Dr. Paulo Egydio’s WhatsApp channel. There, you will find tips, guidance, and can clear your doubts with the content shared by the specialist.
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