Other Male Sexual Issues
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007Erectile Dysfunction, or impotence, is what most people think about when they hear the term “male sexual issue.” However, there are other forms of sexual dysfunction that affect men, these including:
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Men with this issue experience a persistent lack of sexual desire or appetite, absence of sexual fantasies, and complete lack of interest in and avoidance of sexual contact with a partner. According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, it affects roughly 10% of men. It may be caused by boredom or unhappiness in a long-standing relationship, or related to traumatic events in childhood or adolescence. Depression may play a role as well. Possible physical causes include drug side effects and hormonal deficiencies. Sometimes, boosting abnormally low testosterone levels may help.
Male Orgasmic Disorders: Also called ejaculatory disorders, issues include inhibited ejaculation (orgasm does not occur) and premature ejaculation (when ejaculation occurs before, during, or soon after penetration, and before the man desires). Inhibited orgasm is usually caused by a psychological disorder like depression or anxiety, or use of substances like alcohol or drugs. The man?s emotional state?feelings like guilt, boredom, or resentment?may also play a role. The cause of premature ejaculation is unclear, but it is thought to result from a combination of psychological and physical factors. Both problems are typically treated with therapy that teaches the man and his partner techniques for either producing or slowing down orgasm. In some cases, premature ejaculation can be treated with small doses of a medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, taken either daily or one to two hours before a sexual encounter.
Peyronie?s Disease: This Issue is Thought to affect about 1% of men, usually between the ages of 40 and 60, Peyronie?s Disease is characterized by the formation of a hard, fibrous layer?called plaque?under the skin on one side of the penis. This usually starts out as an inflammation, leading to a hardened scar that causes the penis to bend sharply when erect. If hardening occurs on both sides, then indentations and shortening may result. The scarring or hardening can make erections painful and intercourse difficult or impossible. The bent or misshapen appearance of the penis also can lead to emotional distress, which in turn makes any sexual difficulties even worse. Doctors are not sure what causes Peyronie?s Disease, but in many cases, the condition resolves itself. A physician will usually monitor the man closely for about a year, watching the plaque development and checking erectile function. Medications that might help to alleviate the plaque buildup include topical vitamin A, collagenase ointment, B-complex molecule, or calcium channel blockers. If these treatments don?t work and the condition doesn?t go away on its own, surgery may be necessary. Surgeons have developed different techniques for removing the plaque without affecting the function of the penis.