Sex is an important part of marriage and should therefore, be satisfying to keep the marriage going. For some couples, however, sex problems become a source of anger outbursts or tension. Reports have shown that almost 1/3rd of Divorce cases that happen every year are due to sexual problems in the relationship. Although, it may seem necessary to appoint a sex therapist to salvage your marriage, there are times when you can easily solve the problems yourself. Here are few common sex problems and their solutions.

Common Sexual Problems in Men

Sexual problems in men imply any such inability or problem in functioning of a body part that hinders the couple from being satisfied with their sexual activity. Men are commonly affected by (1) erectile dysfunction, (2) ejaculation disorders which are premature ejaculation, inhibited ejaculation and retrograde ejaculation, and (3) inhibited sexual desire. 

Despite the problems of sexual dysfunction being treatable in most cases, many people hesitate to talk about it openly. Being better informed about these sexual health problems along with possible treatment options will surely help the men to deal with them better

Sex Problems in Men are:

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or impotence means inability to make the penis erect or sustain it long enough for an intercourse. It can be due to physical and psychological reasons. Diseases like atherosclerosis which hinder normal blood flow, chronic illnesses, certain medications, nervous disorders and a condition called Peyronie’s disease which leaves a scar tissue in the penis are some physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Psychological causes include stress, depression and performance anxiety or nervousness about one’s ability to perform the sexual act well.

Ejaculation Disorders

• Premature Ejaculation: When ejaculation occurs too early, i.e. before or soon after penetration, it is known as premature ejaculation.

• Inhibited Ejaculation: This is a problem in which ejaculation occurs too slowly.

• Retrograde Ejaculation: When at the time of ejaculation, the semen goes back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out of the penis, it is called retrograde ejaculation .

• Premature ejaculation is most common sex problem in men and is caused by performance anxiety for the sexual act. Premature or inhibited ejaculation is caused by post traumatic stress, lacking attraction for the sexual partner and psychological factors like religious taboo for sex. Retrograde ejaculation is most common in diabetic men who suffer from diabetic neuropathy. It also occurs in men who have undergone prostrate or bladder operation

• Inhibited sexual desire simply means decrease in interest for sexual activity. It is also called loss of libido. It results from psychological factors like anxiety or depression, and physical factors such as diabetes, medical illnesses, high blood pressure, side-effect of medications and even relationship problems.

Sexual Desire Declines with Age

It is possible to have enjoyable sex at every age but the passion does tend to invariably fade with age. Physical changes related to age or simply the routine of daily sex leading to boredom can cause this. In a survey conducted by AARP of USA, it was reported that more than half the men and women more than the age of 45 are less satisfied with their sex life than they were a decade ago.

Some of the causes identified for the effect of age on sex life are:

Menopause

In women, menopause starts around 45 years of age. The hormonal changes that occur around this period make the vagina shorter and stiffen the vaginal walls. This means that vaginal lubrication is reduced. This makes having sex difficult for woman and her partner.

Health conditions

With age, the chances of having diseases such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, heart disease and others increase in men and women. It not only makes your sex life uncomfortable but also hinders you in your ability.

Impotency

Erectile dysfunction or impotency can affect older men. It is the lack of ability to produce semen and/or maintain erection.

Medications

There are some types of medications that for depression, blood pressure and treatment of other medical conditions that can ruin your ability to have sex with their impact on hormones.

Emotional troubles

The changes in your body can make you insecure about your appearance and this would turn your psyche into believing that sex is no longer meant for you. If such a state of mind is beset with health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, you are inclined to feel yourself unable or improper to have sex.

Despite the abovementioned factors being strong determinants of sexual behaviour in your old age, there is no reason why you should not try to get it back if it is a must. However, it would not be an advisable thing to do if you are happy and content with your life without sex. The real cause for concern is when you are not done with your desire to have sex and long for the earlier days of your youth to come back. Know that sex can continue even in your 70s and 80s, if you must. That is not a must but you can have it if you need it.

 How is Sexual Dysfunction Treated?

Sexual dysfunction in men and women can be treated in a number of ways now-a-days. The underlying physical causes as well as emotional difficulties related to sexual dysfunction can be treated with a host of therapies available. The types of male sexual dysfunctions are erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation and inhibited sexual desire.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment for your condition after diagnosing the condition. The treatment of these sexual dysfunctions in men can be –

• Advice for Lifestyle Changes – At times, all that is needed for getting rid of your sexual dysfunction is making some positive lifestyle choices. Reducing the intake of alcohol and number of smokes a day, avoiding drug abuse or giving these up altogether would go a long way in treating your dysfunction. These have an adverse effect on potency. Moreover, men also need to watch out for the side-effects of medication for taken for a condition unrelated to erectile problems. Reducing the dosage of such drugs or choosing an alternative drug may be needed. The other drug should not have the same side-effect but it should have same properties for treatment of your condition.

• Medical treatment – Treatment of the physical problem that has led to the sexual dysfunction.

• Medications – Certain medications help to improve the sexual function by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. You can opt for conventional treatment or herbal supplements for improving the sexual function. Herbal supplements would have less or no side-effects. Make sure that they are really herbal and not merely marketed in that fashion.

• Surgery – In case of severe blood vessel disorder, men may need to undergo surgery.

• Hormone transplant – Low level of testosterone is often the cause of impotency. Affected men can undergo hormone replacement therapy to supplement their deficiency.

• Psychological Therapy – A counsellor trained in relieving people from their anxieties, guilt or fear can help those men whose sexual function has been inhibited due to emotional causes.

• Open Communication – Men can educate themselves on sex, sexual behaviours and related responses to get the better of their anxiety of sexual performance. Open communication with your partner about your fears and needs will also remove the impediments to your sex life.

The first line of treatment for sexual dysfunction should always be lifestyle changes, followed by herbal supplements or even naturopathic remedies. In case you do not find a cure with these, consider other options.

Massaging

Massaging the head of the penis gives a tickling sensation before orgasm. Stop stroking the penis as it gets erect and repeat the process. This exercise is done when the person is at the peak of arousal during sex. It prevents ejaculation, thereby increasing the time of intercourse. This exercise also helps to control the arousal during sex.

Kegel Exercise

Kegel exercise is performed to strengthen the PC muscles in males. PC muscles control urination as well as erection of the penis during intercourse. In the exercise, urination is controlled by contracting the pelvic muscles, which in turn controls the ejaculation.

Start and Stop Exercise

This exercise is performed by holding the penis till it gets an erection. When it is about to ejaculate, pull the hands away and prevent the ejaculation. Repeat the exercise again. By doing this repeatedly, a complete control on ejaculation is achieved.

Mental Control on Arousal  

Arousal and ejaculation can be controlled mentally as well. This can be done by getting yourself aroused with foreplays, and then suddenly ignore the arousal by shifting the focus to something else. This sudden removal of arousal extends the ejaculation time.

Changing Positions

Changing positions while having sex is also a good exercise to prolong ejaculation. This slows down the thrust and penetration, thereby enhancing the intercourse and preventing premature ejaculation.

Exercises are the best way to treat premature ejaculation as they can be performed anytime. By following the above exercises, one can surely overcome premature ejaculation and enjoy a satisfied sex life.