Dr Bujjibabu HIV Clinic Vijayawada

COMMON SEXUAL HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR 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.

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

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.

Treatment of Men’s Sexual Health Problems :

Many sex problems in men can be treated by addressing their physical or psychological cause. Treatment may involve the following:

* Specific Medical Treatment – Treatment of the underlying medical condition that is the cause of the sexual problem.

* Supplementing Hormones - Men that have low testosterone levels can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy that supplements their hormones.

* Psychological Therapy - A trained counselor helps a person resolve feelings of fear, anxiety or guilt that is a hindrance in sex.

* Education and Communication – Educating a man about sex and sexual behaviors can help him overcome his fears and insecurities. Start talking to your partner about what you feel about the sexual act and get rid of the mental barriers.

* Mechanical Aids - Penile implants and Vacuum devices are useful for men with erectile dysfunction.

The common sexual health problems in men are a cause of great distress and cause relationship troubles if they persist. If any of the problems persist for too long, it is advisable to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

COMMON SEX PROBLEMS IN WOMEN :

Most women complain of pain and discomfort while having sex. This discomfort might be at the level of penetration or after she climaxes.
Women often complain of lack of sufficient lubrication while having sex. This might be due to lack of external stimulation or foreplay or bodily stress. The vaginal region is made of delicate tissues which tend to tear or face a tissue rupture if penetration is made without sufficient lubrication.
To avoid this, men should try and give more time to the woman so she reaches a comfort level.
Another option is to use, safe, water-based lubricants available in medical stores. These lubricants are easy to use, inexpensive and safe.
If lubrication does not help reduce the pain while having an intercourse, then consult a gynecologist.
Another common sex problem that women face is being tensed or anxious while having an intercourse. Anxiety and stress often destabilize the hormonal level in the body of the woman leading to a premature orgasm or a failed sexual intercourse between the partners. Fear and tension in the minds of the women often ruin active sex life. Factors such as ill health, molestation cases, sex trauma or work stresses are the most commonly diagnosed reasons for a problematic sex life.
Irregular menstrual cycles can also cause sex problems in women. The lower abdominal region often remains sensitive right after a periodic discharge every month and this differs from women to women. And a sexual intercourse even after the menstrual cycle may hurt the woman. But this differs from one body type to the other.
At times, sex problems in women can be psychological as well. A woman must always judge and carefully diagnose the symptoms of the pain, the occurrence of the pain and the exact region in the vagina before jumping to conclusions. A medical practitioner’s advice in these matters often helps.
Medical conditions such as heart diseases, hormonal imbalances and other chronic diseases such as kidney dysfunction, neurosis, and menopause and drug abuse can also lead to problems in sex life and cause permanent damage to desire for sex.
Aging can be another major contributing factor in women for their increasing sex problems.
Often ovarian cysts, virginities, fungal infections or endometriosis can be the common problems that are caused by sexual intercourses. This should be treated with a lot of care as these infections are stubborn in nature and refuse to subside permanently. For long-term results, a proper medication should be followed for leading a problem-free sex life. Otherwise, penetration would often become painful for women in the long run.

AGEING & SEX PROBLEMS :

Sexual Health of a man above 40 yrs of age is the mirror of his overall health.
Erectile Dysfunction is the bio-marker of Coronary artery disease.