This article lets us understand male sexual problems.

What types of sex problems can males have?

Sex problems can happen to people of all genders.

In males, problems might include:

  • Being unable to get or keep an erection most times during sex. Doctors call this "impotence" or "erectile dysfunction"

  • Having little or no interest in sex. Doctors call this "low libido"

  • Ejaculating too soon after sex begins, before you are ready to ejaculate. Doctors call this "premature ejaculation"

  • Being unable to ejaculate 

 What causes sex problems?

You might have trouble getting or keeping an erection if you have a condition that keeps the penis from getting enough blood. Things that reduce blood flow to the penis include:

  • Getting older

  • Heart disease

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Smoking

  • Drinking alcohol or using drugs

Other things that can cause sex problems include:

  • Nerve problems or damage, for example, a spinal cord injury 

  • Depression, stress, or problems with your partner or relationship

  • Certain medicines, including those used to treat depression or heart disease

 Should I see a doctor or nurse?

Yes! Your doctor or nurse can help figure out the cause of your problem. They will talk with you, do an exam, and order blood tests. They might also order another test that measures your nighttime erections.

Is there anything I can do to improve my sex problem?

Maybe. If you are having relationship issues, try to improve them. For example, you can:

  • Talk to your partner about how to make sex better

  • Make an effort to have more fun together by having a regular "date night"

  • Read books or websites about sex

  • Go to counseling, either alone or with your partner

If you are overweight, losing weight might help improve your sex problems. Getting regular exercise can help, too, even if you are not overweight.

 How are sex problems treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and can include:

  • Medicines to help you get and keep an erection

  • Devices to help you get and keep an erection – Erection devices work in different ways. Some are implanted into the penis to form an erection. Others work a bit like a vacuum and help pull blood into the penis

  • Hormone treatment – Sex problems can happen if your body does not make enough male hormones (testosterone). If your hormone levels are very low, your doctor might treat you with testosterone, which can come in a shot, skin patch, skin gel, capsule, or tablet that sticks to your gums

  • Treatment to improve mood – If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, your doctor might prescribe medicines or counseling

  • Treatments to delay ejaculation – Doctors can prescribe medicines to keep you from ejaculating too quickly. 

    Some of the medicines used to treat depression work very well for this. Some people also use a method called "pause and squeeze." In this method, you stop having sex and press behind the tip of your penis when you feel like you are going to ejaculate. After the feeling goes away, you continue having sex.

  • Treatment to help ejaculation problems caused by depression medicines – Sometimes, medicines used to treat depression can make it hard or impossible to ejaculate. Let your doctor know if this happens. They can change your dose or your medicine so the problem gets better.

 Takeaway message: With proper guidance from a doctor and medical intervention, male sexual problems can be treated.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.