Male sexual dysfunction is more than not being able to hold or get an erection. It includes a variety of physical and psychological impediments to sexual satisfaction. Some males may have low sexual desire, are unable to get aroused, may be unable to orgasm or ejaculate prematurely (see the Erectile Dysfunction Topic).
Those impediments may be psychological such as depression or anxiety, health ailments like heart issues, medications, or age, although such issues could appear at any age.
Male sexual dysfunction may be a source of embarrassment for some, but it is a common issue and may be a sign of direct or indirect health issues. Someone experiencing male sexual dysfunction should consider seeking the help of a healthcare professional who may be able to diagnose and treat the symptoms or underlying causes.
The sourced articles below should provide more information on male sexual dysfunction.
- Male Sexual Dysfunction
“Approximately 52 percent of American men suffer from some degree of sexual dysfunction. Male sexual dysfunction includes ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction, and treatment of anatomic disorders, such as Peyronie’s Disease. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) also plays a very important role in treating male sexual dysfunction.”
Baylor Medicine, bcm.edu, accessed 6/20/2022
- Sexual Dysfunction & Male Incontinence
“Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, and incontinence are common problems for men. An estimated 30 percent or more experience sexual dysfunction …”
Indiana University Health, iuhealth.org, accessed 6/20/2022
- Men’s Health: Sexual Dysfunction Service
“Sexual dysfunction often is also the first sign of more serious underlying conditions in men, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and peripheral vascular disease. As such, it is important for men suffering from sexual dysfunction to be screened and treated by urologists who specialize in male sexual dysfunction.”
UCI Health, ucihealth.org, accessed 6/20/2022
- Sexual Dysfunction
“Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the sexual act (which includes desire, arousal, orgasm and resolution) that prevents the individual or couple from enjoying sexual activity. Sexual difficulties can begin early in an individual’s sex life or they may develop after an individual has previously experienced enjoyable and satisfying sex. The Sexual Dysfunction Program provides a complete evaluation for men with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disturbances. This includes the evaluation of factors that can influence dysfunction, including:
-Hormonal factors
-Vascular factors
-Neurologic factors
-Psychologic factors“
Northwestern Medicine, nm.org, accessed 6/20/2022
- Male Sexual Dysfunction Is Common But Treatable.
“Treating male sexual dysfunction … The underlying causes of male sexual dysfunction is unique to each male patient. Treatment options will be determined based on patient feedback and medical findings. In general, treatment for male sexual dysfunction may include:
-Medications
-Hormone treatment
-Treatment options for erectile dysfunction
-Psychological therapy“
Urology Austin, urologyaustin.com, accessed 6/20/2022
- Beyond ED: Understanding 6 Sexual Problems For Men
“Just about every man will have some sort of sexual problem during his lifetime – but not nearly enough of them will discuss them with their doctors, or even their partners. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, which is trouble getting or maintaining an erection, gets a lot of attention, but many men suffer from equally troubling sexual problems, explains Ali Dabaja, M.D., a urologist at Henry Ford Health. What’s more, many sexual problems occur at the same time as ED, so it’s almost a chicken-and-egg-type scenario. Issues like premature ejaculation, for example, can lead to erectile dysfunction.”
Henry Ford Health Staff, henryford.com, 8/2/2021
- Understanding Male Sexual Problems – The Basics
“Common physical causes of sexual problems include the following:
– Conditions or behaviors that increase the risk of vascular disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, or the medications to treat these and other disorders
– Diabetes, especially if you have type 2 diabetes
– Hypogonadism, in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone
– Thyroid disorders(both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
– Adrenal lesions (Cushing’s syndrome)
– Noncancerous pituitary growths that increase levels of a hormone called prolactin
– Diseases that affect the nervous system, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, long-standing diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease
– Damage to arteries or veins following pelvic surgery (such as prostate, colon, or bladder surgery) or after radiation treatment
– Conditions that affect the penis directly, such as Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature) or injury to the penis itself or to the arteries, veins, or nerves that supply the penis
– Cardiovascular (heart) disease
– Blockages in the blood flow to the penis (usually due to injury)
– Leaky veins“
Medically reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD, webmd.com, 4/21/2021
- What Is Sexual Dysfunction In Males?
“Sexual dysfunction is any physical or psychological problem that prevents you or your partner from getting sexual satisfaction. Male sexual dysfunction is a common health problem affecting men of all ages, but is more common with increasing age. Treatment can often help men suffering from sexual dysfunction.
The main types of male sexual dysfunction are:
-Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting/keeping an erection).
-Premature ejaculation (reaching orgasm too quickly).
-Delayed or inhibited ejaculation (reaching orgasm too slowly or not at all).
-Low libido (reduced interest in sex).“
Cleveland Clinic, clevelandclinic.org, reviewed 10/14/2019
- Former Olympian Aims To End Stigma Around Male Sexual Dysfunction
“The Mayo Clinic advises young men suffering from sexual dysfunction to ‘communicate openly and honestly about [this] condition’ with intimate partners.”
Asher Stockler, newsweek.com, 5/3/2019
- 5 Facts All Men Should Know About Sexual Problems And Dysfunction
“Male sexual dysfunction can include a wide variety of problems, ranging from low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, and other issues. While many men know that these issues are common, they can be difficult to talk about. In fact, many men wait several months, or even years, before raising the issue with their primary care physician.
– Sexual problems may signal a cardiovascular or other medical issues …
– There is a strong link between sexual function and mental health …
– Medications for mental illness may cause sexual function changes, to varying degrees …
– With age, some changes in sexual function are normal …
– Improving overall health can improve sexual performance“
Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Urology, weillcornell.org, 6/27/2018