Description
Defined by any physical and/or psychological problem that affects your sexual health. The main types of sexual dysfunction in men include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed or inhibited ejaculation
- Low libido (sex drive).
Causes & Risk Factors
- Hormone problems (commonly low testosterone levels)
- Side-effects of some prescription drugs
- Smoking (tobacco and cannabis)
- Alcohol abuse, drug abuse
- Cardiovascular disorders e.g. stroke and diabetes, and nerve damage from diabetes or previous surgery or radiation treatment.
Finding the cause?
- Blood tests to examine your testosterone levels, blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Checking your blood pressure.
- Rectal exam to examine your prostate.
- Examination of your penis and testicles.
- Weight and height and muscle measurement.
- Questionnaires about your sexual function
Treatment
- Medications to improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Hormone therapy with testosterone replacements in the form of injections, creams or gels are administered to raise low testosterone levels.
- Psychological therapy by a counsellor or sex therapist
- Mechanical aids with vacuum devices or surgery for a penile prosthesis to assist men with erectile dysfunction.
