Few times in conversation do the reasons that males experience sexual dysfunction really come to light, unless cancer or cancer treatment are the topics. Much like a woman’s sexual function is hindered by pregnancy, menopause, and life changes, a man’s drive can also be affected, or “canceled.”
Sure, scientists have proven time and time again that men can become aroused much faster and more easily than women, but they can face the same typical sexual blocks that women also deal with. Men commonly experience erection difficulties, lack of drive, decreasing desire, medical or mental illness, worry, fear, medications, and so many other factors hindering their sexual function.
The National Institutes of Health compiled a list of things that affect a male’s sexual function and drive. We have elaborated with a bit more information on each thing.
Male Sexual Function Change Suspects
- Low testosterone. This hormone is very important for males and is produced in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for helping to build muscle and bone mass as well as stimulating sperm production. The levels of testosterone inside of your body will help to determine your sex drive. Your levels of this hormone will vary, however low testosterone occurs when these levels drop below three hundred nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), which are the numbers from the American Urological Association. When your levels are low, your sex drive will match. As you age, your testosterone levels will begin to decrease, which can also lead to decreased libido. There are many supplements, gels, creams, and holistic approaches to help you keep up your drive (AUA).
- Medications. Taking certain medications can lower testosterone levels, which can lead to low libido. Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may prevent ejaculation and erections, which can lead to lack of ability. Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, corticosteroids, opioid pain relievers, such as morphine and oxycodone, an antifungal medication called ketoconazole, cimetidine, which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass, and certain antidepressants (NIH/AUA).
- Restless leg syndrome. Restless legs syndrome is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. A study found that men with RLS are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without RLS. ED occurs when a man cannot have or maintain an erection. In the study, researchers discovered that men who had RLS occurrences at least five times per month were about fifty percent more likely to develop ED than men without RLS (NIH).
- Depression. Depression changes all parts of life. People with depression experience a lessened or complete lack of interest in activities they once found pleasurable, including sex. Low libido is also a side effect of some antidepressants, including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine and sertraline. However, the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NRDI) buproprion as not been shown to reduce the libido (AUA/NIH/CDC).
- Chronic Illness. When a chronic health condition is present, such as chronic pain, sex is likely low on your list of priorities. Certain illnesses, such as cancer & diabetes, can reduce your sperm production counts as well. Other chronic illnesses that can take a toll on your libido include type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure (NIH/CDC).
- Sleep problems. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that non-obese men with obstructive sleep apnea experience lower testosterone levels. In turn, this leads to decreased sexual activity and libido. In the study, researchers found that nearly one-third of the men who had severe sleep apnea also had reduced levels of testosterone. In another recent study involving young, healthy men, testosterone levels were decreased by ten to fifteen percent after a week of sleep restriction to five hours per night. The researchers found that the effects of restricting sleep on testosterone levels were especially evident between 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm the next day (CDC).
- Aging. Testosterone levels, which are linked to libido, are at their highest when men are in their late teens. In your older years, it may take longer to have orgasms, ejaculate, and become aroused. Your erections may not be as hard, and it may take longer for your penis to become erect. However, medications are available that can help treat these issues.
- Stress. If you are distracted by situations or periods of high pressure, sexual desire may decrease. This is because stress can disrupt your hormone levels. Your arteries can narrow in times of stress. This narrowing restricts blood flow and potentially causes ED. One study published in Scientific Research and Essays supported the notion that stress has a direct effect on sexual problems in both men and women. Another study of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that the stress disorder increased their risk of sexual dysfunction more than threefold. Stress is hard to avoid. Relationship problems, divorce, facing the death of a loved one, financial worries, a new baby, or a busy work environment are just some of the life events that can greatly affect the desire for sex. Stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a therapist, may help (AUA/NIH).
- Low-Self Esteem. Self-esteem is defined as the general opinion a person has about their own self. Low self-esteem, low confidence, and poor body image can take a toll on your emotional health and well-being. If you feel that you are unattractive, or undesirable, it will likely put a damper on sexual encounters. Not liking what you see in the mirror can even make you want to avoid having sex altogether. Low self-esteem may also cause anxiety about sexual performance, which can lead to issues with ED and reduced sexual desire. Over time, self-esteem issues can result in larger mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol abuse; all of which have been linked to low libido (NIH).
- Too much or too little exercise. Too little or too much exercise can also be responsible for low sex drive in men. Too little exercise, or none, can lead to a range of health problems that can affect sexual desire and arousal. Getting regular exercise may reduce your risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are associated with low libido. Moderate exercise is known to lower cortisol levels at night and reduce stress, which can help increase sex drive. That said, over-exercising has also been shown to affect sexual health. In one study, higher levels of chronic intense and lengthy endurance training on a regular basis were strongly associated with decreased libido scores in men (NIH/CDC).
- Drugs and/or alcohol. Heavy alcohol drinking, or more than 14 mixed drinks in a week, has also been linked to a decrease in testosterone production. Over a long period of time, excessive amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that men who consume more than three or more alcoholic beverages regularly should consider drinking less. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that an average adult male should have two or fewer alcoholic beverages daily; any more than this can lead to long-term health deterioration. In addition to alcohol, the use of tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs such as opiates has also been connected to a decrease in testosterone production. This can result in a lack of sexual desire. Smoking has also been found to have a negative impact on sperm production and sperm movement (NIH/AUA/CDC).
Treating loss of desire, low libido, and low drive often depend on treating an underlying issue like one mentioned above. If you are experiencing low libido and loss of ability, take these steps in your own life to help to increase your libido once more:
- Live a healthier lifestyle & practice healthy self-care techniques.
- Get enough sleep each night & rest during the day when you can.
- Practice stress management & stress reducing methods.
- Eat a healthy diet as often as possible, including plant-based items.
Working towards Improving Sexual Function & Ability
If you are struggling with erection difficulties due to erectile dysfunction or some other penial issue, there are devices and holistic approaches that can help you in varying ways to receive, achieve, and enjoy being intimate. Empowering Intimacy offers a wide variety of male-associated device recommendations to help you do just that!
- Pumps. Penis pumps can be used to help increase girth, size and the firmness of your erection. These are available in many different styles. Air pressure vacuum pumps have a basic pump style, with an easy hold handle. The Bathmate line of pumps offers features that utilize the power and soothing aspects of water in the penile chamber, building the erection. The water-based pumps are size specific, so be sure to know your measurements before purchasing.
- Enhancers. Erection enhancers come in a variety of styles from rings, to half-support devices, to fully supportive erection devices. If you’re in the market for rings, check into Empowering Intimacy’s product recommendation sheets, which gives you multiple support ring options. To put on any support ring, you will always want to use lubrication like Sliquid’s Satin, or other water- or silicone-based lubrication. This protective friction barrier helps to keep your sensitive skin from tearing or being injured or torn during therapy or play. There are many types of support rings and erection enhancers on the market. Please ask if you need guidance or have questions!
- Note: Replacement penis pump rings are different from those “stand-alone” use rings!
If you are a man who is experiencing sexual function issues, erectile dysfunction, or other types of sexual dysfunction- contact your doctor or urologist to begin planning to restore some of your lost function. There are many paths to pleasure and salvaging your lost intimacy.
Citations:
American Cancer Society
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Urological Association
Scientific Research and Essays
Empowering Intimacy
Cleveland Clinic
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine