Sex Problems in Men

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What types of sex problems can men have? " пїЅ Sex problems in men can include: пїЅ пїЅ

Being unable to get or keep an erection most times you have sex. Doctors call this "impotence " пїЅ or "erectile dysfunction. " пїЅ
Having little or no interest in sex. Doctors call this "low libido. " пїЅ
Ejaculating too soon after sex begins, before they are ready to ejaculate. Doctors call this "premature ejaculation. " пїЅ
Being unable to ejaculate (even though they can get and keep an erection)

What causes sex problems? " пїЅ Men can have trouble getting or keeping an erection if they have a condition that keeps the penis from getting enough blood. Things that reduce blood flow to the penis can include: пїЅ пїЅ

Getting older
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Smoking
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs

Sex problems can also occur when men feel depressed, worried, or have other things on their mind. Plus, sex problems can be a side effect of certain medicines. For example, medicines to treat depression or heart disease sometimes cause sex problems. пїЅ пїЅ

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ Yes. Your doctor or nurse can help figure out the cause of your problem. He or she will talk with you, do an exam, and order blood tests. He or she might also order another test, such as a test that measures your night-time erections. пїЅ пїЅ

How are sex problems treated? " пїЅ Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and can include: пїЅ пїЅ

Medicines to help you get and keep an erection " пїЅ Follow your doctors instructions closely when taking these medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines. Men who take medicines called nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) for heart problems, should not take medicines to get an erection. Examples of these medicines include sildenafil (sample brand name: Viagra), vardenafil (sample brand name: Levitra), and tadalafil (sample brand name: Cialis).
Devices to help you get and keep an erection " пїЅ 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 " пїЅ Sex problems can occur when a man's 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, or tablet that sticks to your gums.
Treatment to improve mood " пїЅ Doctors might prescribe medicines or talk therapy for men who feel depressed or worried.
Treatments to delay ejaculation " пїЅ Doctors can prescribe medicines to keep men from ejaculating too quickly. Some of the medicines used to treat depression work very well for this. Some men also use a method called "pause and squeeze. " пїЅ In this method, a man stops having sex and presses behind the tip of the penis when he feels like he is going to ejaculate. After the feeling goes away, he continues having sex.
Treatment to help ejaculation problems caused by depression medicines " пїЅ Sometimes, medicines used to treat depression can make it hard or impossible for a man to ejaculate. Let your doctor know if this happens. He or she can change your dose or your medicine so the problem gets better.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 15497 Version 5.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Sex Problems in Men

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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