The Impact of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Decreased sexual function has been found to have a negative increase impact on the patient’s quality of life. In addition, it can also affect their partner and their relationship. Below is more about sexual dysfunction and how it can affect a person’s life.
About Sexual Dysfunction
Male sexual dysfunction can include a variety of problems. Male sexual dysfunction can range from low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, and more. Even though some of these issues are common, it can still be hard for men to talk about. Many unfortunately wait months or years before bringing it up with a doctor. However, trying to deal with sexual dysfunction on your own can take a negative toll on both a person’s self-esteem and their relationship.
The Toll it Takes on Self-Esteem
Men with sexual dysfunction often have low self-esteem, confidence, and sexual relationship satisfaction. Men might feel embarrassed or anxious about their sexual dysfunction. This study in the National Library of Medicine wanted to test this and found that patients who received sildenafil (an ED medicine) compared to the placebo reported significantly greater improvements in self-esteem, confidence, sexual relationship satisfaction. This might be because of the cultural stigma surrounding men and sex. In addition, it has also bene found that having a low self-esteem may lead to sexual dysfunction. Harvard reported that improving your self-esteem can improve your sex life
The Toll it Takes on Relationships
Sometimes the cause of sexual dysfunction can be psychological rather than physical cause – and that relationship issues are at the heart of the symptoms. This may cause tension between you and your partner. In addition, even if it is physical, it might be hard for your partner to understand. When men feel anxious about their sexual dysfunction, there might also be a lack of communication in the relationship. Lastly, in some cases, an initial episode of sexual dysfunction might lead to increased anxiety about sex.
Focus on your Health
There are ways to improve your sexual dysfunction. Improving overall health has been proven to improve sexual performance. Dr. Sharon Parish, Professor of Medicine in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine said “there is so much interconnectivity when it comes to our health, it’s important to take a holistic view.” Practicing a healthy lifestyle and focusing on taking care of your mental well-being should be your first steps when trying to improve sexual performance. Practicing a healthy lifestyle includes eating healthy, exercising, taking mental health days, and more. How do you live a healthy lifestyle?
Relationship & Sex Therapy
Another way to help improve your sexual performance and mental well-being in general is therapy. Thomas Rea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in sex and relationship therapy. Thomas specializes in male sexual dysfunction therapy. Other types of sex therapy he specializes in are: monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink and BDSM, intimacy issues, sex and aging, problematic sexual behaviors/erotic conflicts. Sex therapy can help you get to the root of the problem, help build your self-esteem back up, and help improve your relationship. You can contact Thomas HERE.
