A healthy sex life is an important part of adulthood. However, sexual dysfunction can cause problems in a couple’s sex life. Most times, this is an age-related problem. But there are instances when sexual dysfunction is hereditary, innate, or caused as a result of medical issues.
In any case, early detection and cure can help overcome the problems and give way to a healthy and satisfactory sex life. Delays in the treatment can lead to many health-related problems like stress, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and more.
Thus, the best way to achieve the desired results is by visiting a renowned and trusted men’s sexual health clinic and receiving the needed treatment.
What is Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is a problem associated with both physical and psychological aspects that prevent the men from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity.
In general, the sexual response cycle includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. However, for men experiencing sexual dysfunction, any of these phases are uninitiated.
There are different types of sexual dysfunction which are usually sorted into four categories. These include the following.
1. Desire Disorder
Desire disorder refers to a situation where the loses sexual desire or interest in sex.
2. Arousal Disorder
Arousal disorder is a condition where men cannot become physically aroused or excited while performing sexual activity.
3. Orgasms Disorder
As the name suggests, orgasm disorder is the delay or absence of orgasm during or after sexual activity.
4. Pain Disorder
The medical term for pain experienced during sex is called dyspareunia. This is persistent or recurrent genital pain that is experienced before, during, and after sex.
What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?
There are many factors that result in sexual dysfunction. Some of them are as follows.
1. Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction is very common in men with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and blood vessels. This has direct effects on the men’s inability to get an erection firm enough for sex.
2. High Blood Pressure
Over time, high blood pressure tends to damage the lining of the blood vessels. It can also result in the hardening and narrowing of arteries which restricts blood flow to the penis and other body parts.
In medical words, this condition is known as atherosclerosis. It causes erectile dysfunction and, therefore, dissatisfaction with sex.
3. Neurological Disorders
Sexual dysfunction is common among people suffering from neurological disorders. Some of the common neurological diseases affecting one’s sexual life are a result of endocrine, cardiovascular, psychological, and psychiatric disturbances.
4. Cardiovascular Disease
Erectile dysfunction is also a very serious sign of some underlying heart-related problems. ED, as a result of heart problems, arises due to issues in the inner lining of the blood vessels and smooth muscle.
This causes inadequate blood flow to the heart and the penis. Long-term effects also include the development of atherosclerosis.
5. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol causes a number of serious problems, one among which is erectile dysfunction. Cholesterol is an important component of the body.
However, excess cholesterol can cause a number of health-related problems. It also leads to atherosclerosis, which is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction.
What Tests are Performed to Check a Men’s Sexual Health?
To receive the most effective testosterone therapy for successful results, physicians first conduct some important tests to analyze and understand the seriousness of the issue. So, below are the tests usually performed to diagnose a men’s sexual health.
Medical and Sexual History
The first step taken involves understanding the medical and sexual history of the patient. The doctor asks questions that answer the medical and sexual history of the patient.
This is done so that the doctor can better understand the effect and seriousness that erectile dysfunction has on the patient. It also helps the doctor get an idea of the cause behind their sexual dysfunction.
In this stage, the patients are expected to be very true and honest about their past surgeries, medicine they take, injuries, diseases, and lifestyle choices. False answers will pose a hurdle in receiving the most effective treatment.
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the doctor will closely examine the penis of the patient to look for any visible abnormalities or injuries. They also do this to check whether or not the testicles look normal and if the nerves are performing their functions properly.
Other important factors examined during the physical exam include looking for hair loss, larger-than-normal breasts, and more. These help in understanding whether or not the patient is suffering from hormone-related problems.
Other factors that the physician examines during the physical exam include analyzing the pulse rate at the wrists and ankles to check if the blood flow is normal, examining if the blood pressure is under control, and checking if the heartbeat of the patient sounds normal.
Blood and Urine Tests
After understanding the sexual and medical history of the patient and conducting the physical exam, the physician might also suggest conducting blood and urine tests.
This is done to check if the patient is suffering from diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormone-related problems.
Another reason blood tests are conducted is to check the function of the thyroid. This gland performs the important function of the undertaking and looks after the flow of sex hormones.
The blood test will help examine whether the gland is performing its function properly.
Injection Test & Ultrasound
Another important test that is performed to check a men’s sexual health is an ultrasound. It is also called Doppler ultrasound or Penile Doppler sonography.
This test helps in checking if the blood flow to the penis is normal. This test is very important to segregate the vascular and nonvascular causes of ED.
This treatment is often carried out together with the injection test. The injection test is also called the intracavernosal test or Caverject Vial.
In this procedure, the doctor injects medicine into the base of your penis to give an erection. If the patient fails to get an injection, it determines that their blood flow to the penis is weak, causing erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is definitely a major cause of concern among most men. However, with advancements in medicine and technology, numerous treatments are made available that help cure ED and issues related to it.
