There are a lot of myths about male sexual health and dysfunction, and men don’t typically talk about these problems due to feelings of shame and embarrassment. However, when men don’t speak up, the problems they — and many other men — face are not brought to light. This makes it harder for men to manage and overcome the often-common sexual issues they might be experiencing, preventing them from maintaining healthy and satisfying sexual relationships.
It’s time to bust these sexual myths:
1. Myth: Men are Always “Ready, Willing, and Able” to Have Sex.
Fact: Just like the idea that all men think about beyond sex is sports and food, it’s just not true. This myth can lead to unrealistic expectations, feelings of inadequacy, and stress. Men's sexual desire can vary widely. The pressure to always be ready for sex can lead to performance anxiety, which in turn can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and further reduce sexual desire. Stress at work, financial worries, relationship issues, and mental health issues can significantly impact a man’s interest in and ability to engage in sexual activity. Health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and side effects from medications can also affect a man's libido and ability to maintain an erection. As men age, testosterone levels decline, so it’s natural for their sexual desire and performance to change too.
Tip: It's okay for men to not always feel sexual desire. If you’re worried about a low libido, though, to the point where it’s causing anxiety, you can talk to your PCP, a urologist, or even a mental health professional. They can help identify an underlying medical condition or hormonal imbalances, and a sex therapist can help come up with strategies for dealing with low desire or performance issues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management is also important and can help improve sexual health.
2. Myth: Real Men Don’t Have Performance Issues.
Fact: Sexual performance issues, such as ED, diminished libido, and problems with ejaculation or orgasm (e.g., premature ejaculation (PE) or delayed ejaculation (DE) are common and can affect men of all ages with more prevalence with age. Studies show that about 30 million men in the United States alone experience ED. Issues like PE and low libido are also common, affecting between 30-40% of men........