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SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
KNOW THE FACTS
WHAT TYPES OF SEXUAL PROBLEMS CAN MEN HAVE?
Sex problems in men can include:
● Being unable to get or keep an erection most times you have sex. Doctors call this "impotence" or "erectile dysfunction."
● Having little or no interest in sex. Doctors call this "low libido."
● Ejaculating too soon after sex begins, before they are ready to ejaculate. Doctors call this "premature ejaculation."
● Being unable to ejaculate (even though they can get and keep an erection)
WHAT CAUSES SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN MEN?
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:
● Getting older
● Diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Stress
● Smoking
● Some prescription drugs
● 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.
HOW ARE SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN MEN TREATED?
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and can include:
Lifestyle modification and possibly medicines to help you get and keep an erection – Examples of these medicines include sildenafil (sample brand name: Viagra), vardenafil (sample brand name: Levitra), tadalafil (sample brand name: Cialis), and avanafil (sample brand name: Stendra). Follow your doctor's instructions closely when taking these medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines. Men who take certain medicines should not take medicines to get an erection. Examples include "nitrates" that are used to treat heart problems, and certain "alpha blockers" that are used to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
Some medicines for treating sex problems are sold over the internet. However, these are not always safe, and they can even contain harmful ingredients.
WHAT TYPES OF SEXUAL PROBLEMS CAN WOMEN HAVE?
Sex problems that women might have include:
● Having pain during sex
● Not becoming aroused or "excited" during sex
● Not having an orgasm during sex
● Not wanting to have sex ("low desire")
Sometimes problems can come and go, and might not cause distress. But if you have pain or are worried about your problems, there are treatments that can help.
Some women have problems with sex throughout their adult life. Other women develop problems later in life.
WHAT CAUSES SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN WOMEN?
Sex problems can be caused by many things. For instance, a woman might have sex problems if she has problems with her partner or in her relationship.
Sex problems can also be linked to medical events in a woman's life. For instance, sex can be painful for a woman in the weeks or months after she gives birth. And some women lose interest in sex or have pain with sex as they get older or after they go through menopause. (Menopause is the time in a woman's life when she stops having monthly periods.)
Certain conditions can also lead to sex problems. These include:
● Dryness or pain in the vagina
● Pain in the lower belly, such as from an infection, past surgery, or a condition called endometriosis (women with this condition often also have painful periods)
● Changes in the muscles near and around the vagina
● Mood problems, such as depression
● Medical problems, such as cancer or heart problems
Sex problems can also be a side effect of certain medicines. For example, medicines to treat depression or heart disease sometimes cause sex problems.
WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY SEX PROBLEM?
If you are having relationship problems, you can try to improve your relationship with your partner. For example, you can:
● Talk to your partner about how to make sex better
● Make an effort to have more fun together by having a regular "date night"
● Go see a professional counselor
Women with pain or dryness during sex often feel better if they use vaginal lubricants. These are sold without a prescription. Lubricants are used during sex. Examples include K-Y Jelly and Astroglide. If using a lubricant is not enough, a woman can also use a vaginal moisturizer. Vaginal moisturizers are used several times a week, but not necessarily during sex. Examples include Replens and K-Y SILK-E.
It is also important to stay as healthy as possible and get treated for any medical problems you have. Women who feel healthy and happy are more likely to be happy with their sex life.
HOW ARE SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN WOMEN TREATED?
Sex problems can be treated in different ways. These include:
● Using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers or a prescription cream (usually estrogen) to treat vaginal dryness
● Getting treatment for mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.
● Working with your doctor to change any medicines you take that might be causing sex problems
● Having physical therapy to loosen the muscles around your vagina so that you do not have pain during sex
In addition, some women who have gone through menopause are helped by taking hormone medicines.
Some treatments are not recommended by doctors. For example, doctors do not usually recommend that women take the medicines that men take for sex problems.
Some medicines for treating sex problems are sold over the internet. However, these are not always safe, and they can even contain harmful ingredients.