Male sexual problems

Sexual problems can affect any man, whether he is straight, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Some of the common sexual problems include:

Erectile dysfunction

This is when a man cannot get, or keep, an erection. 

Most men experience it at some time in their life 

Causes of erection problems

• Alcohol and drug abuse 
• Smoking 
• Stress and anxiety 
• Tiredness 
• Stress 
• Heart disease
• Diabetes 
• Raised blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor when:

• Erection problems keep happening

Things you can do to help with erectile dysfunction

• Lose weight if you're overweight
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise daily
• Try to reduce stress and anxiety
• Don’t drink too much

Premature ejaculation

This is when a man ejaculates or cums too soon than he wants to during sex. 

It's only a problem if it bothers you or your partner.

Causes of premature ejaculation

Some common causes of premature ejaculation include:

• Depression
• Stress
• Relationship problems
• Anxiety about sexual performance
• Using recreational drugs
• Prostate problems

Things you can do to help with premature ejaculation

It can sometimes help to:

• Try slowing down if you feel you are getting close and you want to last a bit longer.
• Masturbate an hour or 2 before having sex
• Reduce anxiety, worry and pressure
• Use a thick condom to help decrease sensation therefore delay ejaculation.
• If you feel you are close to ejaculation, you can try delaying it by changing what you are doing. Like if you are having penetrative sex you could withdraw your penis and do other things like kissing. 
• Try taking some deep breaths: this can help shut down the reflex that creates ejaculation.
• Have sex with your partner on top 
• Take breaks during sex and think about something boring

If you want further help and support with premature ejaculation, talk to your doctor about it. 

Did you know?

As well as helping to delay ejaculation, condoms are the only method of contraception that also protects you from sti and unwanted pregnancy

Always use a condom during sex 

Loss of sex drive or libido

Loss of sex drive is when you have a reduced interest in sexual activity or sexual thoughts.

Causes of loss of sex drive 

Loss of sex drive is very common and is linked to a number of factors:

• Stress, 
• Anxiety, 
• Some medical conditions and side effects of medication
• Tiredness
• Alcohol and drugs abuse
• Depression 
• Getting older and the menopause
• Relationship issues such as:

• Loss of sexual attraction
• Unresolved conflict and frequent arguments
• Poor communication 
• Difficulty trusting each other
• Physical sexual problems

• Sexual problems such as 

• Ejaculation problems
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful sex
• An inability to orgasm

• Underlying health problem such as 

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Major surgery

If you want help and support with loss of sex drive, talk to your doctor about it.