
Destigmatizing Sexual Dysfunction in Men. Is It ED, or Something Else?
- Health Hub 101, Taboo Topic
- 30 Jun, 2022
We live in a society where discussing anything slightly related to sex is frowned upon.
There is a world of guilt, stigma, myths, and societal conceptions associated with this critical biological process. However, we can only blame our narrow-mindedness for this.
Sex education is rarely given much emphasis in schools. Teachers frequently hurry through the entire chapter on Sex and Reproduction in Biology.
Most people are unable to pronounce the phrase. As a result, they are unable to actively participate in refuting rumours.
They can't even provide sex education or de-stigmatize sexual dysfunction taboos. However, newborns are not made of clay. Coitus is a process that serves many purposes than reproduction.
Breaking the Men's Sexual Dysfunction Taboo
Sexual intercourse is intended to be a healthy activity. It's critical that we understand our bodies. By doing so, we can dispel sex-related myths.
We can consult specialists if we are experiencing any dysfunction or discomfort.
This article will attempt to discuss a few sexual dysfunctions. We also seek to de-stigmatize the associated taboos. Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation is neither a sign of weakness nor something to be embarrassed of.
This, as well as many other sexual dysfunctions, indicate that men should seek appropriate treatment.
They will take a step toward sexual well-being and enjoyment. That being said, let us now de-stigmatize a few of the dysfunctions that people may experience.
Sexual Libido Restriction
It is critical to understand and accept that guys are not built to desire sex at all times.
This concept is a sociological construct that arises from our society's patriarchal structure. Men and women have equal libido (we're not talking about asexuals here) and can both suffer from suppressed sexual drive.
Several research have been conducted to determine the cause of this illness. Researchers from Northwestern Medicine in Chicago and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research researched the enzyme aromatase and discovered some details about what it does to adults in a recent study.
Aromatase is a protein that converts testosterone into estradiol, which is a kind of oestrogen.
Scientists believe that ostrogens are essential for both male and female reproductive activities. It was discovered that testosterone must be converted to oestrogen in order for males to have sexual desires.
"For the first time, we established unequivocally that the conversion of testosterone to oestrogen in the brain is important to maintaining full sexual activity or desire in guys," explains Dr. Serdar Bulun of Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Medicine. Aromatase is responsible for this."
However, studies demonstrate that other variables might also contribute to a decrease in sexual drive. Being overweight, using antidepressants, or suffering from psychological illnesses are examples.
ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Erectile dysfunction carries a great deal of shame and stigma. It is a condition in which men do not get an erection while sexually aroused. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including exhaustion, stress, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Most of the time, minor lifestyle modifications help alleviate the issue. However, it becomes a problem only when the condition is chronic.
Urologist Larry Lipshultz "If you're failing 50% of the time or more, you may have ED and should visit a doctor," he says.
The stigma associated with this sexual dysfunction frequently prevents men from obtaining appropriate treatment.
Is it treatable?
It is crucial to remember, however, that erectile dysfunction may be addressed with the correct medication and therapy, and one can look into this to learn more about the same.
Men frequently fear that admitting they have erectile dysfunction may jeopardise their "manhood."
However, we must rise above such erroneous ideals of manhood. We must assist our partners in becoming more vocal about their sexual problems.
This allows them to seek treatment and have a more satisfying sexual experience. To address the disorder, sexologists may recommend treatment or prescribe oral medicine and intraurethral pellets.
Dietary Modifications
There is another option for treating erectile dysfunction at home. This is for when you want more options before going to the doctor.
Including foods that enhance blood flow to the penis in your diet may help you manage the disease. Though this may not be sufficient to correct the issue, it may be an option to consider.
Leafy and green vegetables, for example, may aid in increasing blood circulation to the organ. This may help it work properly during intercourse. These veggies contain nitrates, which are used to create erectile dysfunction medications.
You might also experiment with dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which help decrease blood pressure and cholesterol.
In some circumstances, these causes are known to induce erectile dysfunction. Premature Ejaculation, Delayed Ejaculation, and Anejaculation
Many men will have three types of ejaculation problems during their lifetime: premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and anejaculation.
Anejaculation is a very uncommon condition in which men fail to ejaculate. The other two disorders are fairly common and easily handled.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation occurs when men are unable to control their ejaculation and ejaculate even before penetration.
Most specialists believe that quick ejaculation occurs when an individual ejaculates in less than two minutes. This is a prevalent issue in young males, owing to either performance anxiety or a lack of sexual experience.
Most of the time, the illness does not even necessitate therapy. However, underlying hormonal disorders could also be a factor, necessitating a diagnosis.
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation occurs when males take longer than expected to reach the climax.
This can be caused by antidepressants or other drugs, as well as neurological and psychological problems. To cure this issue, most specialists recommend psychosexual therapy.
Anejaculation
Anejaculation is the final type of ejaculation-related dysfunction that men experience. However, as previously said, this is a very rare syndrome. Anejaculation may necessitate a more extensive diagnosis and treatment approach than the other dysfunctions on the list.
It is critical, however, that individuals understand that there is no shame in their condition. Treatment is a very real possibility.
Finishing
In more ways than one, society has been harsh to men. Patriarchy wants its men to be men, to be above and beyond any kind of dysfunction.
This is why it is so difficult for them to seek treatment when they notice any potential sexual dysfunction.
It is past time for us to be more vocal about sex and the numerous diseases associated with it. To make every sexual experience consensual and joyful, we must eliminate taboos.
References1. D. C. Brooks, J. S. Coon, C. M. Ercan, Xu X., H. Dong, J. E. Levine, S. E. Bulun, and H. Zhao (2020). Brain Aromatase and Male Mice Sexual Activity Regulation Endocrinology, 161(10), bqaa137, doi:10.1210/endocr/bqaa137.2. https://www.urologytimes.com/view/ethnic-differences-in-men-undergoing-reproductive-urology-evaluation
3. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/destigmatizing-sexual-dysfunctions-facts-about-impotence-premature-ejaculation-49690