Common questions that men have around men’s health concerns such as erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), diet and sex therapy.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly termed impotence, is defined as the failure to achieve or maintain a rigid penile erection suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This can profoundly impact one’s quality of life and relationships. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue prevalent among men in Australia and worldwide.
The cause of erectile dysfunction can be physical or psychological or both. Problems with the male reproductive system, physical factors and chronic health conditions can all play a part in contributing to ED, sometimes the cause is unclear.
Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious health issue. While it is a common condition, affecting men of various ages, persistent ED may point towards underlying health problems. These could include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and hypertension, or other conditions like diabetes, depression, or hormonal irregularities.
The link between ED and these health conditions lies in impaired blood flow to the penis or nerve damage, both of which are also common complications. Therefore, experiencing erectile difficulties should not be dismissed, and seeking medical advice is crucial.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your ED results from lifestyle factors, psychological aspects, or an underlying health condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions not only help in alleviating erectile dysfunction but also improve your overall health and well-being.
There are various reasons why men might face erection problems and lose their erection during sex. It’s important to understand that it’s a common experience and can be influenced by several factors. For some men, the culprit might be psychological – stress, anxiety, or the pressure to perform can all play significant roles. Moreover, emotional issues such as depression can also impact sexual performance. .
Age can also be a contributing factor. As men age, it’s natural for their sexual function to change. Older men may find it more difficult to achieve an erection, such as it taking longer to become erect or their erections aren’t as firm as when they were younger. Moreover, it’s plausible that older men might experience a longer refractory period after ejaculation, which can also affect sexual activity and ability to achieve an erection.
It’s crucial to approach erectile difficulties with understanding and communication, either with your partner or a healthcare provider. Addressing concerns surrounding erection problems openly can help in finding effective solutions and mitigating their impact on relationships.
Certain exercises can help with erectile dysfunction. Kegel exercises, or pelvic exercises, have been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. The ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles in the pelvic area, which surround the penis, are active during an erection.
Yes, there are common misconceptions about erectile dysfunction (ED). Many believe it only affects older men, but younger men can experience it too. ED is also mistakenly thought to be purely psychological, though physical health and lifestyle factors play major roles. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not solely treatable with medications—there are various treatment options. Finally, ED is often unrelated to attraction to one’s partner, as multiple factors contribute to the condition.
Several lifestyle changes to help improve erectile dysfunction. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and essential vitamins—found in foods like leafy greens, nuts, fish, and whole grains—can enhance sexual health. Regular aerobic and pelvic floor exercises also boost blood flow, which supports better erectile function. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of health conditions linked to ED, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while quitting smoking improves vascular health and circulation. Limiting alcohol intake can prevent its negative effects on sexual performance. Finally, managing stress and ensuring restful sleep can help regulate hormones and support overall sexual well-being. These adjustments may significantly aid in managing male erectile dysfunction.
Ejaculation is a complex process predominantly controlled by our brain system, called the autonomic nervous system. Many different body parts are involved during ejaculation, including the brain, nerves, hormones, muscles around your reproductive organs, and fluid production. Generally, ejaculation involves two main phases: emission and expulsion. Premature ejaculation happens when ejaculation occurs too quickly, often before or shortly after penetration. It can be lifelong (present from the first sexual experience) or acquired (developing after a period of typical function). Both types of PE can result from factors like sensitivity, genetics, psychological stress, or health issues. Identifying the type of premature ejaculation is essential for finding effective treatment and improving sexual health and relationships.
There are a variety of factors that can cause PE. Premature ejaculation can be either lifelong or acquired relating to:
Premature ejaculation (PE) manifests in varying degrees, impacting individuals differently. Generally, there are three recognised severity levels: mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild: Premature ejaculation occurs within 30 seconds to a minute of vaginal penetration and may not be significantly distressing for you or your partner. It might be infrequent and not lead to severe dissatisfaction in sexual experiences.
Moderate: As PE progresses to this level, it tends to occur within 15 to 30 seconds of vaginal penetration and starts affecting your self-esteem and your relationship dynamics. Intercourse might often end much earlier than desired, causing noticeable frustration for you and possibly your partner.
Severe: At this level, premature ejaculation occurs before or during foreplay, at the start of sexual activity, or within approximately 15 seconds of vaginal penetration and disrupts nearly all sexual encounters. Ejaculation can occur even with minimal sexual stimulation, strongly impacting intimacy and potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or avoidance of sexual situations.
Recognising these levels of premature ejaculation can assist you in understanding and communicating your condition effectively with a healthcare provider, guiding appropriate treatment or therapy options. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better management and outcomes.
An array of non-medical solutions can assist with premature ejaculation (PE), including:
Yes, erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) can indeed occur at the same time, where each condition can increase the risk of the other, though there are differences in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. ED involves difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, while PE refers to ejaculating sooner than desired.
This link often stems from psychological factors. For instance, individuals with ED may feel pressured to rush ejaculation before losing their erection, leading to PE, which can then become a challenging habit to break.
Conversely, those with PE might experience performance anxiety, which can negatively affect their ability to achieve and maintain an erection. This cycle highlights how these distinct conditions can co-occur, influenced by emotional and mental factors related to sexual performance.
Treatment options for premature ejaculation include a range of behavioural, medical, and lifestyle approaches, often tailored to individual needs. Behavioural techniques, such as the start-stop method, the squeeze technique, mindfulness practices, and pelvic floor exercises, are commonly used to help men gain better control over ejaculation timing.
Medical treatments can involve topical anaesthetics to reduce sensitivity or SSRIs like dapoxetine, which may delay ejaculation. These treatments are best pursued with medical guidance to ensure safety and suitability.
Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, including regular exercise, stress management, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can support sexual health and reduce symptoms of premature ejaculation. For those affected by psychological factors, sex therapy can provide valuable support, often complementing other treatments to address the issue holistically.
Several myths surround premature ejaculation (PE) that cause the condition to be misunderstood, contributing to stigma and confusion about the condition. Contrary to popular belief, PE doesn’t only affect young or inexperienced men—it can impact men of all ages and experience levels. It’s a medical condition typically defined by difficulty delaying ejaculation over a sustained period, often six months or more. Another common misconception is that PE is the same as erectile dysfunction (ED). While both are common sexual concerns, they are distinct conditions; PE involves challenges with ejaculation control, while ED pertains to issues achieving or maintaining an erection.
Additionally, premature ejaculation is not solely a psychological issue. While psychological factors can play a role, physical causes like sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors are often involved as well. A common myth is that taking Viagra will cure PE; however, Viagra is not a treatment for PE. Effective treatment typically involves behavioural therapies, counselling, and lifestyle adjustments, and consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalised care. Understanding these facts can reduce the stigma around PE, promoting open conversations and better management options.
No, you do not need a referral to see a dietitian. Anyone can consult a dietitian at any time by booking an appointment. If you wish to learn more about nutrition and receive individualised dietary advice, please feel free to contact the Holmen’s Health team to arrange a consultation with our dietitians.
It is understandable that you might feel confused and overwhelmed when deciding what to eat or drink in order to improve sexual function.
At Holmen’s Health, our dietitians are well-trained in the field of dietetics, particularly in sexual health. This enables us to provide the best practice to address any of your dietary concerns and offer professional yet practical advice tailored to every individual issue.
Your initial session involves a few assessments that allow us to learn more about you. For example, we will take physical measurements such as weight and height, ask about your medical history and current medical conditions, and inquire about your eating habits and lifestyle.
All the information you provide will help develop more suitable and tailor-made dietary recommendations and meal plans for you.
This varies according to your goals and situation. After the initial session, any further review sessions will be discussed and decided upon between you and your dietitian.
Foods that may enhance erectile function:
Alcohol can impair erectile function by restricting blood vessels and affecting the nervous system, potentially leading to delayed orgasm and hormonal imbalances. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption may also reduce semen quality. Caffeine, in moderate amounts, might enhance blood flow and endurance but can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety when consumed excessively, negatively impacting sexual desire and performance.
Certain nutrients are essential for testosterone production. Zinc facilitates the synthesis of luteinizing hormone, which stimulates testosterone production. Vitamin D receptors in the testes are involved in testosterone synthesis. Healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, provide cholesterol, a precursor for testosterone. However, excessively high protein intake (over 3.4 g per kg per day) may decrease testosterone levels.
Yes, weight can affect sexual performance in several ways. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, disrupts sex hormones like testosterone, essential for sexual function, and increases adipokines, which can harm sperm health. Obesity also brings cardiovascular challenges that reduce blood flow, making it harder to achieve and maintain erections. Additionally, obesity often leads to insulin resistance, which can progress to nerve damage affecting sexual function if it develops into type 2 diabetes. Managing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve sexual health, restore hormone balance, and boost confidence and wellbeing.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a credential approved by Dietitians Australia (DA), an industry body for dietitians.
To become registered as an APD, dietitians must meet strict standards established by the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), adhere to DA’s code of conduct, and commit to continuous professional development to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Competency Standards for Dietitians.
You can search for the registration of any dietitians by typing their name into the DA websites.
Sex therapy is a specialised form of counselling aimed at addressing concerns related to sexuality and intimacy. Whether you’re experiencing difficulties with arousal, performance, communication, or relationship issues, sex therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore and address these concerns with the guidance of a trained therapist.
Sex therapy can assist individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, sexual pain disorders, difficulties with orgasm, sexual trauma, communication challenges, and navigating sexual orientation or identity issues.
Sex therapy sessions typically involve confidential discussions with a therapist to explore your concerns, feelings, and experiences related to sexuality and intimacy. Your therapist may also provide education, exercises, and techniques to help you overcome challenges and improve your sexual well-being. Therapy may be conducted individually or with a partner, depending on your needs.
No, sex therapy is available for individuals and couples alike. Whether you’re experiencing challenges on your own or within a relationship, sex therapy offers support tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.
If you’re experiencing ongoing sexual concerns that affect your happiness, relationship satisfaction, or self-confidence, or if you’ve noticed changes in your sexual health and well-being, sex therapy could be beneficial. A sex therapist can help assess if therapy is right for your situation.
The first session usually involves getting to know your therapist, discussing your reasons for seeking help, and setting goals for therapy. The therapist will ask questions to understand your experiences, concerns, and what you’d like to achieve. This session also provides a chance to establish comfort and trust.
While couples therapy focuses on the relationship dynamic as a whole, sex therapy specifically addresses concerns related to sexual health, intimacy, and individual or shared sexual challenges. Some therapists are skilled in both areas and can provide integrated support.
The duration of sex therapy varies depending on individual goals and the complexity of concerns. Some people may see improvements in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Your sex therapist can provide an estimate based on your unique situation and how you’re tracking from session to session.
Taking the first step can often be the most challenging part of the journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. The team at Holmen’s Health is here to provide you with compassionate support, guidance, and personalised care every step of the way.
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