Sexual Health
Male Sexual Dysfunction
Overview
Any physical or psychological issue that hinders you or your partner from experiencing sexual satisfaction is referred to as sexual dysfunction. Male sexual dysfunction is a widespread health issue that affects men of all ages, becoming more prevalent as they get older. Men with sexual dysfunction might often benefit from treatment.
The main types of male sexual dysfunction are:
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting/keeping an erection).
- Premature ejaculation (reaching orgasm too quickly).
- Delayed or inhibited ejaculation (reaching orgasm too slowly or not at all).
- Low libido (reduced interest in sex).
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
- Low testosterone levels
- Prescription drugs (antidepressants, high blood pressure medicine)
- Blood vessel disorders such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure
- Stroke or nerve damage from diabetes or surgery
- Smoking
- Alcoholism and drug abuse
Psychological causes might include:
- Distress about sexual performance
- Relationship problems
- Depression or feelings of guilt
- Past sexual trauma
- Work-related stress and anxiety
What are the effects of male sexual dysfunction?
Male sexual dysfunction is most frequently characterized by difficulties ejaculating, obtaining, and maintaining an erection, and decreased sexual desire.
Ejaculatory issues
The following are ejaculation issues:
Ejaculation that happens before or too soon after penetration is referred to as premature ejaculation (PE).
Ejaculation either does not occur at all or takes a very long time is referred to as inhibited or delayed
Instead of passing through the tip of the penis during an orgasm, the ejaculate is driven back into the bladder is referred to as retrograde ejaculation
Indicates a decline in sexual interest or desire. The illness is frequently associated with decreased testosterone levels in men is referred to as low libido
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Overview
Sexual dysfunction is the term used in medicine to describe persistent, recurrent issues with sexual responsiveness, desire, orgasm, or pain that upset you or strain your connection with your partner.
Many women have issues with sexual function at some time in their life, and some continue to struggle. At any stage of life, female sexual dysfunction can arise. It could happen in every sexual circumstance or just specific ones.
A complex interaction of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle, and relationships goes into a sexual response. Any component disruption can impact sexual desire, arousal, or satisfaction, and treatment frequently involves multiple approaches.
Symptoms
Low sexual desire: This most prevalent form of female sexual dysfunction is characterized by a lack of sexual interest and willingness.
Sexual arousal disorder: Your desire for sex might still be present, but you may find it difficult to arouse yourself or find it difficult to maintain arousal during sexual activity.
Orgasmic disorder: Even after significant sexual excitement and continuous stimulation, you frequently struggle to experience orgasm.
Sexual pain disorder: When you are stimulated sexually or have vaginal contact, you experience pain.
Causes
When your hormones are fluctuating, such as after giving birth or throughout menopause, sexual issues can arise. Sexual dysfunction can also be a result of serious illnesses including cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.
Sexual dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of illnesses, such as cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and bladder issues. Some medications, such as some antidepressants, blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can reduce your body’s capacity to have orgasms and your desire for sex.
After menopause, lower estrogen levels may affect the vaginal tissues and sexual receptivity. A decrease in estrogen causes the blood flow to the pelvic area to diminish, which can reduce genital feeling and lengthen the time it takes to reach orgasm.
After giving birth and while breastfeeding, the body’s hormone levels can shift, which can cause vaginal dryness and lessen the desire for intercourse.
Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or even contribute to sexual dysfunction and/or long-term stress and a history of sexual abuse.
Risk factors
- Depression or anxiety
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Neurological conditions
- Gynecological conditions
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications
- Emotional or psychological stress
- A history of sexual abuse
Treatment Options
Drug Overview
What is PT 141? PT-141, which is also called Bremelanotide, is a peptide developed from the hormone Melatonin II. It promotes sexual function in both men and women via interaction with the hypothalamus.
For women, PT-141 has been shown to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Those with HSDD are women who have reduced sexual desire that can cause personal distress or issues in their intimate relationships.
In men, PT-141 may also help with desire, as well as some forms of erectile dysfunction, not associated with circulation issues. PT-141 targets the part of the brain that regulates sexual response.
Benefits of Added B12:
B12 deficiency can result in symptoms like fatigue, low energy, and low stamina. With these symptoms, those deficient in B12 may also experience reduced sexual desire that can further complicate or add to personal distress in intimate relationships.
PT-141 may help with the following in both men and women:
- Increased libido
- Elevated sexual gratification
- Increased sexual energy and desire
- Mood enhancement
Drug Overview
Vitocin (“oxytocin”): a real “love drug”, Oxytocin is a hormone produced mainly by the hypothalamus and released directly into the blood via the pituitary gland. Best known for its role in childbirth, Oxytocin plays a vital role in triggering uterine contractions. Recent research has shown that Oxytocin may have many other far-reaching effects particularly when it comes to relationships and emotional involvement.
Sometimes called “the cuddle hormone”, Oxytocin is released in response to a variety of environmental stimuli including skin-to-skin contact and cervical stimulation experienced during sex. It promotes a bond of intimacy, closeness, and desire which increases sexual receptiveness. So, given its ability to generate emotional connection and sexual intimacy, Vitocin really is the nearest thing to a “love drug.”