Sex for men takes many forms. Sex can be enjoyable with a woman, with more than one woman, on your own, or with another man (or men etc. etc). This of course is a matter of personal preference and generally what happens in private between two or more consenting adults is their affair. Unfortunately for us in this pleasure seeking world, anything that's this much fun can bring it's own problems.
What's the risk?
Most men will experience an erection problem at least once. This could be due to stress, exhaustion, too much alcohol or simply not feeling like sex. Persistent erectile dysfunction (ED) is estimated to affect about 10% of men at any one time.
Although age itself isn't a cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), the risk nevertheless increases as you get older: 18% of 50–59 year olds have trouble with their erections compared with 7% of 18–29 year olds.
What causes it?
There are two main causes of ED: physical and psychological. Most doctors agree that the majority of cases are physical but it's also clear that many men with ED also quickly start to feel anxious, stressed or depressed. These feelings can easily make the symptoms of ED worse.
How can you prevent it?
Have a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation will help. Regular aerobic exercise and a low-fat diet will also reduce the risks of atherosclerosis. If you have diabetes, ensure it's properly controlled.
How can you help yourself?
Share your worries. No, you don't have to tell your work colleagues about your penis problems, but it will help enormously if you can talk to someone you trust. It's particularly important to communicate with your partner. Some men try to deal with their ED by hiding it from their partner and make all sorts of excuses not to attempt sex. This can cause feelings of confusion and rejection as well as suspicions that you're having an affair. You best bet is to be as open and honest as possible with your partner and ask for support. Don't try and treat yourself by seeking out pornography, or by asking a partner to wear erotic clothing or act out your fantasies. This almost certainly won't work and could leave you feeling even more upset. Don't blame yourself for your ED. It's a health problem and not a reflection of your masculinity. Don't be tempted to blame your partner either.
InformED.org.uk
Web site: www.informED.org.uk
Pele fronted registration site run by Pfizer
Sexual Dysfunction Association
Web site: www.sda.uk.net
Suite 301 Emblem House,
London Bridge Hospital,
27 Tooley Street,
London SE1 2PR
Tel: 0870 774 3571 (open Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm)
For information and advice on all sexual dysfunctions.
Relate
Web site: www.relate.org.uk
E-mail: enquiries@relate.org.uk
For counselling for relationship and/or sexual problems.
http://www.healthofmen.com/sex.htm
http://www.malehealth.co.uk/userpage1.cfm?item_id=129
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