Male Sexual Health

Problems with male sexual health in South Africa are common, affecting more than half of all couples at some time. Although sexual dysfunction rarely threatens physical health, it can take a heavy psychological toll, bringing on depression, anxiety, and debilitating feelings of inadequacy. Male sexual problems, particularly erectile dysfunction, may suggest an increased risk of vascular disease, so tell your doctor about it.

The major categories of sexual dysfunction in men include:

• Erectile dysfunction: sometimes called impotence, it is the inability to have or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual functioning.
• Premature ejaculation: an inability to delay orgasm and ejaculation, such that it occurs very early in the course of sexual contact, leaving the other partner dissatisfied.
• Male orgasmic disorder: an inability to reach orgasm (climax) with a partner; or the inability to achieve orgasm without lengthy sexual contact; or the inability to have an orgasm during intercourse. In some cases, orgasm can be achieved only through masturbation or oral sex.
• Inhibited or hypoactive sexual desire: a disinterest in sexual contact or complete lack of sexual desire.
• Retrograde ejaculation: the semen, rather than emerging from the end of the penis, moves backwards into the bladder during orgasm.
• Priapism: a prolonged erection unaccompanied by sexual desire; this rare condition is potentially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

If your sexual problem only occurs under a particular set of circumstances, or only with certain sexual partners, then your condition is considered to be “situational” rather than “generalized” (occurring regardless of the circumstances or partner).