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Hard problems? How stress affects your sex life

by Jericho Zafra

FOR the majority, if not all, of men, Valentine’s Day is one important occasion as it signals the time to show their love for their partners. But February 14 is also known as National Condom Day for men. 

Why? Because according to the findings of the 2017 Millennial Sex Survey conducted by SKYN Condoms, the majority of millennials (68 percent) believe that Valentine’s Day is the holiday during which they have the most sexual encounters.

This is why experts remind those who are in an intimate relationship to practice safe sex during the love month

However, not all men may be able to perform, let alone practice safe sex, on that special day because of issues down there, no thanks to erectile dysfunction.  

What is this problem?

Erectile dysfunction is a medical term that refers to the inability of a man to achieve or keep an erection during sexual activity. Some men who have erectile dysfunction are absolutely unable to achieve an erection at all, while some have difficulty keeping an erection going for longer than a few minutes at a time. 

According to experts, erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, although it also affects a significant number of younger males.

Younger males, hard problems?

According to a study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine, erectile dysfunction is common among males aged 40 and above. But the findings also show that 26 percent of the respondents, or one out of four males below the age of 40, have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.

The reason? These males diagnosed with erectile dysfunction at a young age smoke frequently and use prohibited drugs.

But this is not the case every time.

Psychology of erectile dysfunction

According to a study conducted by the Australia-based Health Male Organization, which advocates for men’s health education, stress and anxiety can either make a man’s sex drive spike or drop, and the result can be seen in their genitals.

The sensations of sexual arousal that eventually result in an erection originate in the brain. Mental health issues like anxiety and sadness can impede that process. Withdrawal from activities or relationships that were once sources of pleasure, including sexual activity, is a key indicator of depression, the Healthline report said.

Brain fog = low sexual drive?

The study also said that brain fog actually causes a decline in sex drive, and this triggers erectile dysfunction.

“It may surprise you to hear that your genitals are not your main sex organ, your brain is! Your brain plays a huge role in your ability to feel aroused. If you are finding it difficult to relax, it will be difficult to get aroused or reach orgasm,” it said.

While brain fog is not an actual medical condition, experts said it is used to describe a set of symptoms that can impair one’s capacity to think.

And since sexual activities improve mood and increase psychological relaxation, the presence of brain fog among young males can obstruct these processes which may worsen into erectile dysfunction.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction

Changes to one’s way of life as well as the use of natural therapies have the potential to be beneficial for certain males diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. Others derive advantages from prescription drugs psychotherapy and other additional treatments (depending on the case), it said

Recent guidelines published by the American Urological Association suggest that particular groups of men may require specialist testing and evaluation in order to assist in the formation of treatment strategies for a variety of conditions. 

These categories include younger boys as well as males of any age who come from families with a strong history of cardiovascular disease, said the report.

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