Sexual Dysfunction

Let’s Face Facts

Women don’t need a penis to be sexually satisfied, yet the attitude I’ve come across is that if the penis doesn’t work, why bother with sex? I wonder how many female partners don’t want to embarrass their partners and simply don’t talk about the sensitive issue or their own needs.

Men have a lot more tools at their disposal to satisfy their partners than many use—hands, mouths, toys in endless variations. I’d think that would be good news since it takes the pressure off having to get and maintain an erection. And a man can still obtain pleasure without one. I’ve heard one doctor say they can also achieve an orgasm without an erection but haven’t seen anyone else substantiate that.

Vibrators are the number one selling sex toy, though there are plenty of aids for self-gratification specifically aimed at men. Men don’t like to admit to needing help or having problems, so the fewer sales could be part of their cultural conditioning. I still think a lot more frustrated ladies suffer in silence and go uncounted.

Sexual Dysfunction

Men: Both proper blood flow and nerve transmission (part of the arousal process) are required for a man to achieve and maintain an erection. As stated last week, diabetes, heart disease, and drugs can affect the blood flow or neural responses. Smoking is a major culprit in male dysfunction as well.

It’s normal for a man to have five to six erections during the sleep cycle and a lack of these may signal physiological dysfunction. Another test used is to squeeze the glans or head of the penis, which should cause an accompanying contraction of the anus. If it doesn’t, this indicates neural dysfunction. Aerobic exercise in midlife is a major contributing factor to preventing erectile dysfunction.

There are medications and pumps to help blood flow to the penis to achieve an erection. Last resort is surgery and implanting rods—ouch. This all concentrates on intercourse as the end all and be all of sex. Guys might want to keep in mind that a good percent of women never achieve orgasm through penetration. Of course if a lack of an erection affects a man’s libido or leaves him sexually frustrated, it may lead to problems of depression, self-worth, and anxiety or worsen physical problems such as high blood pressure.

Next week—the female anatomy and sexual dysfunction in women.