Sexual health remains a vital aspect of human life. Still, we often hold back talking about it and are usually not comfortable sharing our experiences or issues. It is high time to break the stigma and make discussing sexual health problems a regular part of our lives. Why should we do that? What are the benefits, and most importantly, how can we achieve them? We will figure it out.
Why do we not discuss sexual health problems?
We are living in a society where we are supposed to be perfect in every way possible. The pressure starts from childhood when you are supposed to excel in your studies, be respectful and kind to everyone, take the highest marks on your boards, and go on to become an engineer or doctor. It does not end here, and you are supposed to follow it with getting married to the perfect partner your family approves of, reproducing as soon as you get married, and the cycle never ends. There is a set pattern that everyone is supposed to follow by being a good son, father, husband, colleague, and whatnot. Anyone who goes beyond the set expectations is considered immoral and is outcasted.
Similarly, you are supposed to have a sexual relationship with your partner behind closed walls and be capable of reproducing and living a content life. There should be nothing abnormal, and there is nothing that can go wrong. The pressure is immense, and many who haven’t justified these standards are treated the worst way.
It is imbibed in us from childhood to behave in a certain way. We as parents do not even discuss sexual health with our children, and they learn to keep the queries to themselves. It is the biggest mistake we make while raising kids, and children end up making irresponsible life decisions. Even when we grow up, we do not discuss sexual health problems with our friends or even partners. We are taught to be ashamed of sexual problems and keep them to ourselves. Accepting the problem and coming out is considered shameful. The unreasonable goals make it hard for people facing problems to get the needed help.
Why should we discuss sexual problems?
Making a congenial atmosphere in a society where everyone can discuss their problems is important. To achieve this goal, we need to make sincere efforts. As we know, charity begins at home, so the beginning of this new phase should also start from your home. Talk to your kids about sexual health and make them aware of basic anatomy and facts. Talk to them about contraception and the risks associated with unprotected sex. Tell them the appropriate age and their rights so they know how they should handle difficult situations. Understanding the basics from someone they trust will help save them from hardships in the future.Â
Everyone should have knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the ways to protect themselves. It can save millions of young lives from adverse conditions. Many young kids worldwide are known to get infected with STDs in their youth. Not knowing the signs and symptoms and ignorance can be life-threatening. Incorporate basic education in your children and give them a safe environment so they can come up with all the queries they have on their minds.Â
The next step should be making general conversations with your colleagues and friends. You may feel that coming up with these discussions might be a waste of time, but you might help somebody along the way. It is about breaking the stigma and making these conversations normal. Be an active part of the changing world, and you never know how many people you help through simple conversations. Discussing sexual health problems will enforce confidence in others, knowing they are not alone and they do not need to hide anymore. The newer perspective might encourage them to stand up for themselves and take the help of an expert. Sexual health problems can be detrimental to mental health, and healthy discussions can help men lead happier lives.
What should you know about sexual health problems?
Along with basic sex education from childhood, one should also know about different sexual health problems. It will help men understand the dysfunctions and take the help of an expert on time. Many men do not understand what is happening to them and accept the changes. They decide to live with it, which might kill their sex life and make them insane. They do not know what or why it is happening and decide to hide from the world. However, the interesting thing is that the solution to such issues is just a consultation with a sexologist. The common sexual dysfunctions include:
Erectile Dysfunction –
It is the inability to get or maintain an erection required for successful intercourse. Commonly known as impotence, it affects several men but is rarely talked about. One could either have the issue from the time they initiated sexual activity, or it could happen to someone who had a healthy sex life in the past. Both cases are handled differently by a sexologist.
The dysfunction is multifactorial and can signal serious issues as well. A few reasons behind the dysfunction are hormonal imbalance, side effects of medicines, and health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, nervous disorders, and obesity. Other psychological reasons may include depression, stress, anxiety, or relationship problems. The reasons could be multiple, and it is possible to have more than one reason in a single person. Erectile dysfunction can be the first symptom of cardiac disease. The fat deposits in arteries may begin from penile arteries owing to their smaller diameter. Giving due attention could save you from a future heart attack. It might seem surprising, but it is nothing but a fact.
You should consult a sexologist if you cannot get your penis erect every time you initiate sex, and it is becoming a new routine. It will be hard or almost impossible for you to understand the etiology, and getting external help may help you recover faster. There are a variety of solutions readily available with your sexologist. A sexologist will study your particular case and may recommend medications, injections, penile pumps, shockwave therapy, or surgery. The expert will even tell you about the main cause and advise getting treatment for the same. For cases of psychological issues, the doctor will recommend therapy.
Premature Ejaculation –
Early or involuntary ejaculation while having sexual intercourse can be disheartening for both partners. It could be a blow to a man’s ego. Most men get too nervous, which worsens the situation further. Ultimately, men step back from physical intimacy, which hampers their relationship. It is critical to understand that every sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, is treatable.
If you think you ejaculate too early, but you and your partner feel satisfied in the end, it should not be a problem. You should only give heed when one or both of you are not content with sexual intimacy, and it is causing conflicts and frustration. When you try to do better, there is nothing but consistent failures. It might be time to get medical help. According to the literature, anything below 1 minute can be termed premature ejaculation.Â
Premature ejaculation can happen to someone from the first time they had sex or could be an issue one has been fighting with lately. The major reasons include low serotonin levels, hormone imbalance, weak pelvic musculature, or other chronic diseases. Many times premature ejaculation is confused with erectile dysfunction or vice versa. The fact is both could be present in an individual, or one condition can also lead to another. You will need the help of a good sexologist who can differentiate between the two and give you the required treatment.
The doctor will help you figure out the exact cause and advise the proper treatment that will work for you. The doctor may advise medical treatment and recommend some behavioral techniques. These modification techniques do not work overnight but will grant noticeable results with regular practice. You can also use numbing gels or lotions that can delay ejaculation time. Nowadays, there are condoms that can give you a long-lasting experience due to desensitizing agents infused in them. It might feel like you will have to live with the condition, but you really don’t have to. Break the stigma and get the help you need to lead a better sex life.
Sexual health problems can rock the strongest relationships, and you need to take a stand to save them. Talk openly about any issue you are facing with your partner. Honesty is always appreciated, and your partner will understand your situation. The emotional support given by your partner will help you fight the dysfunction and come out as a winner.
Bottom Line
Sexual health problems are common occurrences and need to be treated like one. We do not hesitate to go to a doctor for fever or pain, so why should you be reluctant to consult a sexologist? Normalize the conversations and educate yourself. You can save so many lives by throwing the much-required light on these topics.