There are many MYTHS about male sexual function and almost all men believe them. MALE, MACHO and ERECTION are felt to be synonymous. Because very elderly men have fathered children, the myth is that men remain fully sexually functional all their lives although women are expected to have sexual function problems due to changing hormone levels.

For men, NEVER!! Consequently when any kind of change in erectile function or desire occurs, a MAN perceives that there is something terribly wrong with him uniquely and that he is LOSING HIS MANHOOD. Because men associate their identity so strongly with sexual function, any change also threatens their self image. This also raises doubts about his ability to function sexually during the next opportunity.  Fear of failure or “performance anxiety” is added on top of any real problem and doubles the likelihood that the next opportunity may go even worse.

This problem is not one that is shared with even a man’s closest friends because of its ego threatening effect and so it is not appreciated that other men, including physicians,  HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM!!

Recent research as reflected in the two included graphs show that testosterone decreases normally with age. Figure 1 shows the levels of testosterone by groups of men at one age point in time. More telling is Figure 2 which shows the change in the SAME men at baseline and five years later. Clearly, all groups decreased and in a pattern similar to that seen in the earlier study. There is also a difference between individuals so that the level one reaches at any point in time is related to what the level was at the beginning. Men with higher baseline had high levels later and men with lower levels had lower levels later.

Clinically we see that most men between the late forties to mid sixties will begin to see some changes in sexual function. Most often the first problem will be erection quality. The penis is not as firm, penetration may be difficult and ejaculation may occur too soon followed by the penis becoming flaccid too fast. All these cause anxiety and self doubt in the male as well as not satisfying the partner.

In addition to change in enjoyment, the male may become so concerned that he avoids intimate opportunities. This can cause decreased satisfaction and distancing from the partner. This may lead the partner to feel there is infidelity with catastrophic effects on the relationship.

YET, WHAT HAS HAPPENED IS NORMAL AND OCCURS IN ALL MALES!!!  AND IT CAN BE TREATED !!!!!

Contact the Sexual Wellness Group to find out more about how you can eradicate these problems in your life.