Sexual dysfunction

It’s estimated 1 in 10 men has a problem related to having sex, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

Sexual problems can affect any man, whether he is straight, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, particularly in older men. It is estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree.

See your GP if you have erectile dysfunction for more than a few weeks. They will assess your general state of health because the condition can be the first sign of more serious health conditions, such as heart disease (when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted).

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erectile dysfunction

Ejaculation problems

Ejaculation problems, such as premature ejaculation, are common sexual problems in men. The three main problems are:

Premature ejaculation
This is the most common ejaculation problem. It is where the male ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse. Many men are unsure about how long ‘normal’ sex should last before ejaculation. It’s up to the individual and his partner to decide whether or not they’re happy with the time it takes for him to ejaculate. There is no definition of how long intercourse should last.

Delayed ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation (male orgasmic disorder) is classed as either:

  • experiencing a significant delay before ejaculation is possible
  • being unable to ejaculate at all even though the male wants to and his erection is normal

There is no set definition to describe ‘how long is too long’, but a persistent (and unwanted) delay of ejaculation that lasts for 30 to 60 minutes may suggest delayed ejaculation.

Retrograde ejaculation
This is a rarer type of ejaculation problem. It happens when sperm travels backwards and enter the bladder instead of coming out of the end of the urethra (the tube through which urine passes).

The main symptoms of retrograde ejaculation include:

  • producing no semen, or only a small amount, during ejaculation
  • producing cloudy urine (because of the semen in it) when you first go to the toilet after having sex

Men with retrograde ejaculation still experience the feeling of an orgasm and the condition does not pose a danger to health. However, it can affect the ability to father a child.

Please click here for more information on retrograde ejaculation.

retrograde ejaculation