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During my training to be a sexologist, I was confused by the differences between PE, DE, and ED. They are, namely, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction or disorder, respectively. Later, I realised it was just as confusing for the men who have sexual concerns. Hopefully, this piece will give you an idea of the types of male sexual dysfunctions.
There are four main types of male sexual dysfunctions:
The most common type of ejaculation difficulty known is premature ejaculation (PE). It happens when a man’s ejaculation occurs rapidly, much faster than what is desired by the man or his partner. PE is also known as rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, premature climax, or early ejaculation (EE).
Delayed ejaculation (DE), also known as inhibited or retarded ejaculation, is when ejaculation is slow to occur. Then there is retrograde ejaculation which occurs when the semen from the prostate flows backwards into the bladder. This is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Ejaculatory insufficiency refers to insufficient semen volume, which may at times be a result of retrograde ejaculation.
Erectile dysfunction is a common men’s health problem characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both. This problem can be occasional as well as periodical. Any diseases that affect blood flow such as hypertension, high blood pressure can cause ED.
Who hasn’t heard of the blue pill, Viagra, which can aid ED? If anything, we have drug companies to thank for popularizing the term ED. And since the incidence of ED rises with age and human are living longer, we can expect more men to have this condition. Besides oral medication, treatment options include mechanical devices and behavioural training as well as couples coaching.
This happens when a man has a decrease in desire for sex, is uninterested in sex or is unresponsive to sexual stimuli. Possible causes include one’s physical, psychological, mental, or emotional state. Then there might be issues with his body image, intimacy or sexual performance. Or he could just be sexually ignorant about what being ‘horny’ means, such as when a person is sexually ‘shut down’ or unawakened. One should also rule out any kind of exhaustion, stress and/ or anxiety.
In an orgasmic disorder, the man may not be able to achieve an orgasm and reach climax during sex. These men are usually experiencing a psychological or mental health complication which may be situational or generalized to all sexual experiences. However it could also be due to decreased penile sensation and/ or other factors.
Whether the cause is physical or psychological, it is important to meet with a qualified physician to determine possible underlying medical issues. If the physical cause is ruled out, this is when you might seek support from a mental health specialist who specializes in sexual dysfunction.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and has most recently completed her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling. In practice for more than seven years, she is the only certified sexuality educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She is the host of weekly radio show Eros Evolution on the OMTimes Radio Network. She has published three books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga and From Princess to Queen.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
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