No matter their age, marital status, or sexual orientation, men’s well-being is fundamentally based on sex and closeness. It’s undeniable that there are connections between sexual and mental health; sex has positive effects on both. It is a well-known truth that men’s sexual lives are significantly impacted by underlying medical conditions. In fact, many male enhancement pills are designed to combat this issue. But it’s not enough.
But did you know that psychological and emotional problems also play a significant part? Arousal issues, erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia, and low libido are just a few of the sexual dysfunctions they might induce. So, let’s take a closer look at the connections between mental health and sexual issues, as well as the means of assistance.
Stress and Men’s Sexual Lives
Sexual dysfunctions are frequently caused by daily stress. Even your energy for ideas and thoughts related to sex may be taken away. It makes sense why this might happen as it’s typical to feel diminished sex drive and to stop prioritizing sex when facing any personal, professional, or social obstacles. You may become too exhausted for any type of intimacy due to the physical and emotional effects of stress, which include weariness, sleep issues, high blood pressure, headaches, poor energy, anxiety, and irritability.
Stress also interferes with how your brain sends messages to your body to respond physically. Stress might then build up. Although long-term stress is closely linked to the emergence of EDs, developing effective stress reduction techniques is a crucial component of treatment.
Low Self-Esteem and Its Effect to Men’s Sex Drive
One of the biggest influences on your sexuality is the interactions you have with yourself. While having doubts and vulnerabilities is common for all people, having a negative self-image and low sexual self-esteem makes it difficult to enjoy your sex life, whether it be alone or with a partner. If so, you’re not alone because many men experience this. When it comes to self-acceptance, everything gets overly difficult, especially the facets of a complex, intimate environment. Social “standards” for relationships, bodies, and sexualities are constantly thrust onto us. It’s also challenging to be in tune with our genuine sexual needs, wants, and desires and to get past any associated shame or guilt because we are frequently blamed for them.
Relationship Issues and Their Impact on Men’s Sexual Health
Even though solo sex is a crucial component of your sexuality, relationships frequently require two people. And how well you get along with yourself and your spouse has a big impact on how satisfied you are with your sex life. Numerous interpersonal issues and relationship problems might have an immediate impact on your sexual health. Sexual issues aren’t always your partner’s fault or your own while you’re going through relationship difficulties. Don’t be offended by the sexual difficulties. Instead, it suggests that the two of you need to work together to find a method to address the fundamental problems and strive to progress toward better, more fulfilling relationships.
Trauma Reactions
One trauma occurs in the lives of about six out of ten males. Additionally, at least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual assault or abuse. Because it excludes non-contact encounters and because men are more inclined than women to keep their traumatic experiences a secret, this statistic is understated. Those who experience traumatic incidents go through challenging and protracted emotional, bodily, and psychological impacts. The body finds it challenging to both live and flourish after trauma.
The Bottom Line
Did you know that men can benefit from psychological therapy even when medical conditions are the cause of their sexual problems? This is due to the reciprocal relationship between sexual function and mental wellness. Therapy frequently coexists alongside medical care and lifestyle modifications. It also serves as a first-line treatment for psychological issues that restrict men from having satisfying sexual lives.