The male reproductive system is complicated and involves many biological functions. When any of the biological functions involved in the male reproductive system goes awry, a series of problems can start to develop and cause issues in the man’s sex life, sexual health, prostate health and even have a negative impact on his quality of life. While erectile dysfunction is the most commonly targeted health condition related to the male reproductive system, other problems also exist and may even be more prevalent than this sexual disorder. Examples of other common problems that men experience are premature ejaculation and a low sperm count. These two problems can not only cause problems in the man’s sex life and with his mental health but can also cause him to become infertile – thus leading to the inability to reproduce.
Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a common problem among men of all ages. While some sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, tend to affect more men at an older age, premature ejaculation affects men at younger ages too. This condition refers to the inability to control ejaculation, thus leading to ejaculating too soon. The disorder is classified as ejaculating before both partners are completely satisfied during sexual intercourse. A patient is diagnosed with this condition when this occurs more than 50% of the times they have sexual intercourse. The problem may also affect a patient’s mental health by causing depression and anxiety symptoms to develop.
Prevalence of premature ejaculation among men
The Tulane University in New Orleans conducted a study in 2012 to identify the prevalence of premature ejaculation. They explain that most studies only focus on erectile dysfunction as it is known as the most common sexual disorder, but they often fail also to mention that premature ejaculation can also have a significant negative impact on a man’s sex life. The researchers behind the study report that they found the prevalence of this sexual disorder to be quite high among the male population, with 20% to 30% of all men being affected by the condition. They also explain that the severity of the condition varies. While some men experience only mild symptoms of the condition, other users may experience ejaculating as soon as sexual stimulation starts.
Best ways to cure premature ejaculation
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure available for premature ejaculation. The disorder is also classified as incurable, but the symptoms can be effectively managed with certain techniques and treatment options. It is common for healthcare providers to recommend some lifestyle changes to men who have been diagnosed with this condition. When these lifestyle changes are implemented, men often experience improvements in their condition and a delayed ejaculation while participating in sexual activities. These recommendations may include:
- Cutting down on alcohol and tobacco use.
- Avoiding the use of steroids and other anabolic steroids that may interfere with the man’s sexual health.
- Regular exercise and practicing techniques that may help the man control his ejaculations better.
- Using a condom in order to reduce the level of sensation the man experiences during sexual intercourse.
- Reducing the anxiety that the man puts upon himself due to his sexual disorder.
In some cases, doctors prescribe antidepressant medication for the patient as this helps to delay ejaculations sometimes. Common antidepressant medication that is used as a possible treatment for premature ejaculation includes Paxil and Anafranil. Certain gels, sprays, and creams are also available that may assist with delaying ejaculation.
Low Sperm Count
A low sperm count, often referred to as oligospermia, refers to a condition where the number of sperm cells contained in each milliliter of sperm is less than 15 million. The most common issue that men face when they have a low sperm count is the fact that it often means that their fertility is affected in a negative way. A low sperm count means a man may be infertile or not fertile enough to reproduce – due to the low volume of sperm cells in his semen, the odds of a sperm cell fertilizing an egg in his partner’s body decreases significantly.
Prevalence of low sperm count in men
While many people start to point fingers toward women when a couple is unable to conceive, they fail to realize that the prevalence of a low sperm count is actually quite high among men. While a low sperm count does not necessarily mean a man is infertile, it does have a negative impact on his fertility rate. One study that was performed by the Department of Chemical Pathology at the Ebonyi State University in Nigeria collected semen samples from 170 men, aged between 21 and 50. They found that 70% of the men had sperm counts that were considered below normal.
Best ways to cure low sperm count
There are various methods available to treat low sperm counts in men. The methods vary from simple medication to changes in a person’s lifestyle. Some methods, however, are more invasive and may even require surgery. It is important to take a look at all the options that are available before making a final decision. Before treatment for low sperm count, or oligospermia can commence, it is important that a sperm analysis is conducted in order to ensure the man has a low sperm count. This is the very first step that doctors take.
Once a doctor identifies that a man’s sperm count is lower than the normal rate, they will provide the patient with information regarding the treatment options that are available to them. These options may include:
- If any infections are present in the reproductive system, a dose of antibiotics may be administered to treat the infection. This may restore fertility in some cases without the need for invasive treatment options.
- Methods to help men overcome sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
- In some cases, a man may experience a drop in sperm count due to an imbalance in hormone levels. If this is the issue, then a doctor may recommend hormone treatment, such as testosterone replacement therapy.
- Assist reproductive technology can also be used when other methods seem to be unsuccessful.
- In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
These are, however, not the only methods a man can use to improve their sperm count. Some men have had a lot of success by simply making some changes in their lifestyle and diet. Natural Fertility Info explains that adding more food that contains zinc, selenium, CoQ10, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, L-Carnitine and antioxidants to a daily diet can help to improve sperm count without the use of prescription drugs or surgery.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction might be the sexual disorder that receives the most attention, but premature ejaculation and a low sperm count are also serious disorders that can cause problems in a man’s life. These two conditions are also experienced by a lot of men. It is important to know that several treatment options are available for these disorders as well, which means the symptoms they cause can be managed effectively. Some men also find that a daily supplement helps them find relief without having to opt for prescription medication or other medical options.
