Psychological aspects of men's sexual health

Psychologist Tanja Jurin, Ph.D., writes about a man's sexual health and how it affects the overall quality of life.

 

The sexual response cycle and its stages: Understanding physical and psychological reactions

Sexual response cycle it includes the physical and psychological reactions that occur during sexual activities, regardless of what type of sexual activity it is. Most often, the cycle is explained as a linear alternation of four phases: the sexual desire phase, then the arousal phase, the orgasm phase, and finally the release phase.

The desire phase denotes the psychological function of motivation and interest in sexual activity, thinking and fantasizing about sex. In the arousal phase (which can follow without the desire phase, with physical stimulation of the genitals or other erogenous zones), the most visible change in the entire cycle occurs: the erection of the penis. In addition to erection, during this phase the testicles (testicles) rise, as well as other changes in the body.

The orgasm phase includes ejaculation and orgasm: ejaculation means the ejection of semen, and orgasm is a psychological experience of great pleasure. Most often, these two events take place simultaneously, but it is also possible for them to be separated or for one to be missing. Finally, in the dissolution phase, the body returns to its pre-arousal state.

In men, a refractory period occurs after orgasm, or a period in which he cannot ejaculate again. At each of these stages, difficulties may arise. If they last long enough and cause personal suffering or interpersonal tension, we are talking about sexual disorders that can have a very negative effect on sexual health.

What are the sexual disorders in a man's sexual health that are related to the sexual response cycle?

Decreased sexual desire

Hypoactive sexual desire in men is characterized by a decrease or absence of motivation for sexual activities, disappearance or significant decrease in the appearance of sexual thoughts and fantasies; absence of initiation of sexual activity and refusal of the partner's attempts to initiate sexual activity; disappearance or reduction of excitement and pleasure during sexual activities.

Erectile disorder

Erectile dysfunction in men is the problem of achieving or maintaining an erection or the firmness of the penis needed for sex. According to the criteria, a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection in at least 75% of sexual activities, or the rigidity (firmness) of the erection is insufficient for sexual activity.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation or premature ejaculation is defined as a sexual disorder in which a man reaches orgasm and ejaculates (i.e. ejects sperm from the penis) within 1 minute or before he wants to from the start of vaginal penetration.

Delayed ejaculation 

Delayed ejaculation is a sexual problem in which a man, despite adequate stimulation, cannot achieve ejaculation and orgasm or achieves them with great difficulty.

These disorders are largely psychologically conditioned. The most common psychological mechanisms are unpleasant emotions: sadness, shame, fear and guilt, which can be of extreme intensity and in the context of psychological disorders and illnesses.

Furthermore, there are factors in the partner relationship that can be problematic enough to trigger or maintain a sexual problem that can be an obstacle. male sexual health.

Attitudes about sexuality - especially men's, as well as self-image, self-confidence and the ability to surrender to pleasure are important elements in a man's sexual health.

Potentially unpleasant and even traumatic sexual experiences in the past (especially in childhood) should be carefully considered.