Male Sexual Dysfunction

A recent study estimates that 30 million men suffer from various degrees of male sexual dysfunction ranging from mild to severe. It is clearly an age-related phenomenon since the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases significantly with age. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction / impotence , premature ejaculation  and andropause.

Male sexual health means many things including satisfying sexual function, fertility and the prevention of diseases such as prostate cancer, diabetes and cardiac conditions. 

Better understanding and treatment for changes in male sexual function offer men opportunities to consider their own sexual health and take action if deemed necessary.  Here are descriptions of some conditions affecting male sexual heath.

Andropause

Andropause describes an emotional and physical change that many men experience as they age. Symptoms include low sex drive, low energy level, and loss of strength and muscle.  While these symptoms are generally related to aging, they are also associated with significant hormonal alterations including a decrease in the production of hormones by the testes.  Only recently have the clinical implications of this condition received attention in the medical community, and physicians are now able to address and treat these symptoms. The condition has several names including male climacteric andropause, late onset hypogonadism, or androgen decline in the aging male (ADAM).

The process of andropause is not universal and occurs subtly over time rather than as an abrupt change with the end of the reproductive cycle that women experience.It is for this reason that the symptoms have a tendency to be ignored and are considered almost an unavoidable result of the aging process.Until recently, physicians had not targeted these symptoms or looked for a solution.

Andropause is a fairly common condition.  The incidence  ranges between 2% to 5% for ages 40 to 49,  between 6% to 30% for ages 50 to 59; and between 20% to 45% for ages 60 to 69;  and between 34% to 70%  for ages 70 to 79.  The incidence in men who are over 80 is estimated at 91%.  The “spread” of normal ranges is fairly large because different specialists use different ways to measure androgens and use different levels to define andropause.

For more information on Andropause and male sexual health visit http://www.andropausespecialist.com. 

Dr. Michael A. Werner, the Medical Director of the Medical Center for Female Sexuality also has a private practice limited to Male Infertility & Sexual Dysfunction located in Purchase, New York. www.wernermd.com

Understanding female sexuality