Men's Sexual Health Archive

Articles

Ask the doctor: What works best for premature ejaculation?

Q. What are the most effective treatments for premature ejaculation? Do erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra help with this problem?

A. Premature ejaculation, usually defined as ejaculation within one minute of starting intercourse, is initially treated with behavioral techniques to delay climax. This includes the squeeze technique, which involves applying pressure just behind the head of the penis when ejaculation approaches and maintaining pressure until the
sensation passes. However, in many men, this doesn't prevent ejaculation.

Ask the doctor: Is there such a thing as "male menopause"?

Image: Thinkstock

Q. Does a man's testosterone level always decrease with age? If my testosterone is low, do I need treatment for it?

A. Testosterone gradually declines over time in all men, but this does not necessarily lead to health problems. Some medications or illnesses can also suppress testosterone.

Ask the doctor: Weak ejaculation: Cause for worry?

Q. I've noticed that my ejaculations are weaker and lower-volume than in my youth. Is that normal? Could something be wrong with my prostate gland?

A. As men get older, they may notice some decline in the volume and strength of ejaculation. If the change is substantial, however, it warrants a visit with your doctor.

Pill-free ways to improve your sex life

Exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol moderation can help bring sexual activity back into the bedroom.

Sex is important to health. It revs up metabolism and may boost the immune system. Frequent sexual intercourse is associated with reduced heart attack risk. And it's fun. So why aren't we having more of it? "There are many reasons why sexual activity can diminish in older age, but many sexual problems can be overcome with appropriate interventions, especially if the problems are relatively new," says Dr. Jan Shifren, co-author of the Harvard Special Health Report Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond.

Which drug for erectile dysfunction?

For men with erectile problems, taking one of the four medications available can produce an erection 70% of the time.

Matters of the heart: Sex and cardiovascular disease


Image: Thinkstock

Cardiovascular disease may change many aspects of your life, but sexual intimacy does not have to suffer as a result.

Thanks to early screening, lifesaving interventions, and sophisticated pharmacology, millions of people live full, active lives after a heart disease diagnosis. That can include sex. Although the physical and emotional strains of cardiovascular disease often take a toll on a couple's intimate activities, there is ample reason to persevere. "Sexual activity and sexual function are major quality-of-life issues for both men and women with cardiovascular disease," says Dr. Joanne Foody, director of cardiovascular wellness services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Erectile dysfunction and the drugs to treat it

In many cases, medications are all a man needs to stay sexually active.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects almost 70% of men ages 70 and older. Fortunately, treatment is often just a matter of taking a pill. "We usually start with oral medications, and they're effective in about 50% of the cases," says Dr. Michael O'Leary, a urologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital and editor of the Harvard Special Health Report What To Do About Erectile Dysfunction.

Ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer

Research into the connections between sexual activity and prostate cancer.

Research we're watching: Testosterone therapy linked to heart trouble

Over the past decade, ads touting testosterone therapy to treat low energy and a flagging libido in men have fueled a rapid rise in prescriptions for the hormone. Short-term studies suggest that testosterone therapy boosts bone mass, strength, and sexual function and improves some markers of heart disease risk. But concerns about the long-term safety of testosterone treatment (available as a gel, patch, or shot) linger, particularly after a 2010 study of testosterone in frail, older men was stopped early because of cardiovascular problems among the testosterone users.

Now, findings from a study of 8,700 male veterans with low testosterone add to the concern. Men who used testosterone therapy had a 30% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over a three-year period than men who didn't use testosterone. The men, who were in their early 60s on average, had all undergone a heart imaging test, and most had risk factors for heart problems. Testosterone might boost heart risks by encouraging the formation of dangerous blood clots, say the authors, whose article appeared in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Ask the doctor: Sexual side effects of blood pressure drugs

Q. I'm a healthy 58-year-old man recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. My doctor prescribed metoprolol, and my blood pressure is now in the normal range. But I've started having trouble getting an erection. Could the medication be causing this problem, and if so, is there anything I can do about it?

A. Metoprolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers, which make the heart beat slower and with less force. In the past, doctors prescribed beta blockers as a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.