Men's Sexual Health

How Does Overall Health Influence Male Sexual Performance?

Male sexual health is directly linked to the overall health status of the man. For erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic functions to be normal and for sexual energy to be at positive levels, it is necessary not only to have good sexual health but also a favourable general health condition.

An individual who maintains a balanced diet, engages in daily exercise, rests adequately, and takes care of their health tends to have better erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic functions than someone who does not adopt these practices.

Male health issues can result in sexual dysfunction, bringing psychological, physical, and social consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to address these conditions promptly.

Although these manifestations can be treated individually, the results are not lasting if the unfavourable conditions persist, which may even worsen and lead to impotence. Hence, a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan is necessary to provide long-lasting results.

One of the consequences of neglecting health is a decrease in testosterone levels. When at optimal levels, testosterone provides energy, strong bones, good erections and libido, a healthy heart, a focused mind, and a sense of happiness. At low levels, it can cause sadness, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, lead to sexual dysfunction, and even result in severe depression.

Ways to Normalise Sexual Function

To restore erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic functions and recover sexual energy, it is necessary to regenerate the compromised organs and systems. This process involves restoring the anatomical and physiological characteristics that existed prior to the current condition.

In the specific case of the penis, regeneration can be achieved through one of the main therapies, or both simultaneously:

1 - Low-Intensity Laser Therapy

This therapy utilises electromagnetic energy to restore overall, sexual, genital, and penile homeostasis, revitalising adult cells that have been atrophied due to ageing or inflammatory conditions. The therapy helps to recover lost volume, elasticity, tonicity, and functionality.

2 - Pharmacological Therapy

Generally used in conjunction with low-intensity laser therapy, this approach promotes hormonal replacement, achieving positive effects on various tissues and organs essential for overall and sexual health.

These methodologies result in significant improvements in sexual potency, libido, sexual energy, and overall health.

The human being is an indivisible whole, where mind and body mutually influence each other. Therefore, a targeted intervention focused solely on the manifestations of disease does not allow for true recovery of sexual and overall health. To achieve a good state of health, it is necessary to simultaneously promote sexual health and general health.

In our clinical practice, we have developed an integrated concept to treat the presented pathology or dysfunction. We prioritise the recovery and maintenance of overall and sexual health as a whole, addressing sexual conditions in terms of energy and sexual performance. Weakness in sexual energy can lead to a progressive loss of personal power, resulting in what is commonly referred to as impotence.

Areas of Activity

On the Importance of Seeking Medical Help for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction is characterised by the difficulty in achieving and/or maintaining an adequate erection for a sexual relationship that is satisfying for both parties. This occurs regardless of libido or sexual desire, orgasm, or ejaculation, and results from a reduction in blood flow and/or inadequate venous drainage.

Given that sexual intercourse is a basic function in human life, the ability to obtain and maintain an erection can be crucial for male self-esteem.

Occasional cases of Erectile Dysfunction, caused by tiredness, stress, or fatigue, are common. However, when these episodes become frequent, it is advisable to seek specialised medical help, as failing to treat this condition can progress to Sexual Impotence.

It is estimated that in Portugal, around 400,000 men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Of these, only 15,000 seek medical help each year. Erectile dysfunction can be treated. If you are suffering from this condition, seek specialised medical assistance! Don't suffer in silence!

Say “NO!” to sexual impotence!

Risk Factors and Behaviours for Developing Erectile Dysfunction

Among the risk factors are:

- High cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)

- Diabetes

- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

- Excess weight or obesity

- Prostatitis

Additionally, habits such as smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and a sedentary lifestyle can, individually or cumulatively, influence or increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

In a study that evaluated individuals in a pre-pathological state of the cardiovascular system, the main risk factors were identified:

By combining three or more of the mentioned risk factors, the body loses the capacity to respond to physical exertion (including during sexual activity), even if it is moderate.

Causes

Erectile dysfunction, like many other sexual dysfunctions, can have various causes that often interact with one another.

Organic Causes:

- Presence of prostatitis

- Hormonal changes

- Hypogonadism

- Smoking

- Alcohol consumption

- Heart disease

- Diabetes

Non-Organic Causes:

- Stress

- Emotional disorders

- Relationship conflicts

Mixed Causes:

A combination of both organic and non-organic factors.

Treatment

Treatment for this condition, particularly in the presence of prostatitis or other circulatory factors, may include low-intensity laser therapy, negative pressure programmes, electrotherapy, pharmacological therapy, hormonal modulation, and, whenever possible, the reduction or elimination of identified risk factors and behaviours.

The recommended treatment plan always requires prior clinical evaluation to determine its appropriateness.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Help for Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is quite common in men with cardiovascular problems, but it is often overlooked.

Sometimes, the symptoms are perceived as a normal part of ageing or as a result of intense emotional events, such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or the end of a relationship, among others. However, it is essential to understand that ED can be classified as organic, non-organic, or mixed. Organic causes may originate from vascular, neurogenic, or hormonal issues, may be drug-induced, or may be associated with anatomical changes in the corpora cavernosa.

Contrary to popular belief, organic causes are the most common, accounting for about 80% of cases. Among them are vascular causes, where conditions that reduce blood flow to the penis, such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia, are prime examples. Initially, there may be a loss of endothelial function (the inner layer of the artery), which is an early manifestation of vascular pathologies, as is atherosclerosis, which is always preceded by endothelial dysfunction. This is due to a chronic systemic inflammatory state that uniformly affects various vascular beds, from the coronary arteries to the penile vessels.

However, due to the different vascular calibres, clinical manifestations rarely appear simultaneously. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is directly related to a decrease in the amount of nitric oxide (NO), an essential substance for promoting penile erection. The link between hypertension and ED is justified by the fact that high blood pressure damages the arteries and impairs good blood flow through the vessels, which is necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection. Over time, hypertension can make the arteries less flexible and narrower (also known as atherosclerosis), thereby reducing blood flow. This may limit the blood supply to the penis, decreasing its ability to achieve and maintain erections. High blood pressure can also affect libido and ejaculation. Diabetes is another vascular condition that frequently causes ED, as it induces an inflammatory process in the arteries and arterioles of the body. This compromises the blood supply to the corpora cavernosa, causing atrophy, loss of elasticity, and adequate contractility of the tunica albuginea, thus preventing a consistent and lasting erection. It is common for diabetic patients to have circulatory problems in larger arteries, such as those in the lower limbs and kidneys, and the penile arteries, being small, are typically the most affected.

Dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia are other significant risk factors for ED, and both conditions often coexist in many patients. Some studies report elevated levels of total cholesterol and LDL in patients with ED, correlating with the severity of the condition. Dyslipidemia and subsequent atherosclerosis are well-recognised causes of vasculogenic ED, mainly due to increased oxidative stress and altered penile endothelial function, contributing to ED in about 42% of cases. While chronological age may favour the development of ED, it cannot be said to be an inevitable consequence of ageing. Just as some elderly individuals do not suffer from this condition, there are younger people who may exhibit symptoms of ED. In addition to the vascular conditions mentioned as risk factors for ED, it is important to highlight that certain habits can directly influence the development of these cardiovascular conditions, such as smoking, which is one of the primary causes of fatal cardiovascular diseases and also affects sexual health. Smokers have twice the likelihood of developing ED compared to non-smokers. Sedentary lifestyles, where the absence of regular physical exercise can lead to obesity, create a chronic state of oxidative and inflammatory stress in the arteries, compromising the bioavailability of nitric oxide, which is essential for erection.

By identifying and treating cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ED, sexual health is less compromised, improving the patient's quality of life. In the past, it was believed that older and healthy individuals had no interest in sex. However, it is now well established that the regularity of sexual activity ensures physical and psychological well-being, as well as contributing to the reduction of physical and mental health issues associated with ageing. Intercourse is related to better quality of intimate relationships, lower rates of depressive symptoms, better cardiovascular health, and less obesity in both men and women.

Glossary

Arteriosclerosis: A disease characterised by the thickening and hardening of arterial walls.

Atherosclerosis: A disease characterised by the presence of harmful substances deposited in the walls of arteries, including fats such as cholesterol. Arteriosclerosis affects large and medium-calibre arteries.

Dyslipidemia: A term used to refer to all quantitative or qualitative anomalies of lipids (fats) in the blood. It can manifest as an increase in triglycerides or cholesterol; as a combination of both (mixed dyslipidemia); and as a reduction in HDL levels (the so-called "good" cholesterol).

Endothelium: The inner cellular layer that lines blood vessels, producing a wide range of hormonal substances. It primarily acts in controlling blood flow, regulating vascular resistance, and modulating immune and inflammatory responses.

Hypercholesterolemia: The increase in the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.

LDL: Short for "Low-Density Lipoprotein", it is the low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.

Nitric Oxide: One of the neurotransmitters; its accumulation allows for the relaxation of penile muscle, facilitating erection.

Impotence is a multifactorial condition that can affect men and women of any age.

Impotence is characterised by a man's inability to initiate or maintain an erection, manifesting through various symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Its causes can be organic, non-organic, or a combination of both. The primary cause is often chronic prostatitis.

The role of the specialist is to identify the origin of the condition in each patient in order to find a comprehensive and lasting solution.

Nowadays, sexual impotence is no longer seen as an exclusively male problem. After all, sex is an activity that involves two partners, and the central question is: how should one react to their partner's impotence?

Moreover, this condition is not exclusive to older age. Although it mainly affects men over 40, many men in their 30s, and even some young men under 20, seek medical help to address issues of erectile dysfunction.

Premature ejaculation, also known as early ejaculation, is a relatively common sexual condition, estimated to affect around one third of men. Although it is often treatable, many men tend to downplay its significance. There is a fear that there may not be appropriate treatment for each individual case, or shame can prevent them from seeking help.

This condition can become increasingly difficult for both the couple and the relationship, resulting in significant impacts on personal, familial, and social spheres. Premature ejaculation is considered to occur when a man is unable to control ejaculation in a way that ensures satisfaction for both partners during sexual intercourse. All men may experience premature ejaculation at the beginning of their sexual lives, but with time and experience, they generally manage to prolong and better control the timing of ejaculation.

What are the causes?

When premature ejaculation resurfaces after this initial period or never improves, it can be attributed to a variety of factors:

Non-organic causes: linked to psychological, emotional, and social issues.

Organic causes: represent the majority of cases of premature ejaculation and carry psychological and relational consequences. Approximately 75% of cases are associated with diseases, particularly prostatitis and urethritis. Hormonal changes and imbalances in neurotransmitters can also be organic causes of this condition.

During sexual intercourse, there is a transmission of bacteria that are naturally present in the vaginal microbiota; therefore, the use of condoms is essential to prevent diseases such as prostatitis, which is one of the main contributors to premature ejaculation.

General health problems are also risk factors. For instance, anxiety related to cardiac conditions can induce orgasm as a way of avoiding situations perceived as risky.

Additionally, the use of medication to treat chronic illnesses, as well as stress, fatigue, and concerns related to personal or professional life, are significant risk factors.

Our experience indicates that most cases of premature ejaculation can be resolved by addressing the underlying condition whenever feasible. In this way, it is possible not only to prevent the worsening of symptoms but also to avert the onset of other undesirable diseases and clinical situations.

Importance of Seeking Medical Help to Treat Peyronie's Disease

What is Peyronie's Disease?

Peyronie's Disease is a localized fibrosis of the tunica albuginea and/or the areolar connective tissue situated between the tunica albuginea and the corpus cavernosum.

How Does it Occur?

It results from a multifocal structural degeneration of the tunica albuginea of the penis, leading to the formation of inelastic scar tissue. This compromises elasticity and prevents the tissues from expanding normally, making it difficult to achieve an erection and causing deformities in the shape and curvature of the penis.

Why and How Does it Happen?

The aetiopathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease is debated, but it is believed to be related to autoimmune causes due to the elevated levels of anti-elastin antibodies in the bloodstream. Some studies also link the condition to genetic or hereditary factors.

Traumas or excessive twisting of an erect penis can cause haemorrhages under the tunica albuginea, affecting its structure. Microlesions of the vessels are closed off by the formation of fibrin, which anticipates the formation of plaques. These microlesions can occur during sexual intercourse or as a result of surgical procedures.

The early stages of the disease, from a histological perspective, are characterised by perivascular inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes in the tunica albuginea and the formation of connective tissue between it and the corpus cavernosum. This initial inflammatory phase activates fibroblasts, causing structural changes in the tunica albuginea and surrounding tissues, with excessive collagen deposition, increased fibrin, and fragmentation of elastic fibres.

What Are the Symptoms?

Peyronie's Disease typically manifests after the age of 50 but can also affect younger men. The main symptoms are:

- Pain in 50% to 70% of patients

- Pathological curvature of the penis during erection in 80% to 100% of patients

- Erectile dysfunction in approximately 30% of patients

- Difficulty or inability to penetrate

- Presence of a palpable nodule

Is There Treatment?

The treatment involves low-intensity laser therapy, which may be combined with negative pressure stimulation, prostatic massage, and pharmacological therapy with antibiotics in the presence of prostatitis, among others.

Low-intensity laser therapy is recommended for the treatment of Peyronie's Disease due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and immunomodulatory effects. Negative pressure promotes radial and longitudinal tissue growth, enhancing blood circulation and aiding metabolism and collagen production.

The administration of optimised doses of vitamin D for immunomodulatory effects prevents the autoimmune activity of the body, suspending the mechanisms through which Peyronie's Disease develops, and consequently interrupting the active phase of the pathology.

The recommended treatment plan always requires a prior clinical assessment to determine its indication.

The problems caused by delayed ejaculation are as significant as its causes!

Delayed ejaculation is possibly the least common and least understood male sexual dysfunction, affecting around 3% of sexually active men. This condition is characterised by an excessive amount of time between the initiation of sexual intercourse and the attainment of orgasm, which occurs against the will of one or both partners.

The most severe form of delayed ejaculation is anorgasmia, where the man is unable to achieve orgasm, even with proper stimulation during sexual intercourse.

It is rare for individuals with delayed ejaculation to experience difficulties in starting or maintaining an erection. However, these men often report low sexual satisfaction, accompanied by considerable anxiety due to this condition.

Delayed ejaculation can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary delayed ejaculation accompanies the patient throughout their entire sexual life, whereas secondary delayed ejaculation arises after a certain age or in specific situations. Additionally, men with secondary delayed ejaculation may be able to achieve orgasm through masturbation.

Causes of delayed ejaculation and anorgasmia

The causes of these conditions can vary:

Organic Causes

Based on our experience, the most common organic cause of delayed ejaculation is prostatitis, which may occur in isolation or alongside urethritis. Systemic diseases such as diabetes (especially during uncontrolled periods) or multiple sclerosis can also result in changes in pelvic sensitivity. Moreover, spinal cord injuries or surgeries in the pelvic area can lead to these issues. Reduced innervation or sympathetic conduction (which is responsible for ejaculation) may also be a contributing factor.

Many of these causes can be identified through the patient's clinical history and physical examination, including a rectal exam. Treatment and resolution of the underlying conditions can halt the progression of sexual dysfunction or even reverse the symptoms.

Psychological Causes

A significant cause of delayed ejaculation is of a psychological nature. Traumas such as childhood sexual abuse, restrictive religious beliefs, or the fear of impregnating a partner can contribute to the condition. Furthermore, some men may lose sexual interest in their partner and only find pleasure through masturbation. Mutual disinterest in long-term relationships, especially when unsatisfactory, is also a factor to be considered. Additionally, performance anxiety may cause a man to become so concerned with controlling his ejaculation that he inadvertently blocks his orgasm.

Medication Causes

Certain medications, such as antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can cause prolonged ejaculation time as a side effect. In such cases, the treating physician may opt to change the medication, adjust the dosage, or discontinue its use for a specified period.

Treatment

The treatment—and, when possible, the cure—of prostatitis and urethritis is an essential step, regardless of the existence of other physical and/or psychological conditions that may be associated.

The use of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy, in conjunction with antibiotics and prostate massage, has proven effective in most cases we manage.

When there are concomitant clinical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, it is essential to implement measures that help restore metabolic balance.

Naturally, each clinical condition should receive due attention from the physician, aiming for treatment and overcoming, even if temporary.

During the initial evaluation or throughout the treatment, if emotional, psychological, or relational factors are identified as influencing the patient's complaints, it is advisable to refer them for a psychological evaluation and, if necessary, for psychotherapy, whether individual, couple, or family. This principle extends to all issues related to sexual health.

Although delayed ejaculation is a relatively unknown condition, it causes suffering for both the man and the couple, especially in its most severe form, anorgasmia. The causes are varied, but recovery is feasible.

The treatment plan should always be preceded by a clinical assessment to determine its appropriateness.