Lasting Longer In The Bedroom

OK, we know the fact that sometimes having your partner last longer in the bedroom is not the world’s biggest turn-on when you’re overworked and overtired, but sometimes there can be a real problem, which begs the question – when do men really need help, and what help should they be seeking?

There may be one (or more) of three separate issues:

Loss of desire, or libido
Impotence
Premature ejaculation

Losing the loving feeling

Women are largely conditioned to think of men’s libidos like boy scouts – ready, willing and able to perform 24 hours a day. But the reality is that men can experience a loss in libido (desire) as they age, and their libido can be adversely affected by physical and psychological causes including:

Alcoholism
Drug abuse
Obesity
Some prescription drugs
Major diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Depression
Stress and overwork
Relationship problems
Interestingly, studies have also shown that men’s testosterone can drop by a third after becoming a dad. This is thought of as a biological response to make them more caring and less aggressive.

Erectile dysfunction

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED) is quite different to loss of libido – in most cases, impotent men are highly desirous of their partner but their equipment just won’t come to the party. Impotence describes the inability to get an erection or keep an erection until ejaculation. It can make men feel frustrated, inadequate and anxious.

Impotence is often an early sign of an underlying medical condition. In fact, almost 60% of all adult-onset diabetes is detected as a result of the onset of impotence. Other causes include:

Heart disease
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High cholesterol
Surgery to prostate, lower back or lower spine
Hormone and thyroid conditions
Kidney or liver disease

There can be psychological reasons for impotence as well, including:

Depressions and anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Extreme fatigue
Relationship problems
Sexual identity problems
Sometimes a new supplement could be having an adverse affect

Premature ejaculation

While we tend to think of premature ejaculation as a problem mainly occurring in young inexperienced men (well, that’s what happens in the movies!), premature ejaculation is a condition that is described as one “in which a man ejaculates earlier than he or his partner would like him to”. So basically, this is a subjective condition. You like a quickie? He likes a quickie? Premature ejaculation is not going to be a problem for you – but if you want to engage in hours of tantalising tantric lovemaking, you are going to run into trouble.

Medical reasons for premature ejaculation

Over time, just about everything imaginable has been linked to premature ejaculation but in fact, there are very few medical causes. Some research has shown a link between hyperactive pelvic muscles and premature ejaculation – and some experts recommend that sufferers practice pelvic floor exercises to gain better control.

The whiz-bang drug therapies that are endlessly advertised with the purpose of “helping your man last longer in the bedroom” will only improve erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation problems. Loss of libido requires different strategies.

Viagra

Viagra is the brand name for a synthetic chemical called sildenafil citrate. Originally developed as a blood pressure medication (which didn’t work), early trials showed that the drug has a benefit for men with erectile dysfunction. Viagra works by blocking an enzyme in the body and allowing more blood to flow to the penis.

Does it work?

Overwhelmingly, Viagra works for most men by improving their erection (or allowing them to have an erection at all). But it isn’t for everyone – there are wide-ranging possible side effects that can preclude some men from taking it.

Nasal delivery technology and lozenges

The active ingredient in nasal delivery technology and lozenges is usually clomipramine, an anti-dpressant that is prescribed primarily to treat OCD. One of the side-effects of clomipramine is that it desensitises the penile muscles which allows ejaculation time to be prolonged perfect for those experiencing premature ejaculation.

The two different delivery methods – lozenge and nasal spray – are popular because both deliver the medication directly into the blood stream so that the effects are felt almost immediately (ideal when you’re getting in the mood)

Does it work?

This type of drug therapy does work but does require daily doses aside from an additional dose prior to sex.

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Written by Sophie Aaron

An avid yogi and free spirit who, this babe loves all things health and fitness related. When she isn’t eating something strange and healthy looking, you’ll find her thrift shopping or getting out in nature.

Favourite place she’s travelled to: India