We enjoy sex with our partner
and feel good about our intimate relationships most
of the time. Sex is a physical way to express love
and affection for someone. Being in a sexual relationship
can be very rewarding and enjoyable. But some men
may have difficulties or problems about their sexual
health.
What
causes sexual problems in men?
Many men find that it is sometimes
difficult in initiating sex or having problems about
their sexual health on occasion. Either they cannot
get an erection, come too quickly for their partner,
or simply lose their interest in sex. Other than medical
reasons such as diabetes mellitus, common lifestyle
causes for sexual problems include:
Drinking too much alcohol
Drug abuse
Stress and anxiety
Relationship conflicts
Being tired
Smoking
According to the
Department of Health statistics in 2007, the
number of male patients are more than that of
female for various sexually transmitted diseases.
Patients
with impotence should never use drugs
(e.g. Sildenafil, male hormones or similar
drugs) without a doctor's prescription
as wrong use of these drugs may lead to
prostate problems or heart disease, or
even death in severe cases.
Condom is the most
effective way to reduce your risk of contracting
a sexually transmitted disease if you
use it properly.
How
can I keep my sex life in good shape?
There are many things you
have to do in order to keep your sex life in shape:
Have a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking,
reducing alcohol intake, eating nutritious food
and exercising regularly.
Avoid drug abuse.
Establish a faithful sexual relationship with
your partner.
Try to find out how you can relax.
Don't get upset about your sexual failure. Try
other ways that do not involve penetration such
as kissing or touching.
Share your worries with your partner and ask
for support.
Don't force yourself (or your partner) to have
sex if you are not ready. To have enjoyable sex,
both partners need to agree to have sex without
any intimidation.
What
is "safer sex"?
Safer sex means sexual intercourse
which avoids direct contact with partner's body fluid,
like vagina secretion, semen, blood or saliva. It
reduces your risk of contracting sexually transmitted
diseases and also accidental pregnancy. Safer sex
includes:
Using condom during intercourse (vaginal, anal
or oral)
Mutual masturbation
Skin kissing or dry kiss (without contact with
saliva)
Caressing or sensuous touching
Watching the naked body of the partner
Many men may
have difficulties or problems about their
sexual health.
How
can I use a condom properly?
Condom is the most effective way
to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted
disease if you use it properly. It should be used each and
every time you have intercourse.
Choosing and caring for condom
Choose a brand that fits you comfortably.
Make sure the use-by date on the packet is current.
Check the package for any breakage or broken seals.
Ensure that condoms are kept in cool, dry place.
Putting on the condom
Put the condom on before any sexual intercourse (vaginal,
anal or oral).
Open the packet carefully. Do not snag the condom with
rings or fingernails.
Squeeze the teat on the end of the condom to expel
air and make room for the semen.
Place the condom against the tip of the penis and gently
unroll it down to the base of the penis.
Always use water-based lubricant. Do not use oil or
vaseline.
After ejaculating
Withdraw the penis before it becomes flaccid.
Hold the rim of the bottom to prevent spillage while
withdrawing the penis, and slip the condom off carefully.
Wrap it in paper and put it in the bin. Do not flush
the condom down the toilet.