Men’s sexual problems whether physically related or related to loss of sexual desire can be a result of either physical or psychological factors. Psychological factors that contribute to men’s sexual health problems include stress, problems in the relationship, history of traumatic sexual encounters, family conditioning, strict religious background, fear of pregnancy, performance anxiety, depression, anxiety, or extreme fatigue. Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania and hypomania can lead to sexual disturbances.

Physical causes of men’s sexual health problems are peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, spinal injury or surgery, hormonal or endocrine abnormalities, pelvic disease or surgery, genital abnormality, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, prescription or illicit drugs. Diabetes, heavy drinking, spinal cord injury and prostate gland surgery are the main physical causes of erectile dysfunction.

Many prescribed medications can cause sexual health problems for men as well. These include anithypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, lipid lowering drugs, diuretics, sedatives, histamine blockers, and some over the counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants.

Certain environmental factors can cause sexual health problems. If there is no safe, private place to relax some men may find it difficult to enjoy sex particularly if there are demands from children. An extremely busy work or personal lifestyle can inhibit enjoyment of sex and cause problems.

If the sexual problem is of a physical nature, a man may be referred to a urologist who specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, an endocrinologist who specializes in glandular disorders, or neurologist who specializes in disorders of the nervous system. If the sexual problem is more psychological, a man may be referred to a sex therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.