Not all sexual problems are common issues

Research has revealed that some sexual function disorders are under-recognised and under-treated, leading to serious problems in relationships. Studies also indicate that many people are reluctant to talk about less-common sexual disorders. If they are not mentioned, doctors do not always ask about them. This means that many out-of-the-ordinary issues may go untreated unless the patient brings them to the doctor's attention.

Here are three of the more common unusual sexual disorders:

• Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). This disorder causes a person to experience flu-like symptoms soon after an orgasm. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, fever, sore throat, and difficulty concentrating, and can last between three and seven days. Despite research, the actual cause is unknown. Some studies have suggested it could be an allergic reaction to semen, or a chemical imbalance in the brain. The disorder mostly affects men, but women are also known to experience POIS. This is very distressing for both partners, and treatments include medications like antihistamines, anti-allergy medication, and antidepressants — none of which work very well. There is a school of thought that it might be a psychosomatic issue, requiring the attention of a counsellor experienced in such matters.
• Retrograde ejaculation. When a man climaxes, a ring-shaped muscle closes off the path to the bladder so that semen can move safely out of the body through the urethra. A dysfunction of this muscle leaves the path to the bladder open, and on ejaculation, the semen goes into the bladder instead. Causes of this muscle disorder include complications from prostate surgery, side effects from medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, and nerve damage caused by an illness such as uncontrolled diabetes. For most men, the symptoms of retrograde ejaculation are not life-threatening, and treatments are available. Studies have shown that certain medications have had success in improving muscle tone at the entrance of the bladder.
• Sexual problems that may be physically linked. These problems are often a combination of physical and psychological issues. They can be caused by emotional and psychological factors, or by social and cultural influences. Symptoms of these disorders can vary greatly between individuals, and also differ across genders.

Most patients believe sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and lack of sexual desire are due to something being physically wrong with their sexual organs. Unfortunately, they are often reluctant to visit a sex clinic or see a psychologist for help, preferring specialists like gynaecologists and urologists instead — who may in turn refer them back to a sex clinic or psychologist for treatment.

Research suggests that medical practitioners should familiarise themselves with the symptoms of out-of-the-ordinary sexual problems in order to better assist patients who come to them with these issues.

We can help

If you are concerned about your libido, we can help. Herbal Remedies International has taken herbal ingredients and developed excellent formulas to help combat issues of low libido. Our products are safe to take and do not need a doctor's script. Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our products and see how we can help you.