According to Richard Anderson of Edinburgh University in Scotland, “Male contraception is now becoming a reality instead of a ‘cloud cuckoo land’ where it’s been for a long time.” In fact, after more than 30 years of research, scientists feel that a male hormonal contraceptive will be available in about five to seven years.

Anderson is the principal investigator on a recent study (completed in 2007) that sought to demonstrate that long-acting testosterone lowers sperm counts. The study was successful, showing that so long as doses of testosterone were high enough, sperm counts in normal men plummet to zero. Researchers combined the testosterone with a progestegenic (female) hormone to counter the detrimental effects of high-dose testosterone on blood fat profiles. So far, Anderson’s method, which combines the implant of a testosterone pellet with oral doses of desogesterol (the progestegenic hormone), appears to be both reversible and safe (though I’m sure we’ll see debate on that front).

There’s another possible male contraceptive being researched at UCLA Medical Center in California. This one is a non-hormonal substance called triptolide. It’s extracted from a Chinese medicinal herb called Tripterygium wilfordii. Chinese men given triptolide for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis become infertile within two months of starting treatment — yet triptolide does not seem to inhibit sperm formation. Researchers are currently trying to figure out how triptolide works.

Men often think that sex and intimacy are synonymous. Sex is one expression of intimacy, definitely. However if a male desires to have intimacy, does this mean he wants to have sex? Is sexual intimacy the only intimacy men know about? And even more to the point, is sexual intimacy a way in which men can avoid other types of intimacy?

Of course some males can have intimacy without actually having sex. Additionally, there are men who say they can feel intimacy and don’t need sex. And there are also some men who consider intimacy and sex to be one and the same.

Even though many problems with sex for men happen while they are involved in a relationship, their beliefs and myths about sex are established a long time before a relationship starts. While most would deny it, for men, the idea of male dominance is entwined with their sexuality. Feminists have been talking about how men have abused their power and dominance for a long time. At work and at home, men have been taught to exert control and be aggressive. They have always held the position of power and generally have not wanted to let go of this power.

MEN AND THE PROCESS OF CHANGE

While women have become more open about what they want from sex, men have found, to their shock and surprise, that they are not as sexually satisfying as they believed. Erectile dysfunction among men has risen significantly over the past 25 years. It is believed by some people that premature ejaculation occurs more often now partially because of women’s recent behavior and morals, but other people have an opinion that men are simply more bold about admitting that they have problems.

For many men, there is a huge gap between what they were taught as they were growing up, and the expectations their sexual partners have of them now. Anxiety and depression can result from this conflict. For some men, trying to assuage this can lead to even further problems such as infidelity.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SOLUTIONS

Not having the ability to reach or hold an erection until sexual activity is finished is the general definition of erectile dysfunction. Impotence is another way to refer to erectile dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction crosses social boundaries and affects millions of men worldwide. Erectile dysfunction is often caused by underlying prostate health problems. Visiting your physician is a key factor in helping you define the reason for your erectile dysfunction.

A REMEDY FOR IMPOTENCE

Every man will need a treatment for erectile dysfunction that is tailored to his own circumstances. The cause of the problem dictates the solution. Medicine and counseling might be useful to assist a man who is wrestling with a mental inhibition. Sex therapy is suggested in nearly all situations. Sex therapy will usually last for six to 12 weeks, and may be of great benefit.

Often men are prescribed PDE5 inhibitors or similar medicines. These can result in greater blood flow to the penis. Viagra may be considered. Levitra is a newer, more popular drug. Research shows Levitra can increase erection duration for up to 75% of men. A physician is best able to sort out individual treatment needs. A medical exam is advised before you beginning medication.