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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE February, 1990

YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

by Antone F. Feo

Male sexual disorders

Sexual disorders associated with the lesbian and gay population are very important to recognize. Unfortunately, they are oftentimes not well understood by many professionals, frequently are overlooked, and not well understood by the general population. Because of the above, this month's column is dedicated to illuminating the more pervasive sexual disorders associated with gay men. Next month, sexual disorders related to lesbians will be addressed.

Impotence is a disorder which prohibits a man from attaining or maintaining an erection until completion of the sexual activity. Albeit a climax is possible without an erection, many men become very distressed when they are unable to obtain the erection. They feel less manly, powerless, bitter, ashamed, and frustrated. They may be too embarrassed to seek professional services and remain unhappy and unfulfilled.

Many men attempt to cure their erectile disorder by applying ointments, using pumps, or resorting to old wives' tales and potions. Because those home remedies provide little hope of success, most men become more helpless, desperate and depressed. After a series of failures, they typically stop trying to obtain a lost erection and withdraw sexually from themselves, their mate or others.

Impotence oftentimes can be corrected, but first it is necessary to determine if the cause is more psychological

or physiological in nature. A urologist can easily assess this issue. If physiological in nature, your doctor may prescribe medication or a series of injections. If this regimen is minimally successful, he may suggest an implant prostheses.

If the etiology of the disorder is psychologically based, psychotherapy often produces good results. The therapist will take a full sex history, and determine how the individual stops himself from achieving an erection. The individual may block his sensuality vis-a-vis guilt, anger, or fear. Concomitant to working through these issues, the therapist may choose to prescribe sensate focus exercises. This program is designed to heighten one's sexual aware-

ness.

Premature ejaculation is a disorder where the individual ejaculates with minimal sexual stimulation. He may climax shortly at penetration or before he

wishes. In this situation, he feels he has no control over this part of his life.

The counterpart to premature ejaculation is inhibited male orgasm. This disorder is characterized by a persistent or recurrent delay or absence of an orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase during sexual activity. This failure to achieve a climax is usually restricted to an inability to reach same while engaging in vaginal or anal sex. However, an orgasm is generally possible with other types of stimulation, such as masturbation.

Some males have Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, that is they are deficient or absent of sexual fantasies and desires relating to sexual activity. Some men may

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have a Hyperactive Sexual Desire Disorder. These individuals seek professional help because they feel that they think about sexual matters too frequently. Other men seek assistance because they have an aversion to and avoidance of all or almost all genital sexual contact with a sexual partner.

Some men find sexual simulation, before, during or after sexual intercourse very painful. Other men have marked feelings of inadequacy concerning their body. Similarly, some men believe they are inadequate as a sexual partner because they feel their penis size is too small or too big. Yet others are dis-

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tressed because they are not pleased with their sexual performance. These men set very high standards of masculinity which they are unable to attain.

If you suffer from one of the above sexual disorders or another not listed, there may be help for you. It is important that you seek professional advice by an individual who specializes in this area. Be congnizant of the fact that many factors may interfere with your sexual experience, e.g. age, religious and ethic background, parental standards, the use of alcohol or other drugs, prescribed medication, or stress and depression, to name a few.

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