Doctor Tra Anh Duy, from Men’s Health, reported a patient experiencing premature ejaculation, with intimacy lasting only 1-2 minutes. Previously, the couple had a harmonious sex life. Since the birth of their first child, the husband felt neglected, not due to a lack of affection, but from the absence of physical intimacy.
"This is a manifestation of premature ejaculation caused by anxiety and lack of emotional connection," Dr. Duy said.
According to Dr. Duy, many cases of male sexual dysfunction don't stem solely from hormonal issues or aging, but from a lack of sexual compatibility, specifically when the wife is passive and unresponsive. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, disinterest, and a decreased desire for intimacy in the husband, potentially resulting in erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or decreased libido.
Recently, Dr. Duy treated a 41-year-old man experiencing a loss of libido, having not been intimate with his wife for 5 months. The patient described his wife as "rather passive" in their intimate life, unwilling to explore new experiences and only engaging out of "obligation," leading to his emotional detachment.
A study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found a significant increase in erectile dysfunction among men whose partners are sexually passive or unresponsive. Behaviors like reluctance to engage, lack of emotional expression, and unresponsiveness during intimacy can make the husband feel rejected or like he is engaging in a one-sided sexual act. This diminishes the feeling of connection, a crucial factor in maintaining long-term sexual health.
Research by McCabe and colleagues in the Journal of Sex Research indicates that maintaining emotional connection and introducing new stimuli in sexual relations are strong predictors of marital satisfaction and prevent sexual dysfunction. In many marriages, intimacy can be neglected or become routine and lacking in excitement after a period of time.
Dr. Duy explains that sexual desire is a combination of physiological and psychological factors. Monotonous sexual interactions and a lack of positive feedback from a partner can cause boredom and frustration. Over time, this can lead to a negative reflex towards sex, resulting in erectile dysfunction or loss of libido. Recent studies also suggest that a partner's silence and avoidance can be perceived by the husband's brain as a form of "latent conflict," triggering defense mechanisms like decreased testosterone production or increased cortisol secretion, negatively impacting sexual function.
Treatment in these cases cannot focus solely on the man. Success depends on improving interaction between partners and promoting understanding of the emotional and physical roles in sexual relations. Treatment plans often include individual and couples counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hormone therapy if necessary, and medication such as PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.
"Rebuilding intimacy between couples is essential, starting with simple acts like evening walks, shared physical activities, discussing daily issues, offering sincere compliments, and, importantly, open communication about sexual desires," Dr. Duy advises.
Le Phuong
