Can Performance Problems Mean Heart Trouble?

There is a strong link between erectile dysfunction and heart disease — both may be caused by a similar set of risk factors: obesity, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. All of these ultimately damage the body's blood vessels, which then become less adept at transporting blood throughout the body, including to the penis. A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction had double the risk of heart disease than men without it. Since so few men stick to an annual checkup, performance problems in bed could be an important warning sign that something is wrong.

However, don't panic just yet. Erectile difficulty can often be the result of less immediately threatening factors, too, such as anxiety, stress, and certain medications. Your partner should see his doctor to get to the bottom of it — to benefit both of you. The doctor will likely perform a variety of tests to establish what the problem might be, and he will also recommend practicing a healthier lifestyle. Men who smoke and abuse alcohol are more likely to experience problems in the bedroom, likely because these unhealthy practices negatively impact the circulation to the genitals. You will need to get healthy as a couple, including eating right and exercising daily. By doing so, you will not only enjoy better health, you will also enjoy improved sex!

Early ejaculation is also a common concern. Close to 30 percent of men suffer from early ejaculation (also known as premature ejaculation). Early ejaculation is defined as a lack of voluntary control over ejaculation that negatively impacts sexual enjoyment, along with a man’s relationship and psychological well-being.

Although this is an issue that affects millions of men, early ejaculation can still be very embarrassing and disheartening. Lack of control in the bedroom is very frustrating, and it cuts to the core of a man’s masculinity. He might feel undesirable or even foolish, causing him to shut off from his partner and possibly avoid sex altogether. Sadly, all of this stress and shame only serves to further complicate his performance in the bedroom.

Masturbation is one of the best ways to learn new techniques for orgasm control. While masturbating, practice the stop-and-start method. To do so, allow yourself to reach an excitement level of 7 (on a scale of 1-10). Then, stop. Stay aroused but let your excitement level decrease to around 4 or 5. Then, allow your excitement level to rise back to 7 again. Then, stop! Go back to a level of 4 or 5. Continue climbing up and down this scale of excitement, building up your stamina with each new session.

The more you practice this technique while you are solo, the easier it will be to establish the same control while you are with your partner. While it might be difficult to stop and decrease your excitement when you are so close to ejaculation, it’s a great way to learn how to control your timing. You will begin to learn the warning signs of when you are getting close to the ‘no turning back’ territory, which are signs you will be able to watch out for while you are with your partner as well. Think about it this way: the longer you delay orgasm, the more pleasurable and intense the release will be.

Most importantly, talk to your doctor about any physical changes or concerns you have in the bedroom. Not only will it help you to improve your sexual connection, it will also help you to safeguard your health.