Avoiding Sex? Most of Your Excuses Are Treatable

According to a CNN report, the three most common reasons men avoid sex are: 1) lack of opportunity; 2) chronic medical conditions; and 3) erectile dysfunction (ED).

Assuming there’s nothing you can do about No. 1, focus on addressing the latter two reasons for avoiding intercourse.

Chronic medical conditions

1. Fear of heart attack or stroke. People with heart disease may avoid sex because they’re worried they’ll have a heart attack. Likewise, those with cerebrovascular conditions worry about having a stroke. But for many patients, there’s a low risk of harm from sex, leading doctors to give you the green light for sex.
2. Chronic pain. Both men and women may avoid sex if they’re experiencing chronic pain. In addition to limiting positions, chronic pain can increase stress and depression. Talk to your doctor about prescriptions and exercises that may help.
3. Diabetes. Diabetes has been linked to sexual decline, especially erectile dysfunction. If it’s too late to prevent diabetes, learn to manage it.
4. Obesity. Being overweight or obese can cause physical limitations in intercourse, as well as low self-confidence. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to lose weight.
5. Medications. Some medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants, can decrease your sex drive. If this is the case, talk to your health provider about changing medications.
6. Addiction. Alcohol and drugs can ruin relationships and cause erectile dysfunction. If you’re not already seeking help for your addiction, do so now.
7. Poor sleep quality—or quantity. If you’re not getting enough sleep, or the sleep you’re getting isn’t of high quality, your sex life will likely feel the effects. Look for ways to get to bed earlier and unwind without technology.

Erectile dysfunction

Of all the reasons men avoid sex, erectile dysfunction may be one of the most treatable.

ED can be defined as difficulty getting an erection or maintaining it.

You can probably come up with your own list of reasons your penis might not function at its peak, with too much alcohol at the forefront.

But underlying health conditions can play a major role in ED. Some of the more common conditions causing impotence include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and weak blood vessels.

Psychological issues—such as depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD—can also cause erectile dysfunction.

The good news is that ED drugs like Cialis work for most men.