Hello Mr XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand your concern. Your symptoms are suggestive of something similar to erectile dysfunction. An erection problem is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for a man to have intercourse. If the condition persists, the medical term is erectile dysfunction.

Causes may be psychological, smoking (which you are doing), alcohol and medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, poor circulation, low testosterone, depression, spinal cord and neurological causes.

Since you are able to have sex (although 1-2 times in 6 months) but have little interest in sex, so most likely it is psychological or can be due to poor libido. It can be due to poor communication with your partner, unrealistic sexual expectations which make sex a task rather than a pleasure, negative feelings about non performance, smoking and alcohol. Smoking is an important cause in your case. Talk to your partner openly about any fears or apprehensions, eat nutritious healthy food, exercise regularly and cut down on smoking and alcohol.

Engage in plenty of foreplay with your partner, talk to her often and watch some erotic movies together so that you develop an interest in having intercourse. From your symptoms, it looks more like psychological rather than a medical cause and a counseling with a sex therapist will surely benefit. Also cut down on the time you spend in front of your computer because overload of work also causes decreased libido.

If the symptoms persist then get your testosterone levels checked. Sometimes low levels of testosterone may cause poor libido and erectile dysfunction. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes can reduce blood flow to the body, including the genitals. Similarly conditions such as thyroid disorders and tumors of the pituitary gland (which controls most hormone production, including sex hormones) can also lower libido. In such a case, a detailed evaluation by a doctor along with investigations like EKG, cardiac stress test, blood sugar levels, thyroid profile and CT head to rule out any pituitary tumors are helpful.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you a good health.

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