Sexual Healing

Throughout history, certain standards have been burdened upon men

Men don’t cry. Men aren’t weak. Men don’t show emotion… Accompanied with these standards are physical expectations as well. That’s why it may be hard for some men to address certain issues relating to their health, manhood and their performance in the bedroom.

Men’s Clinic Namibia assistant Eclesiaste Gabriel says there’s still much stigma surrounding the issue of male sexual health and care. “A lot of men are not open to discussing such conditions, because by nature, these are conditions that are very sensitive to men,” he says, adding that in most cases men do not even want to be seen close to the clinic for fear of being judged.

The sensitivity regarding the topic runs so deep that clinic workers go around town to various offices to recruit or inform potential patients, however, they are often met with cold shoulders.

Regardless of many ignoring the fact, a man’s most prized possession doesn’t always operate in full swing and there are medical issues that the clinic aims to cure with safe and effective treatment.

Gabriel mentions that the clinic, which opened its doors in 2015, is part of the global umbrella Mens Clinic International and was established for conditions such as weak erections and low sex drive. “There is no other clinic that can assist men.”

He further says that because men are unaware or ashamed of receiving treatment, they turn to the black market (a dangerous path), or seek help outside the country.

“For a man, it has a psychological impact and affects self-esteem. We cater to these men so they don’t feel left out,” he says.

Gabriel ran through some of the issues affecting men, their causes and how treatment works.

Simply put, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection. This is also known as impotency.

While many might think this dilemma only happens to men of a certain age, Gabriel mentions that patients as young as 17 may suffer from the issue. “People think it is synonymous with age, but that’s not really the case.”

“Erectile dysfunction can be a side-effect of other medical conditions, namely diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” he says, adding that when people are diagnosed with these from a young age, erectile dysfunction can occur earlier.

Keeping and maintaining an erection has to do primarily with blood flow to the penis. Gabriel says operations where certain arteries have been damaged can cause blood flow issues.

Psychological reasons such as stress, depression and anxiety may also be a culprit, however only last for the duration of those psychological episodes, Gabriel says, and sufferers will eventually recuperate with the help of a psychologist.

Medical treatment for impotency includes tablets, but these are temporary and are taken before intercourse. Unlike Viagra, these tablets such as Cialis and Dynafil do not cause involuntary actions, but allow the blood to flow freely once aroused. These treatments should not be taken permanently as they can put a strain on the heart, Gabriel warns.

A more permanent and tailor-made treatment would be injections which often last three months, whereafter patients will be cured for good. The only side-effect is the inconvenience, as a direct injection into the penis may cause rashes and discomfort.

Vacuum pumps are a last resort. The vacuum chamber is placed over the unerect penis, and a pump is used to produce an erection through blood flow. Once an adequate erection is produced, a rubber tension band is slipped around the base of the penis to restrict the outflow of blood from the penis, maintaining the erection. The clinic warns that the band should not be kept on for longer than 30 minutes to reduce permanent damage.

Low libido is when you don’t have the urge for sex. You’re not in the mood, and have a loss of sexual desire. While a full-on erection is achievable, an imbalance in hormones takes away the desire to have sex.

Hormonal treatments such as testosterone boosters are used to adjust this chemical balance. Gabriel mentions a cream can also be applied to the forearm after every shower to keep levels balanced and once the treatment is done, results are permanent.

“This is when you release much sooner than you want to, or before you’re done having sexual pleasure,” Gabriel explains. Hypersensitivity is the bad guy in this case. “When the tip of the penis is too sensitive, any slight touch will make you come. So there should be a certain balance.”

The same injectable treatment used for weak erections can be applied to early ejections.

Gabriel mentions that many people believe in oils, however, the clinic doesn’t use these.

He mentioned that a very select few really do need a boost in this department, and it all has to do with pride and deeply rooted perceptions. However, growth is attainable, according to Gabriel.

Launching in February, the clinic will offer male augmentation, which is a semi-surgical operation with a guaranteed increase of 20%. Augmentation uses pumps to enlarge veins and arteries permanently, allowing for more blood flow, along with penile exercises.

“Injections are the much cheaper option and patients undergo three-month-long treatments. Results depend on person to person, and you need to complete the treatment,” he says, adding that a 5% increase is obtainable.

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