No man’s sex life is without the occasional hiccup or glitch. A million different things can directly affect your sexual performance. Stress, anxiety, diet, physical fitness and your overall health can all play a part in common sexual disorders such as impotence and premature ejaculation. Although these conditions commonly happen now and again with most men, experiencing them for yourself can make you feel isolated and alone. Take heart, however, problems in the bedroom is truly the condition which unites everyone.

Sexual Dysfunction – By the Numbers

Men from all over the world have reported problems with erections and early ejaculation. The problem has been documented in medical texts and historical documents dating back for generations. Even the infamous sex guide The Kama Sutra offers special positions and help for men who can’t last as long as they should as well as ways to increase virility.

In terms of numbers, experts estimate that at least 90% of the male population has experienced premature ejaculation at least once in their lives. For many men, the problem is sporadic and doesn’t last long. But according to many experts, it is believed that 1 in 3 American men are dealing with the issue at any given moment. Premature ejaculation is diagnosed when climax is reached in less than a minute or two, though the diagnostic criteria simply says that it can be diagnosed when ejaculation happens “shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it”. Since this can vary from one person to the next, data on condition can vary depending on the criteria used and how the study was conducted. Regardless of the finer details, early ejaculation can be diagnosed and treated directly through a variety of self help methods and many men never seek out professional advice unless they are unable to resolve the issue on their own.

Bringing Sexual Performance to Light

Studies on the sex lives of people have been going on for generations. Previous generations may have been more conservative and prudish in public, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t interested in sex. The Victorians are perhaps the first era people think of when we try to imagine the most sexually repressed society and yet the single most illuminating book about sexual fetish was written during this time. In 1886, Richard Freiherr von Krafft- Ebing wanted to publish his collection of case studies on a variety of sexual fetishes and dysfunctions as a reference guide for doctors, clinicians and judges. He titled his work Psychopathia Sexualis and mentioned in the book’s introduction that he chose the name in order to avoid lay people reading through the 238 case histories included in the book. His efforts were in vain, however, and Psychopathia Sexualis marked the beginning of the public’s insatiable appetite for literature about sex that wasn’t necessarily erotic but was, instead, a way for them to know they were not alone in their own problems.

We’ve come a long way since that landmark but still, many men feel as though a problem in the bedroom is something that should never be discussed openly. A greater appreciations for the importance of a healthy sex life as well as a more liberal approach to sex education has begun to change the tide somewhat. Now, sexual matters are openly discussed on daytime television, in magazines and, of course, just about anywhere online. This has given men dealing with impotence or premature ejaculation the chance to connect with others and get help and advice on measures they can take as well as having support when and if they decide to call on a medical professional for additional help.

Early ejaculation is often cited as the single most common sexual dysfunction that men experience. Its prevalence has finally begun to garner attention from the pop-culture medical community as well as mainstream media, a change which has given millions of men the hope and help they need. Men no longer need to worry they’ll be judged harshly or mocked when they come to ask for advice with resolving the issue on their own. Instead, they are more likely to be met with open arms, understanding ears and a wealth of helpful advice and emotional support making treatment for these conditions more effective and accessible than ever before.