What Women Need to Know About PEVR

As men age, they may notice less force and less fluid during ejaculation. Perceived ejaculate volume reduction (PEVR), or weak ejaculation, is subjective and generally noticed only by the man in question. But it's a condition that can have psychological repercussions or possibly point to other health-related issues, such as low testosterone.

PEVR is actually quite common and can be the result of aging. A study done in the Netherlands found the prevalence of ejaculatory dysfunction such as PEVR among men in their 70s was about 10 times greater than among men in their 50s.

Though it may be part of a natural process, that doesn't mean men just have to surrender to eventual PEVR and the potential negative impact on their sex lives. Although it may be difficult for a woman to know that her partner is stressing about PEVR, if she suspects it, she can take steps to address the situation before it becomes a problem.

Consider the ego

Your partner may be sensitive about PEVR because sexual response has a large psychological component, and it's important to be sensitive to his mindset. He may not want to discuss the issue in detail, so approach the subject with caution. If he feels attacked rather than feeling you are concerned, this may lead to increased anxiety in the bedroom that could cause erectile dysfunction (ED).

Help with lifestyle changes

The first step in creating positive change doesn't have to be medical. In fact, many problems can be addressed with lifestyle tweaks such as diet and exercise. If your partner is tipping the scales a bit, suggest that you both experiment with a healthier diet that limits trans fats found in packaged goods and fried foods. Offer to join him in a daily walk or take up weekend cycling to get you both moving more and spending quality time together. If either of you smoke, you should quit because this habit is linked to sexual dysfunction. You might also suggest doing Kegel exercises together, since strengthening the pelvic floor can help improve the force of orgasms. By reshaping your life with your partner, you'll be a part of the problem-solving process.

Suggest the use of dietary supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals may help increase the quality and quantity of sperm and ejaculations. Try adding antioxidants such as selenium, which is found in Brazil nuts and may help sperm motility. Lycopene, a nutrient present in tomatoes, has been shown to increase sperm count and concentration. Other beneficial vitamins include vitamin C, which is abundant in kiwi and citrus fruit, and vitamin E, which is found in nuts and seeds.

Get into a good sleep habit

Getting seven to nine hours of good sleep a night is essential, but it's hard to maintain a healthy schedule if your partner is a night owl. Encourage togetherness at bedtime, especially if both of you are on a similar work schedule.

Encourage a visit to the doctor

PEVR is a self-assessed condition, but that doesn't mean it should be taken lightly. It may be the result of taking medications for an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure or depression. Sometimes, PEVR can signal a more serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or testicular and prostate issues, or can even be a response to cancer treatment. Encourage your partner to visit the doctor and talk openly about his concerns and circumstances to get answers and uncover possible treatment options.

Support and listen, but don't push

There's a fine line between suggesting positive changes and being pushy, and you should explore how you can be supportive rather than invasive. You can ask for specifics and listen to feedback, but resist dispensing advice or giving directives if your partner seems resistant or uncomfortable.

PEVR could be the result of the natural process of aging or it could be a sign of something more serious. In either case, it may be a source of embarrassment for your partner, but by approaching the issue in a supportive and positive way, both of you can get back to a normal, healthy sex life.