We all know how integral sex is to a healthy relationship, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Sexual activity is partly a primal, physical response designed to fulfill our body’s needs, but it also carries some significant psychological weight. As such, an otherwise healthy sex life can be easily affected by other factors, including medication, anxiety, depression and other health issues.

You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of struggle between the sheets, however. Here are three common sexual problems and the steps you can take to solve them.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation affects 40 percent of the male population at some point during their lives. Sometimes, there is a medical explanation (such as Diabetes or prostate gland issues), but more often than not, it comes down to anxiety about sexual performance rather than a physical problem.

Obviously the definition of “premature” varies between couples, but it usually refers to an increased sensitivity leading a man to orgasm sooner than he would like. Typically, this happens after a few minutes of penetration or before penetration occurs.

While there are numbing creams and special condoms you can use to delay ejaculation, there is little evidence to suggest that these are effective long-term solutions. Instead, visit your doctor and ask for advice on the problem. Your doctor may recommend a prescription of SSRI drugs (usually prescribed to treat depression), as these are known to help delay sexual completion. If your doctor suspects the problem is psychological, he or she may recommend counseling or anti-anxiety medications.

Erectile Dysfunction

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence) affects 30 million men in America every year. It’s a common problem, but knowing how many others suffer from this condition doesn’t make it any less destructive to your sex life.

Dealing with ED can severely impact your sex life, whether you’re the one dealing with the issue, or you’re on the receiving end. Despite that it occurs over the world, it can still be crushing to a man’s confidence, which sadly only exacerbates the problem.

Instead of resorting to the many pharmaceutical remedies available, consider a safer alternative. Bathmate has created a collection of hydro pumps that safely and comfortably erect the penis using warm water. By using a penis pump, you will avoid the unwanted side effects of taking medication.

Loss of Libido

Loss of sexual appetite is frequently talked about among women, and pregnancy, childrearing, menstruation, and menopause can all play a part. However, contrary to popular belief, loss of libido also occurs in men.

Performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and nerves about premature ejaculation are directly linked to loss of libido, so if you think one of those issues could be the cause of your flagging sex-drive, it’s important to address the central issue before considering other options.

Physical exercise, engaging your imagination and responding to your fantasies, and talking openly with your partner can all help to raise your libido, but it’s often not a simple fix. If your disinterest in sex is causing problems in your relationship, it’s advisable to consult a sex and relationship counselor to help you get back on track.