Other causes of death grip syndrome

Depression? Not excited enough by your girlfriend? Taking medication?

If you've never heard of it before, Death Grip Syndrome is a sexual health condition where men find it difficult or impossible to reach orgasm during sexual activity. And it's more common than you might think - affecting about 4-8% of men under 65.

But here's the thing: it's not just about difficulty reaching orgasm. Death Grip can spiral into a bunch of secondary issues like performance anxiety, sexual aversion, and erectile problems.

What causes Death Grip Syndrome?

The main culprit? Usually masturbation habits.

Research shows that men who develop Death Grip often fall into specific patterns:

  • Masturbating with too much pressure

  • Using the same technique repeatedly

  • Going without lubrication

  • Doing it too frequently

Over time, these habits can make regular sexual stimulation feel less satisfying. But here's what's interesting - masturbation isn't always the root cause.

The hidden factors behind Death Grip

The psychological factors

Your mental state plays a huge role in sexual function.

  1. Depression isn't just about feeling down - it can significantly impact your sexual response. Many men with depression struggle with orgasm difficulties, creating a frustrating cycle.

  2. Anxiety is another major player. Whether you're stressed about work, relationships, or life in general, that mental tension can make it harder to reach orgasm.

  3. And sometimes, it's as simple as lack of arousal. Yes, you can maintain an erection without being fully excited, but reaching orgasm becomes much more challenging. Many men stop finding their partner exciting, and when they cheat on their partner or go to prostitutes, they easily come…

The physical factors

  1. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a common culprit. These antidepressants are known to cause sexual side effects, including delayed orgasm. Since they're used to treat depression, it can be hard to tell whether the issue is the medication or the depression itself.

  2. Antipsychotics and opioids, for instance, can significantly impact your sexual performance.

  3. Testosterone levels matter more than you'd think. In a study of 206 men with orgasm difficulties, 21% had clinically low testosterone levels.

  4. Nerve damage is another potential factor. Whether it's from:

    • A pinched nerve

    • Prostate or genital surgery

    • Pelvic trauma

Solutions

Sometimes, the fix might be simpler than you think:

  • Switching medications If you're on SSRIs, your doctor might suggest switching to alternatives like bupropion, which tends to have fewer sexual side effects.

  • Hormone treatment: If your hormones are out of whack, your doctor might prescribe:

    • Testosterone supplements for low T-levels

    • Cabergoline for prolactin issues

    • Other hormone-balancing medications

  • If your DGS is caused by depression, you may benefit from CBT psychotherapy

Since Death Grip can occur for numerous reasons, there’s currently no FDA-approved medication designed specifically for DGS.

I advise you to start by changing your masturbation habits. If that's not enough, then seeing your doctor for further diagnosis may be helpful.