Men’s Sexual Health

The male reproductive system consists mainly of the penis, testes, scrotum, seminal tract, accessory glands (including the prostate) and semen. Major issues surrounding the health of this system include erectile dysfunction, cancer (testicular and prostate) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

A certain amount of unevenness in sexual desire and / or performance is normal. At some point, almost every man will experience difficulty getting or keeping an erection or will ejaculate sooner than desired. This is often a temporary issue and not cause for concern.

Occasionally, erectile dysfunction is the sign of a more serious problem, such as prostate cancer. A regular prostate exam is an important part of maintaining sexual health for men, particularly men over 50.

Younger men, particularly men in their 20s, are at greater risk for testicular cancer. Conducting a self-exam of the testicles once a month can help detect changes early. Not all changes are the result of cancer, but they should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.

Sexually transmitted diseases range from relatively minor to fatal. Even treatable STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can have serious health effects if left untreated. Genital herpes, while not fatal, cannot be cured and may be passed to a partner at any time, even when symptoms are not active. HIV / AIDS is, of course, fatal, and though advancements in treatment have been made, there is still no cure.

The best way to protect yourself from contracting an STD is to abstain from sex or enter into a long-term, monogamous relationship with someone you know to be uninfected. Barring that, always use a condom (make sure you use it correctly), and get tested often.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. For as many as 30 percent of men, erectile dysfunction is the first sign they have heart disease.
  2. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men, affecting approximately 1 in 6.

  3. Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers; its cure rate is upwards of 90 percent.
  4. While most commonly spread through sexual contact (including oral and anal contact), some STDs can also be transmitted through needles (e.g., for drug use), as well as via childbirth and breastfeeding (if the mother is infected).
  5. Many STDs produce no symptoms, or their symptoms are confused for something else, so periodic testing is a good idea, even if you’re not experiencing anything abnormal.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I at risk for prostate cancer? Age is the single biggest factor, but diet, family history and race are also significant. Your doctor can best assess your personal level of risk and the best methods of prevention.
  2. What might be causing my erectile dysfunction? In some cases, you may already have an idea what the culprit is, particularly if it’s psychological (e.g., stress). However, your doctor can make assessments and run tests in order to provide a more thorough analysis and then provide treatment options. In the case of a physical cause, your doctor is best able to determine the root of the problem.
  3. How can I ensure continuing sexual health? There are a myriad of problems, both minor and major, that may affect your sexual function. Ask your doctor about risks and preventive measures, and get a checkup regularly.

Also Known As: Male sexual health, men sexual dysfunction, men sexual problems

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