Good sexual health is an important part of our emotional and physical wellbeing, but all too often men brush issues under the carpet, rather than face any discomfort they feel about seeking help. Unfortunately, men are often conditioned to be strong and silent, and they may fear appearing inadequate if they admit to a problem.
However, much of the time, medical intervention can make a huge difference to men’s self-esteem, quality of life, and relationships. Here’s a look at when it might be time to seek help for some common and often easily treatable male sexual health issues.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the medical term for the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience. Most men will have ED from time to time, such as when they are tired, stressed, or have drunk too much alcohol. However, persistent ED that has lasted for a few months or is getting worse over time should not be ignored.
This is because persistent ED can be the sign of an underlying health issue that requires attention. An erection requires a healthy circulation of blood around the body, so ED can be a red flag for vascular issues such as coronary heart disease (CHD). This occurs when the arteries become clogged up with fatty deposits, restricting the supply of blood to the heart.
Other symptoms of CHD include chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, and nausea. It’s very important to visit a doctor for a check up if you have any of these symptoms, because if left untreated it could lead to a potentially fatal heart attack. Other underlying causes of ED include high blood pressure and diabetes.
ED can also have psychological causes, including performance anxiety, relationship problems, stress or depression, previous negative sexual experiences, or feelings of guilt about starting a new relationship following the death of a previous partner.
If any underlying causes of ED are ruled out, Viagra is often the first line of treatment. This is an oral medication that works successfully for the majority of men, and can be bought more cheaply online under the name of sildenafil.
Loss of libido
A sudden drop in sex drive can have a range of causes, and often it’s easy to treat with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both these approaches. It may be the result of low testosterone levels, which may be treatable with hormonal replacement therapy, for example. However, it’s best to consult a doctor in the first instance.
Low libido can also be the result of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or depression; or lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of physical exercise, heavy smoking, or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
It’s normal to experience a certain amount of ebb and flow in your sex drive, particularly in middle or older age. However, if it persists for several months and it is affecting your quality of life, it’s advisable to consult a doctor, who will ask questions about your lifestyle and medical history, and may carry out a few tests.
Certain medications such as some types of antidepressant and high blood pressure medications may cause loss of libido, so it may be possible to switch to a different type.
Urinary problems
Urinary issues such the need to urinate more frequently, weak flow, or discomfort during urination can be a sign of prostate disorders, and it may also impact sexual health. For example, blood in the semen may be a sign of prostate cancer. However, if only urinary problems are present, this could be a sign of a benign enlarged prostate.
Prostate cancer patients have a much better prognosis if the disease is caught in the early stages, and it can prevent it from spreading to other areas of the body and becoming more advanced (a process known as metastasis). Therefore it is important to be aware of the signs, and to overcome any instinct to delay seeking medical help.
In the early stages of slow-growing cancer, doctors may actively monitor the prostate for any signs of change. More advanced prostate cancer may require surgery or chemotherapy. Men may develop sexual problems such as ED as a consequence of prostate cancer treatment, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with a doctor or nurse.
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