Breaking the Stigma: Why Men Should Prioritize Sexual Health

As a urologist who has specialized in men’s sexual health for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how stigma and embarrassment prevent many men from seeking the care they need. It’s time to break down these barriers and have an open, honest conversation about why prioritizing sexual health is crucial for men’s overall wellbeing.

The Scope of the Problem

Let’s start with some sobering statistics:

• Approximately 30 million men in the U.S. experience erectile dysfunction
• 1 in 3 men will experience premature ejaculation at some point
• Up to 5% of men have low testosterone
• Up to 15% of couples struggle with infertility, with male factors contributing to 50% of cases
• Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, with higher rates in African American men and those with a family history. Cancer of the prostate is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

Yet despite how common and serious these issues are, many men suffer in silence due to embarrassment, lack of awareness, or the misguided belief that sexual problems are just an inevitable part of aging. This stigma is literally killing men – those who avoid regular check-ups miss opportunities for early detection of serious conditions like prostate cancer.

Why Sexual Health Matters

Your sexual health isn’t isolated from the rest of your body. It’s intricately connected to your cardiovascular health, hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity, mental wellbeing, and more. Here’s why it deserves your attention:

1. It’s an indicator of overall health: Erectile dysfunction, for example, can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. ED can manifest years before heart or vascular problems become apparent. Low testosterone can be a sign of underlying medical pathology and increases the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis. 
2. It impacts mental health: Sexual dysfunction is closely linked with depression and anxiety. It’s often a chicken-and-egg scenario – does the dysfunction lead to mental health issues, or vice versa? Regardless, addressing one often improves the other.
3. It affects relationships: Your sexual health doesn’t just impact you – it affects your partner too. Open communication and seeking treatment together can strengthen your relationship.
4. It’s key to fertility: If you’re planning to have children now or in the future, your sexual health plays a crucial role. Many causes of male infertility are treatable if caught early.
5. Quality of life: A satisfying sex life contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction and wellbeing for many men.

Common Issues and When to Seek Help

Let’s demystify some common sexual health concerns:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Rare situational difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is not unusual. But if it’s happening regularly and impacting your sex life, it’s time to talk to a doctor. ED can have physical causes (like cardiovascular issues or diabetes) or psychological ones. We have many effective treatments available, from medication to lifestyle changes.

Premature Ejaculation: If you’re regularly ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like, causing distress, help is available. This can be treated with behavioral techniques, topical medications, or oral medications.

Low Libido: A decrease in sex drive can often be caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, stress, or relationship issues. If it’s persistent and bothersome, don’t hesitate to seek help. Low testosterone is one of the most common causes of low libido and is easily treatable. 

Peyronie’s Disease: This condition, characterized by a curve or deformity in the penis during erection, affects about 1 in 100 men. Early treatment can prevent worsening of symptoms and restore normal sexual function. .

Prostate Health: As men age, the prostate can enlarge (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or develop cancer. Regular screenings are crucial, and should include digital rectal examination and PSA screening..

Testicular Health: Monthly self-exams can help catch testicular cancer early when it’s highly treatable. Any lumps, swelling, or pain should be evaluated promptly. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 to 35. 

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

So why don’t men seek help for these issues more often? In my experience, these are the main barriers:

1. Embarrassment: Many men feel ashamed to discuss sexual problems, even with a doctor. Remember, we’ve heard it all before and are here to help, not judge.
2. Misinformation: There’s a lot of questionable information online about male sexual health. Always consult a medical professional rather than relying on internet diagnoses or unproven treatments. Also keep in mind that the only medical experts in the field of sexual health in men are urologists.
3. Fear: Some men avoid check-ups out of fear of what they might discover. But early detection almost always leads to better outcomes.
4. Misconceptions about treatment: Many men believe the only treatments for sexual dysfunction are medications with side effects. In reality, we have a wide range of treatment options that are well tolerated and effective when prescribed appropriately. .
5. Cultural or religious factors: In some communities, discussing sex is taboo. If you’re not comfortable talking to your regular doctor, seek out a specialist in men’s sexual health who can provide a judgment-free environment.

In our experience, men simply don’t get the time and understanding they need when it comes to sexual health concerns at most medical practices. They are often met by dismissive providers or physicians who don’t have the time or expertise to make them comfortable talking about sexual concerns. These are sensitive topics that deeply impact quality of life and deserve time and attention. We recommend seeing a urologist with an interest in men’s health for these complex issues. 

Taking Action: Prioritizing Your Sexual Health

Here are some steps every man can take to prioritize his sexual health:

1. Schedule regular check-ups: Don’t wait for problems to arise. Regular physicals and age-appropriate screenings can catch issues early.
2. Be honest with your doctor: We can only help if we have all the information. No concern is too embarrassing to discuss.
3. Make lifestyle changes: Exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and quitting smoking can all improve sexual function.
4. Communicate with your partner: Many sexual issues involve both partners. Open, honest communication is key.
5. Educate yourself: Learn about your body and common men’s health issues from reputable sources.
6. Practice safe sex: Use protection and get regular STI screenings if you’re sexually active with multiple partners.
7. Seek help promptly: If you notice any changes or have concerns, don’t wait to get them checked out.

The Future of Men’s Sexual Health

The good news is that we’re making progress. More men are opening up about sexual health, and new treatments are constantly being developed. From advanced diagnostic tools to regenerative therapies, the field of men’s sexual health is evolving rapidly.

Men must also beware of the medical fraud in the sexual health space. There are countless online and brick and mortar sexual health practices out there preying on men. Most of them are not manned by urologists, the only experts in men’s sexual health. 

Remember, taking care of your sexual health isn’t selfish or unmanly – it’s a crucial part of taking care of your overall health. Don’t trust your sexual health to anyone with an MD after their name. Seek out a urologist, preferably one with an interest or fellowship training in andrology.