Men’s sexual health is often overlooked in modern society, but it is just as important as women’s health and should be discussed openly without embarrassment.
Men need to understand what these issues are before they become serious medical problems, as they can range from erectile dysfunction to hormone levels to infertility.
The good news is that you can find plenty of resources that can help you protect your sexual health as a man. Whether you are concerned about fertility, STIs, or more general issues like erectile dysfunction, there are steps you can take to stay healthy and informed. Throughout this article, you will learn the most common topics regarding protecting and improving your sexual health. By the end, you should better understand your sexuality and be better prepared to handle any issues that may arise.
Common Sexual Health Concerns For Men
A man’s sexual health is an integral part of his overall well-being, so he should be aware of any issues he may have and address them as soon as possible. Men can suffer from various sexual health issues, including the usual suspects:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low testosterone
- Premature ejaculation
In addition to these commonly known concerns, another pressing issue that often goes unnoticed is the orgasm gap. It is crucial for men to understand and acknowledge the existence of this disparity in sexual pleasure between partners and take steps to bridge the orgasm gap. By recognizing and actively working towards resolving this issue, men can ensure a more fulfilling and equitable sexual experience for both themselves and their partners.
In this section, you will learn about the most common types of sexual health issues and how to manage and treat them.
Circumcision Could Be Sabotaging Your Sexual Pleasure
Circumcision is a practice that often comes with various health benefits. Still, it can also sabotage your sexual pleasure, for example, by reducing penis sensitivity since much of the nerve tissue has been removed. This could affect your ability to reach the climax or even make sex uncomfortable due to decreased pleasurable sensations with intercourse. Those who have been circumcised may be unaware, but if they suffer from some of the aforementioned issues, foreskin restoration could provide the answer to the problems. According to the sexual health resource NORMUK, you could achieve foreskin restoration via non-surgical techniques, ultimately resorting your penis to its original form. Some might choose to undertake this process for purely aesthetic reasons, but most will decide to do so to re-establish their entire bodily integrity, replete with the various sexual health advantages a foreskin offers.
Understanding And Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is one of the less spoken topics in men’s health, but despite the silence, it is more common than people think. Millions of men suffer from it and are eager to find a solution, and the good news is that erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity is referred to as Erectile dysfunction or simply ED and can occur at any age but is more common in older men. Several factors contribute to ED, including:
- Vascular disease
- Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
- Prostate cancer treatments
- Spinal cord and nerve damage
- Medications
- Lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
There are many treatments available for erectile dysfunction, ranging from medications to lifestyle changes. In any case, understanding the cause of your ED can go a long way in helping you address it effectively. If you have an ED, your doctor can help you determine whether it is caused by stress, depression, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. In addition to lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and improving eating habits if necessary, they can prescribe drugs like Viagra or Cialis if necessary, depending on the cause.
Managing Low Testosterone: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options
Low testosterone is estimated to affect millions of men in the U.S. (and many more worldwide). It can cause various symptoms, from infertility problems to muscle loss, low energy levels, and depression. Knowing the signs of low testosterone can help men take the necessary steps for successful treatment. The most common cause of low testosterone in men is age-related decline, which naturally decreases testosterone levels as a man ages. Injuries or infections can also cause low testosterone in the testicles, certain medications, chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity, or genetic disorders. In some cases, the cause may be unclear or unknown and may involve further examination by medical professionals. Nevertheless, there are plenty of treatments available for those who want to boost their levels naturally or via supplementation, including:
- Zinc supplements: Zinc is an essential mineral that helps to regulate the hormones responsible for sexual development and function, including testosterone. Some studies have shown that taking zinc supplements can increase testosterone levels dramatically (albeit based on those related to elite athletes).
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): This involves taking testosterone in a synthetic form, for example, by injection, gel, or patch, to bring testosterone levels back to normal.
- Injections of synthetic testosterone: If a doctor has determined that your testosterone levels are too low, then an injection of synthetic testosterone may be recommended. This type of treatment can boost your testosterone levels, which in turn can help improve sexual function.
- Topical gels or patches: These release hormones gradually throughout the day but should only be used if recommended by a physician.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet is one of the best natural ways you can boost your testosterone levels naturally. Protein sources also play an essential role in male sexual health, so you should aim to get adequate amounts from lean meat, eggs, dairy, and plant-based sources such as lentils and quinoa. In fact, although the now infamous “Liver King” was caught out taking anabolic steroids, he was undoubtedly correct that organ meats like the liver and lungs are full of all the stuff required to get your testosterone back to normal levels.
- Keeping drugs and alcohol to a minimum: Drinking too much alcohol or taking certain medications can significantly impact your testosterone levels and increase the risk of other issues like developing impotence. Alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to absorb and process vitamins and minerals, including critical nutrients that help maintain testosterone levels.
- Regular exercise: Research shows that regular exercise naturally increases your testosterone levels. Strength training (and other anaerobic workouts), in particular, can trigger the body to release growth hormones that directly affect testosterone production.
Dealing with Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual disorder that affects men of all ages and occurs when a man reaches orgasm too quickly during intercourse or even before any type of stimulation has begun. This can lead to embarrassment, frustration, and confusion for both partners. The challenge is that the mere thought of premature ejaculation can lead to heighten anxiety creating knock-on effects including erectile dysfunction, further compounding an already embarrassing situation. If you are experiencing this problem, it is essential to talk to your doctor about it and get the help you need in order to treat it properly. Depending on the individual, treatment options can vary. Still, they may include lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques or counseling, physical treatments such as topical creams or oral medications, or barrier methods such as thicker condoms. After developing a treatment plan, you can enjoy a healthy sex life without feeling ashamed or anxious again. Here are some options that may help:
- It is recommended to masturbate one to two hours before having sex.
- To reduce sensation, use a thick condom.
- By taking a deep breath, you can briefly shut down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic body function that produces ejaculation)
- Distract yourself during sex by thinking about something else (not the best option as you want to enjoy the act, but an approach nonetheless)
Maintaining Good Sexual Health
Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential to maintaining good sexual health and ensuring that you are able to enjoy sex without any difficulties or worries. In order to achieve this, you need to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress levels and take supplements as needed. With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the best ways to improve your sexual health. Access to free STD tests can be a vital resource in this aspect, allowing individuals to take proactive steps in managing their sexual health without financial burden.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Habits A Priority
It goes without saying, and it is reported in almost every men’s health magazine worldwide that living a healthy lifestyle is essential for good sexual health. This means building habits that positively affect physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can help maintain optimal sexual health. Small changes like replacing fast food with homemade meals rich in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates can add up over time. Even sticking to regular sleep patterns can reap considerable rewards in terms of overall health and improving your libido. There are also some ways to naturally boost libido, check out Elm and Rye to know more.
Moreover, taking time each day for relaxation or mindfulness activities, like meditating or stretching, can drastically lower stress levels and ultimately improve your health. One of the more interesting options you can use to improve your libido is practicing yoga which is more than just physical exercise; it can be an effective way to promote sexual health in men and women. Research studies have found evidence that regular yoga practice can promote a better sex life. While it won’t activate a hormonal response, it can make you more flexible and open up your chest, improving your breathing.
When it comes to exercise, most will recommend that you stick to anaerobic activities like weight lifting and resistance training. Although this is sound advice, creating a balanced workout program incorporating cardiovascular and other aerobic exercises is also essential.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/yoga-yogi-men-exercise-sport-2252899/
Participate In Regular Sexual Health Check-Ups
Participating in regular sexual health checkups is essential not only to maintain sexual health but also to discover any underlying medical conditions. Regular checkups can help identify any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on safe sex practices. During a sexual health checkup, the doctor will determine if you are experiencing any symptoms and assess your risk factors. The doctor may also perform tests such as a physical examination, urine tests, and swab tests and may ask questions about your mental health and habits that could affect your physical health, such as whether you use drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, regular checkups allow doctors to provide advice on how to maintain good sexual health through healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Although these things have already been discussed in this article, a doctor can better tailor a plan to your particular circumstances. Early detection of problems can help prevent long-term complications from developing.
Observe Proper Safe Sex Practices
Sexual health requires observing proper safe sex practices, which means using a condom and following general common sense when having multiple partners or engaging in certain types of sex. Otherwise, serious health complications like HIV, gonorrhea, or HPV could occur due to the transmission of bodily fluids. Furthermore, discussing any medical conditions you might have with your partner is vital before engaging in intimate contact. Having an open conversation will help ensure that both parties take the proper precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Knowing When To Seek Medical Help For Sexual Health Concerns
When it comes to matters of sexual health, sometimes situations arise where you may need additional medical help. Understanding your body’s potential issues and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Whether you are experiencing fertility issues or notice changes in penis size/shape, knowing when and how to seek professional help is vital. It may be wise to start by talking to your primary care physician about any potentially concerning signs or symptoms. Here are some examples of what should prompt us to seek medical help:
- Pain during intercourse
- Spontaneous erectile dysfunction
- Unusual discharge from the penis
- Changes in penis size or shape
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Unexplained infertility
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. A doctor can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, they may refer you to a specialist if necessary.
It is essential to stay informed about your sexual health and recognize risk factors in order to remain healthy and happy. Keeping up on your preventive care and educating yourself on what constitutes an unsafe or risky encounter can go a long way in helping protect you from potential emotional and physical harm. Hopefully, this article has provided some insight into your sexual health, but it is always best to speak with your doctor if you think something is amiss.
