Did you know that around 5% of men 40 or older deal with erectile dysfunction? How about that 1 out of every 9 men will have prostate cancer during their lifetimes? Or that every year, around 10,000 men will receive a diagnosis of testicular cancer?
Men’s sexual health is an important thing to understand. There’s a stigma surrounding men who take the time to understand their health concerns and take care of their bodies, but it’s time to move on from that.
If you’re curious about men’s sexual health, keep reading. We’re breaking down myths and discussing the different risks that men face.
Table of Contents
Prostate Cancer is a Killer
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men. It’s a cancer that shows up in the gland that creates the semen that transports sperm.
It’s a slow-growing cancer that starts in the prostate gland. It sits quietly and doesn’t cause much damage. That is, at least, until it starts to spread.
If you catch prostate cancer early when it still only sits on the gland, there’s a good chance that your treatment could be successful. But if you don’t catch it until it starts to spread and creates other problems, your chances go down.
If you notice that you have trouble urinating or that the stream of your urine isn’t as forceful, you should talk to your doctor about having your gland screened for cancer. The same goes for any blood in your semen, feeling pain or discomfort in your pelvic area or your bones, and erectile dysfunction.
Prostate cancer is a killer, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Get screened as soon as possible.
Testicular Cancer is Treatable
Testicular cancer is a little rarer than other cancers, but it’s still the most common cancer in males between 15 and 35 in America.
The good news about testicular cancer is that it’s treatable, even when the cancer has spread.
If you notice pain, swelling, or lumps in your testicles or the area surrounding, it’s important that you get in to see your doctor right away.
There is no known cause for testicular cancer, but there are a number of risk factors that we’ll discuss here.
One of these risks is having a testicle that doesn’t descend. Men with an undescended testicle seem to have a higher risk even if the testicle was relocated to the scrotum surgically. The same is true for any kind of abnormal testicle development.
The other things to look out for are family history, your age, and your race. White men are more likely to get testicular cancer than any other race.
While there’s no way to prevent testicular cancer, you can always stay up to date with screenings. You can do self-checks and if you have any signs of testicular cancer, you should visit your doctor right away.
Erectile Dysfunction is Normal
Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder that most men experience in their lives at some point. However, it’s also one of the least talked about problems. There’s a lot of shame and stigma that comes along with not being able to perform in bed the way men feel like they should.
If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection, you have erectile dysfunction.
There are many different reasons that you can have this issue. If you have limited blood flow to your penis or you have nerve damage to the area, your penis will have a hard time becoming erect.
But there are also other issues like stress, mental health, and emotions that come into play.
There are many treatments for this, like some stem cell options for erectile dysfunction.
Issues with Sex Could Signify a Medical Problem
Issues with sex could signify a more serious medical issue.
Some of the more common issues that can display as sexual health problems are heart disease and diabetes. Both of these disorders can affect your blood flow, your energy levels, and your physical health.
If you’re having trouble performing in the bedroom, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Even if you think the problem is nothing, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
Your Sex Drive Will Change With Age
While everyone loves the idea of the salt-and-pepper-haired man who gets all the ladies, sometimes that’s not the feasible option for many men. As you age, your sex drive naturally decreases.
If you’re unhappy with this change in your sexual energy, you should examine the kind of diet and lifestyle you lead. Make sure you put the right foods in your body and work out a few days a week.
Then, if all else fails, there are also medications you can take.
For example, hormone replacement therapy for men is a very effective treatment and should definitely be considered as one of the best options.
Vasectomies Are Permanent Birth Control
Many times men leave the birth control planning up to the women in their lives. However, vasectomies are a safe method for eliminating the option of having children.
However, there’s a myth that vasectomies are easily reversed. While it’s true that some vasectomies can get reversed, there’s no guarantee that you will be able to have children once it’s reversed.
Sometimes the scar tissue builds up and makes it impossible for you to create viable sperm.
Men Aren’t Always in the Mood
Last, one of the most important things to discuss about men’s sexual health is that men don’t have to always be in the mood for sex. Society and media tell us that men are always in the mood, always on the prowl for the next sexual conquest.
The truth is that that’s not the case. Sure, there are some men who feel that way, but that doesn’t make you odd for having different sexual appetites.
It’s important, especially in today’s society, that we stress how everyone has different needs and desires and that it doesn’t make you any less or more of a man.
Learn More About Men’s Sexual Health
Men’s sexual health isn’t talked about enough, but it’s time that we tear down the stigma around talking about it and educate men about their bodies. The mental and physical health of the men in our society depends on it.
If you’re interested in learning more about men’s sexual health, check back for more news!
