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It’s not hard to imagine that men can be quite tense at the idea of delving too deeply into the subject of sex.
This is especially true if you’re conversing with someone who’s, by all accounts, a total stranger. Even if they’re specifically trained to handle these topics, it won’t always be easy.
However, it’s still absolutely essential to have the sex talk with your doctor, especially if you’re dealing with symptoms that are adversely controlling the quality of your sex life.
After all, your doctor is the only one who can give you a comprehensive evaluation and help you find potential solutions. You might not like it, but these sex questions need to be asked (and properly answered) if you want to improve your sexual health, for your and your partner’s sake.
Without further ado, let’s break down walls and explore some important urology questions every man should ask their doctor.
1. What’s Causing My Loss of Interest in Sex?
Diminished sexual desire is not something men should take lightly. When you face a sudden, 180-degree disinterest in sexual activity, it’s not always because you’re growing too old to have sex.
Men well past their golden years are still capable of having healthy natural erections and satisfying their partners without external assistance. Conversely, men in their 30s or 40s can sustain erectile issues despite their relatively younger age.
You may be unable to maintain an erection that is appropriate for sexual activity due to underlying medical concerns. That said, these are some potential reasons why you’re dealing with lower libido.
Here are a few possible health conditions that can lead to this undesirable sensation:
- Depression
- Performance anxiety
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
The best way to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis is by contacting a doctor. They’ll have the medical expertise to identify your health problem and give you a proper treatment plan.
2. When Should I Get Tested for STDs?
If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STDs on a regular basis. Depending on the frequency in which you engage in sexual intercourse, as well as the number of partners you have, your doctor may recommend testing every 3 to 6 months.
Testing is not just for your health, it’s also for the health of any potential partners. In addition, getting tested also puts your mind at ease and can help you feel more comfortable about engaging in sexual activity.
Some sexually-transmitted infections remain dormant for months before causing any symptoms. Here are the usual latency periods of common sexually-transmitted infections:
- Chlamydia: 1 to 3 weeks
- Syphilis: 3 weeks to 20 years
- HIV: 2 to 4 weeks
Given this, it’s highly urged to get frequent testing if you’re sexually active. Even if you don’t feel anything at this time, you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of being an asymptomatic carrier.
3. What’s the Significance of a Prostate Exam?
A prostate exam is, in essence, a physical examination of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. It produces seminal fluid, which helps to nourish and transport sperm.
The exam itself is relatively simple. Your doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and feel for any irregularities in the prostate gland. If anything feels abnormal, further testing such as a prostate-specific antigen blood test may be requested.
The reason why a prostate exam is so necessary, especially during one’s older years, is because the prostate gland is susceptible to several issues, chief among them being prostate cancer. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. People with a family history of prostate cancer are at risk.
Regular prostate exams are essential for preventing the further progression of this disease.
4. My Penis Hurts. Is This Normal?
Penis pain can range from mildly annoying to downright excruciating. It can also appear at random times, such as out of the blue, during erections, or only during sex. However, it can be difficult to trace the underlying source of the pain without seeking proper medical attention.
Here are some possible reasons why you’re experiencing penis pain:
- Penis fracture
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Balanitis, an inflammation of the penis glans
- Priapism
- Prostatitis
Regardless of the cause, you shouldn’t leave penis pain and pelvic pain untreated. Many of the conditions listed above are considered medical emergencies.
For instance, a urinary tract infection can bring foreign pathogens out of the urinary system and into your bloodstream.
If you have any of the above conditions, talk with a doctor as soon as possible to treat your medical emergency.
5. Why Am I Leaking and Urinating So Often?
If you are leaky or urinating too often, it could be a sign of an overactive bladder. An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts too often. This can cause urinary incontinence (leakage) and a strong, sudden urge to urinate.
While about 16.5% of the population suffers from various diseases of varying intensities, the good news is that there are treatments available to help control OAB. That said, these treatments are only performed in a clinic with a doctor who’s aware of your condition, so be sure to disclose it.
6. Should I Get Screened for Testosterone Levels?
While we attribute testosterone levels to physical male characteristics like body hair and a muscular body, testosterone is much more than that. This hormone is essential for sexual and reproductive health in men. It also plays a role in essential bodily functions like heart health and bone density.
If your testosterone levels dip below 300 ng/dL, it can also cause a host of health issues, including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue. Many men with low testosterone levels are also asymptomatic, which is why it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting screened.
If you’re experiencing T level-related symptoms or think you might be at risk for low T, your doctor can administer a simple blood test or digital rectal exam to check your results. Then, they can administer testosterone replacement therapy if necessary.
Consult St. Louis’ Leading Men’s Clinic for a Sexual Health Consultation
Asking the right questions to a urologist can turn a forgettable trip to the clinic into a productive one.
While some men may feel shy or embarrassed to talk about their sexual health with a doctor, it’s important to remember that urologists are medical professionals who talk about these things all the time. They’re here to help, not judge.
If you want a confidential, judgement-free conversation about your sexual health, contact the medical professionals at St. Louis’ men’s clinic Paramount Men’s Medical Center.
Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
