Men's sexual and reproductive health
Erection problems, fertility checks and changes in the testicles. These are hard things to talk about, but most have a cause that can be looked into.
Why does talking about this matter?
Many men carry these problems for years without saying anything. Doctors hear these complaints every day, and they are sometimes a sign of another condition that is important for your general health.
Erection problems
This means not being able to get an erection or keep it long enough for sex. It is very common, particularly after 40, and sometimes comes with a lower sex drive.
Most men have had this at times, and the usual causes are stress, tiredness or alcohol. If it keeps happening, it may be linked with:
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Hormone problems
- Side effects of some medicines
What happens at the visit?
The doctor asks about your lifestyle and relationship, takes your blood pressure and examines the genitals. If you also have urinary symptoms, the prostate may be examined. Treatment depends on the cause:
- Medicine, prescribed by a doctor
- A vacuum pump, if medicine is not suitable
- Treating the cause, such as changing a medicine or controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
- Counselling, if the problem relates to anxiety or emotional matters
Losing weight, stopping smoking, daily exercise and reducing stress also help.
Fertility
More than 8 in 10 couples where the woman is under 40 conceive within a year of regular sex without contraception. If that has not happened after a year, start the assessment. If the woman is 36 or older, or you have a history such as cancer treatment or a sexually transmitted infection, come sooner.
In the man’s assessment, the doctor asks about medical history and medicines, examines the testicles and penis, and requests a semen analysis. This test shows the number and movement of the sperm. Smoking, heavy drinking, being overweight and exposure to certain chemicals also affect semen quality.
Changes in the testicles
If you notice a lump, swelling, a change in shape or feel, or one testicle getting bigger than the other, come soon. Pain alone is not usually a sign of testicular cancer, but lumps and swelling need checking. Pain can come from an infection, an injury, a hernia, a cyst or a varicocele (swollen veins in the testicle).
When not to wait
Sudden severe testicle pain, pain with nausea or tummy pain, and pain lasting more than an hour are urgent. The testicle may have twisted. Go to the emergency department at once.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy erection medicine online?
Please do not. Many websites sell fake medicines, and this medicine does not suit everyone. Talk to a doctor before taking it.
Is infertility only about the man or only about the woman?
No. The problem can lie with either partner, and in about a quarter of cases no cause is found. Nobody is to blame, and it is best for both partners to be assessed together.
Is testicle pain always dangerous?
No, it has many causes. But sudden severe pain must be checked in the emergency department at once, because delay can lead to losing the testicle.
To begin: a clear conversation.
Go to the booking page or talk to the support team. Have your test results, scans and list of medicines ready.