Reproductive health is an integral part of a man’s overall wellness. It contributes to a satisfying, safe sex life and allows men to contribute to family planning decisions. Men experience many common reproductive disorders, many of which can be easily treated. A thorough understanding of potential reproductive health issues can allow men to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The penis is an organ outside the body through which urine and semen exit. Disorders affecting the penis most frequently affect the ability to have sex or urinate normally.
Priapism involves an erection that physically cannot go away. Blood is not draining from the penis during priapism, keeping it erect. Priapism can last four or more hours, is often very painful, and can result in long-term damage to the penis if not treated immediately. It should always be treated immediately as it can indicate more serious issues.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection that can perform sexual intercourse. It’s common in men over 40 and can be due to a lack of blood flow, injury, certain drugs, or emotional states.
Balanitis involves irritation at the head of the penis. It most commonly affects men who have not been circumcised, as the area between the foreskin and the head of the penis is warm and damp, making it easy for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Prostate cancer generates abnormal cell growth in the prostate. The prostate is a small gland that men have that produces seminal fluid. Seminal fluid transports the sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the more common cancers and is usually receptive to treatment if detected early.
A genital ulcer is a slow-to-heal sore that forms on the penis. Ulcers typically form when bacteria or viruses irritate the tissue around the genitals, causing an immune response involving the development of ulcers. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) make a person more susceptible to genital ulcers, and ongoing exposure to bacteria makes it hard to heal from a genital ulcer. They are treatable.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks particular immune system cells until the immune system is no longer strong enough to combat disease. HIV has no cure and can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS occurs once severe immune damage has taken place. HIV can be controlled through medication. HIV can be passed by sexual contact, and men participating in sexual activities with men are at a higher risk. It can also be passed through needle sharing and from mother to child.
The testes, or testicles, are also located outside the body and do the vital work of making hormones and sperm. Disorders affecting the testicles can affect fertility, sexual health, and the ability to urinate comfortably.
Low sperm count means semen contains less sperm than average when ejaculated during sexual intercourse. 15 million sperm per millilitre of sperm is considered normal. This often results in difficulty getting pregnant. Low sperm count can be considered a testicular disorder because the testes produce sperm. However, sperm could be lost during transport or not be optimally made for fertilisation. The cause of low sperm count is often not identified.
Premature ejaculation is common and involves almost always ejaculating within 3 minutes of penetration and being unable to delay ejaculation during sex. Premature ejaculation often interferes with intimacy or one’s ability to enjoy sex. It is treatable.
Painful ejaculation can occur due to prostate disorders, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or even as the result of medications. If one is experiencing pain while ejaculating, see a healthcare provider for treatment.
A loss of libido, or decrease in sex drive, is expected in men as they age. Levels of hormones like testosterone that regulate sex drive also begin to decrease with age. It’s important to understand that there is no “perfect” sex drive. How often an individual feels like having sex is influenced by social, environmental, and genetic factors.
However, a drop in sex drive is often perceived as shameful. If one is experiencing a decreased sex drive and stress associated with that change, they should consider seeing a primary care doctor. There are options for increasing sex drive and learning to cope with the new normal.
Urethral discharge is fluid that comes out of the penis that is not semen or urine. It can be caused by an STD, but there are other causes of urethral discharge, too. These include a urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate inflammation, and balanitis.
An STD is a disease spread through sex, whether vaginal, anal, or oral. STDs can be caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria. Bacterial and parasitic STDs can be treated with medication. Viral STDs cannot be cured but can be effectively treated using medication.
While condoms do not completely negate the risk of contracting an STD, they can help decrease risk. It’s important to tell any sexual partners if you find out you have an STD.