Sexual Health << Men's Health Home << womenshealth.gov

Sexual Health

Sexual health is a source of concern and worry for many men. Yet, some people are too shy to talk to their doctors about sex. Others wrongly think that sexual problems are a normal part of aging. No matter what your age, talk to your doctor if you have erection problems, less interest in sex, or other problems that keep you or your partner from enjoying sex. Also, talk to your doctor about your risk of sexually transmitted infections and how to lower your risk. Problems with sexual health are medical problems, and your doctor can help. With treatment, many men and their partners are able to resume a normal, satisfying sex life.

Sexual Health was reviewed by:

William D. Steers, MD
Hovey Dabney Professor of Urology
Chair, Department of Urology
University of Virginia Health System

Additional Resources

Publications

Trying to Conceive — Are you and your partner trying to get pregnant? Wondering if you or your partner is infertile? Read on to boost your chances of conception and get help for fertility problems.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/before-you-get-pregnant/trying-to-conceive.cfm...

Age Page: Sexuality in Later Life — This brochure describes the normal physical changes in men and women that come with age. It also discusses the effects of illness, disability, and emotional concerns of sexuality in later life.

http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/sexuality.asp

Testicular Self-examination — This publication describes how to perform a testicular self-examination and why it is important. It explains how the testicles should normally look and feel and reasons to contact your doctor.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003909.htm

Diabetes and Men's Sexual Health (Copyright © ADA) — Diabetes can affect a man’s sex life, causing problems such as erectile dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. This article discusses these conditions and how they are treated.

http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/men-sexual-health.jsp

Healthy Sperm: Improving Your Fertility (Copyright © MFMER) — This publication provides information about male fertility. It provides tips to optimize the quality of your sperm and discusses the semen analysis.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fertility/MC00023/FLUSHCACHE=0&LOCID=&UPDATEAPP=false...

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_male_infertility_000067_1.htm

http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/infertility_overview.pdf

Male Yeast Infection: Can I Get It From My Girlfriend? (Copyright © MFMER) — Did you know that men can get yeast infections? This brief fact sheet explains the signs, symptoms, related conditions, and treatments of yeast infections in men.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-yeast-infection/HO00172/UPDATEAPP=false&FLUSHCACHE=0...

No-Scalpel Vasectomy: Good News for Men Considering Vasectomy (Copyright © Engender Health) — This publication provides information about no-scalpel vasectomies. It also details advantages and risks of the surgery and answers some common questions about what to expect afterwards.

http://www.engenderhealth.org/pubs/family-planning/nsv-illustrated-guide.php

Penis-Enlargement Scams: You're More Normal Than You Think (Copyright © MFMER) — This publication addresses men’s concerns over penis enhancement. It also discusses the different methods of penis enlargement and the risks associated with them.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/penis/MC00026

Semen Analysis Test (Copyright © American Association for Clinical Chemistry) — This publication explains how and when a semen analysis is used, what the results mean, and why it is a good first test when exploring possible causes of infertility in couples.

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/semen/test.html

Sildenafil (Viagra) (Copyright ©AAFP) — This fact sheet gives information about the erectile dysfunction medicine slidenafil (brand name: Viagra). It discusses why and how it is used, possible side effects, and who should not use it.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/reproductive/465.html

Vasectomy Reversal (Copyright © MFMER) — Vasectomy reversal surgery restores fertility in most men. This publication will help you find out what to expect and how to prepare. It also explains the costs, results, and the risks associated with the surgery.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vasectomy/HQ01049

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.