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Men's Health
Jock itch
Prostatitis
Male self-examinations
Male problems with sexual functioning
This section is noticeably shorter than the one on Women’s Health Issues. Part of this is due to anatomy. Men are less likely to have genital infections than are women, but there are still some general health problems common to men. Many can be treated easily, but if untreated can sometimes be dangerous.
Men may also carry sexually transmitted diseases that have no noticeable symptoms. It is extremely important to get a doctor’s opinion if there is any indication an infection may be present. Left untreated, such diseases may cause permanent damage and be transmitted to sexual partners.
Jock Itch is an infection of the groin by the fungus which causes athlete's foot. The fungus is more likely to grow in conditions of increased heat and humidity common among male athletes who wear jock-straps. However, this condition is not limited to male athletes; women can also be infected. Some of the symptoms are burning, itching, and red, scaly lesions. Treatment involves the applications of such medicines such as Micatin, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin, or Tinactin until the rash clears; the infection may reoccur if the medication is not applied long enough. In addition, the groin area should be kept dry and clean and absorbent cotton underwear should be worn.
Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate, the organ between the bladder and the penis through which urine passes and the source of fluid found in semen. Prostatitis may result from a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease and is treatable by a course of antibiotics. The symptoms of Prostatitis include burning, discharge, fever, chills, and difficulty urinating.
Testicular Self-Examination
Just as women should perform monthly breast self-examination (BSE), men should perform a testicular self-examination (TSE) on a monthly basis. The idea is to become so familiar with the body that even subtle changes will be noticed. TSE is performed in order to identify a number of conditions, primarily cancer. Cancer of the testes is one of the most common cancers in men 15 to 34 years of age. If discovered in its early stages, treatment can be quite effective. The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a slight enlargement of one of the testes, and a change in their consistency. There may be no pain or there may be a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin.
The best hope for early detection is a simple 3 minute self-exam. The best time is after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is most relaxed. Roll each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands. If you find any lumps or nodules, you should see the doctor promptly.
Genital Self-Examination
It is also a good idea to perform regular genital self-examinations. To do this, look at the entire penis, beginning with the head and progressing down the shaft to the base. Try to notice any of the following:
- Bumps and blisters which may be reddish or flesh-colored. Some may look more like pimples.
- Open sores.
- Warts which may be similar in appearance to warts on other parts of your body, and may be difficult to detect.
Continue by spreading the pubic hair to check the skin underneath, and then check the underside of the penis. It is sometimes difficult to see this part clearly, so it may help to use a mirror. Then check the scrotum for the same symptoms. Other symptoms of STDs include burning during urination or unusual drip or discharge from the penis.
Problems with Male Sexual Functioning
In our society, men are often expected to be all-knowledgeable about sexual functioning as well as omnipotent. Because of this, it may be difficult for men to ask questions or raise concerns about this area. Men tend to worry a great deal about "size" and "performance." Potency refers to the ability to achieve and maintain an erection and to ejaculate semen. Potency has nothing to do with the size of a man’s penis or testicles--nor does size have anything to do with sexual performance. Though penis size varies greatly in the non-erect (flaccid) state, the variation is much less among erect organs.
Impotence
Men sometimes experience situations in which they expect to have an erection but don't. This temporary form of impotence is usually associated with fatigue, nervousness, or large amounts of alcohol and/or other drugs. In young men, the problem is often performance anxiety--if you worry too much about not having an erection, you probably won't. Nocturnal erections are usually an indication that there is not a physical cause for the impotence. The man may find that talking with his partner about his anxiety helps to improve the situation. If the condition occurs frequently, he may want to see a physician to rule out a medical problem.
Unintended Ejaculation
Unintended or premature ejaculation simply refers to the experience of ejaculating without wanting to. In heterosexual intercourse, men become sexually excited and reach orgasm faster than women. This can be the source of much misunderstanding between partners. Often, and especially with new partners, a man may ejaculate "too soon," often before the other person has had an opportunity to begin to reach orgasm. If sexual activity stops at that point, it is best for the man to be up front about the problem with his partner. Trying to deny its existence or becoming embarrassed will only lead to a misunderstanding and may contribute to a recurrence of the problem. On the other hand, talking about it often leads to a solution, possibly based on a change in technique. Furthermore, solving the problem together should increase intimacy. If unintended ejaculation continues, partners can easily be taught techniques to improve ejaculatory control.
Blue Balls
Prolonged sexual excitement without ejaculation can sometimes cause a cramping feeling in the testicles and/or urinary tract, commonly known as "blue balls." One of the oldest lines men have used with their partners after heavy or prolonged foreplay suggests that since the partner has "caused" this excitement that it is important to have intercourse or the man will be physically damaged. Although blue balls are often quite painful in the short-term, that is the sum total of their effect. The feeling will dissipate by itself in a short time. Masturbation is also successful in relieving these cramps and reducing the discomfort.