Sexual Health
Male Cancers
Testicular Cancer
Occurs in 3 out of 100,000 males ages 15-19.
- It is the most common cancer in men ages 20-34.
Factors that Increase your Chances of having Testicular Cancer are:
- Cryptorchisdim: When the testicles do not move down into the scrotum before birth
- Congenital Abnormalities: Men born with abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys
- History of testicular cancer: men who have had testicular cancer are at risk of getting cancer on the other testicle
- Family history of testicular cancer: the risk for testicular cancer is greater for men whose brother or father has had the disease
Notice the following symptoms when Checking for Testicular cancer
- A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
- Any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen back or groin
Detection:
- Perform a testicular self exam once per month.
- Ask a health professional for instructions.
- Get to know what your testicles feel like normally, so if there is an abnormal change you will notice sooner. If you do have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Prostate Cancer
- Occurs in 1 in 6 men. Only 1 in 10,000 under age 40 will be diagnosed. Eventually, 1 in 14 for ages 60 to 69 will be diagnosed.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
- Painful or burning urination;
- Difficulty in having an erection;
- Painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen
Recommendations
Diet modification might decrease the chances of developing prostate cancer, reduce the likelihood of having a prostate cancer recurrence, or help slow the progression of the disease.
Tests
The PSA and DRE should be offered annually, beginning at age 50, to men who have at least a 10-year life expectancy. Men at high risk, such as African American men and men with a strong family history of one or more first-degree relatives diagnosed at an early age should begin testing at age 45.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
During a PSA test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm, and the level of PSA is measured.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a DRE, the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities in size, shape, and texture.
Sexual Concerns
Erectile Dysfunction
Definition of ED
ED, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections.
Prevalence
- According to the National Institutes of Health in 2002, an estimated 15 million to 30 million men in the United States experience chronic ED.
- Incidence of the disorder increases with age. Chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s and 15–25% of men by the age of 65.
Causes
- Medicines such as blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and cimetidine can produce ED as a side effect.
- Psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10 to 20 percent of ED cases.
- Other possible causes are cigarette smoking, which affects blood flow in veins and arteries, and hormonal abnormalities, such as not enough testosterone.
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes are the quickest and most effective. Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing exercise may help some men overcome ED.
- Cutting back on drugs with side effects is another solution. If you think a particular drug is causing problems with erection, tell your doctor and ask whether you can try a different type. As a last resort surgery is considered.
Premature Ejaculation
Definition of Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is when a man orgasms during or before intercourse sooner than desired.
Prevalence
PE is the most common sexual problem for men under 40. It is estimated to affect 30%-70% of men.
Causes
PE is a psychological problem. Additionally females biologically take longer to become aroused and orgasm than men.
Treatment
- Stop Start method:During intercourse if the man recognizes that he is about to ejaculate he removes the stimulus for 30 seconds and then continues.
- Squeeze method: If the man feels as if he is about to ejaculate the man gently squeezes the end of the penis for several seconds and not resuming for 30 seconds.
- Masters & Johnson Method: Masturbate and allow yourself to stop before ejaculating. With a partner, receive oral sex and signal your partner before you ejaculate. Repeat until you have an understanding of where your threshold is.
- Pressure point method: before ejaculation have your partner press between the scrotum and anus, this will prevent ejaculation
- Condoms and creams: can help reduce sensitivity.
- Get Your Head in the Game: ED can be caused by performance anxiety. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable. In sports when you’re in the zone you don’t think of technique. Just relax and have fun.
