A Guy’s Guide to Sexual Health – What Every Man Should Know

It’s not that men aren’t concerned about sexual health. In a 2023 survey, the Cleveland Clinic reported:

• 44%worry about erectile dysfunction.
• 39% worry about loss of sex drive.
• 36% worry about low testosterone.

Overall, while 37% reported issues, only two in five sought professional help. So, let’s have a frank discussion about common sexual health concerns in men. MidLantic Urology docs are here to help.

Dr. Laurence Belkoff – Talks About ED

An inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to have sex, is considered ED. It can happen at any age, says Dr. Laurence Belkoff. There are men in their 40s and 50s who experience ED and men in their 70s, 80s, and 90s with great sex lives.

ED has a wide range of causes, from vascular issues and nervous system issues to hormone or psychological issues. Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking all increase risk. Many medications that treat these conditions have side effects that contribute to ED. Bottom line: ED is a complex, common medical condition and not one to treat lightly or feel self-conscious about.

It’s a myth that taking testosterone supplements will cure ED, says Dr. Belkoff. Taking supplements with a normal testosterone level will not result in better erections and may cause side effects if not taken appropriately.

Treatment options include low-intensity shock wave lithotripsy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. There are also new oral therapies in clinical trials. “ED is very treatable,” Dr. Belkoff explains. “It all comes down to which treatment is right for your lifestyle. Our doctors can help you determine that.”

Dr. Richard Harkaway – Talks About Low-T

If you have Low-T, your body is not making enough testosterone, the primary male sex hormone that regulates fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red blood cell production, explains Dr. Richard Harkaway.

Symptoms include reduced sex drive, reduced erectile function, loss of body hair (including facial hair), loss of lean muscle mass, feeling tired all the time, obesity, and symptoms of depression. Data suggests that about 2 in every 100 men may have clinically Low-T. “It’s more common in men over the age of 80, who have diabetes, or who are overweight, says Dr. Harkaway. “Don’t just assume you have Low-T and start popping pills. Talk to your doctor.”

Low-T is not a normal part of aging. If you have clinically Low-T, it is essential to treat it. Testosterone affects sexual health, and bone, cardiac, mental, and psychological health. “Anyone whose testosterone is in the low-normal range may also benefit from treatment, but a physician should manage it,” says Dr. Harkaway. Among the newest treatments are Bio T Pellets because they quickly get testosterone into the normal and high normal range for men. 

Dr. Joceline Fuchs – Talks About Peyronie’s Disease (curvature of the penis)

Peyronie’s disease occurs when a scar forms in the lining of the penis resulting in curvature, loss of penile strength, indentation, or pain. During the first 12 months of developing Peyronie’s disease, you may experience pain with erections, curvature of the penis, penile shortening, an abnormal shape to the penis, or a lump in the penis.

“Many men are worried that Peyronie’s disease will cause issues with getting and maintaining erections,” says Dr. Joceline Fuchs. While there is some association between penile plaque and restriction of blood flow in the penis, this is not always the case.

The condition is rare, and most common in men over the age of 40. About 6-10% of men have Peyronie’s disease. Treatment options include introducing injectable collagenase into penile plaques. “This has dramatically broadened the options for safe and effective office-based treatment of Peyronie’s,” says Dr. Fuchs. Surgery remains highly effective at correcting the curvature for more severe or bidirectional (S-shaped) curvatures.

Help is available

Sexual health affects your quality of life and mental health. A urologist can provide many options for managing and/or treating common conditions. If you’re experiencing any issues, it’s time to consider seeking help from a physician at MidLantic Urology.