Sexual health

Men's Health Contents

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Sexual health

Sometimes sex can be a problem, so this page mentions a few common worries and solutions.

Remember we are ready to listen to any concerns you may have in this area, so don't be embarrassed to come and talk to us.

If you want to know about contraception, see our page on this subject. Male contraceptive methods are available of course, and we can arrange a vasectomy or provide condoms. You and your partner can see us together if you wish, so that a method that suits you both can be chosen.

Erectile difficulties

Most men will have difficulty getting an erection at some time, but for about 10% of men this happens frequently enough to cause a problem.

Common causes are tiredness, stress or worry, and too much alcohol or "recreational" drugs.

Sometimes more serious disease can cause erectile difficulties (ED). If you have this problem don't keep it to yourself, because you need a check, and we may be able to help cure the problem.

Treatments can range from cutting back on the causes of the problem, such as overwork or alcohol, to medical ones such as Viagra. We see a lot of men about this problem, so there is no need to be embarrassed to come and talk about it.

Sexually transmitted diseases

You don't need to have sex with lots of different people to catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Because the symptoms can go unnoticed for years you may have been with your partner for a long time and still be affected by a previous relationship.

Infections can cause your partner to become infertile as well as damaging your health, so it's best to know how to avoid STDs and what to do if you suspect you have one.

If you think you are at risk you and your partner can be checked for free and in complete confidence at a genitourinary medicine clinic. The nearest one is at St John's, see our page on sexual health for opening times.

For more information about STDs and safer sex see the FPA website

Monogamy

Having one sexual partner all your life, providing you are both faithful to each other, and both of you have not been with any one else before, is an ideal way enjoying sex without risking your health.

Read "How to make love to the same person for the rest of your life", by Dagmar O'Connell, or "Hot Monogamy" by Dr Patricia Love and Jo Robinson to find out how to enjoy monogamy!

Visit the BBC's website for Ten Top Sex Tips by Julia Cole, for more ideas on how to improve the physical side of your lifelong relationship.

Safer Sex

Unless you and your partner have never had sex with anyone else there is always a risk. However there are different levels of risk and you and your partner need to decide how much risk is acceptable to you both.

Condoms are available free from the doctors and nurses at the surgery, just ask to see one of us. You don't need to discuss with the receptionist why you are seeing us.

However condoms are not a complete protection against STDs. Read the FPA's section on sexual health to familiarise yourself with the ways in which STDs are spread so that you know how to reduce your risks.

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Men's Health

Sexual Health

Men's Health Contents

Erectile difficulties

Sexually transmitted diseases

Monogamy

Safer Sex

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