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Sexual Health

Sexual health refers to the overall well-being and functioning of the male reproductive system, including sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction.

It involves various aspects, such as erectile function, ejaculation, libido, and overall sexual well-being. Maintaining good male sexual health is important for physical, emotional, and relational well-being.

Common Sexual Health Conditions in Males

  • Overview: ED, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
  • Cause: Physical factors (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalance) or psychological factors (such as stress, anxiety, depression).
  • Symptoms: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, reduced sexual desire.
  • Treatment: Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, counselling or therapy, medications (such as phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, and inflatable penile prosthesis implant surgery.
  • Overview: PE is the uncontrollable and rapid ejaculation that occurs with minimal sexual stimulation, leading to dissatisfaction and distress.
  • Cause: Psychological factors (such as performance anxiety, relationship issues) or biological factors (such as abnormal serotonin levels).
  • Symptoms: Ejaculation that consistently occurs within a minute of sexual activity, inability to delay ejaculation.
  • Treatment: Treatment options include behavioural techniques (such as the stop-start or squeeze technique), counselling or therapy, medications (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), lidocaine (local anesthetic) spray, or a combination of approaches.
  • Overview: Hypogonadism is a condition characterised by low testosterone levels, which can affect sexual function, libido, energy levels, and overall well-being.
  • Cause: Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure) or secondary hypogonadism (disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis).
  • Symptoms: Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, decreased muscle mass.
  • Treatment: Testosterone replacement therapy (topical gels, injections, patches), lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying causes if possible.
  • Overview: Peyronie’s disease is the development of fibrous scar tissue in the penis, causing curvature or deformity and often resulting in pain during erections.
  • Cause: The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve genetic factors, trauma, or inflammation.
  • Symptoms: Penile curvature or deformity, pain during erections, erectile dysfunction.
  • Treatment: Treatment options may include medication (such as collagenase injections), topical treatments, traction therapy, or reconstructive surgery in severe cases.
  • Overview: Testicular disorders can affect sexual health, fertility, and overall well-being, such as testicular cancer, testicular torsion, or orchitis.
  • Cause: Varies depending on the specific disorder.
  • Symptoms: Vary depending on the specific disorder, but may include testicular pain, swelling, lumps, or changes in testicular size.
  • Treatment: Treatment options depend on the specific disorder and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other targeted therapies.
  • Overview: STIs are infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • Cause: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens transmitted through sexual activity.
  • Symptoms: Vary depending on the specific STI, but may include genital sores or ulcers, discharge, pain during urination, itching, rash, or flu-like symptoms.
  • Treatment: Treatment options depend on the specific STI and may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, antifungal medications, or other targeted therapies. Prevention through safe sex practices (condom use, regular testing) is crucial.
It is important to note that sexual health conditions can have various causes, and treatment options may differ based on individual circumstances. If you have concerns about your sexual health or experience any symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a qualified sexual health specialist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Dr Richard Savdie

MBBS(Hons), BSc, MS, FRACS

Dr Savdie is a highly-experienced Sydney-based urologist and uro-oncology surgeon specialising in minimally-invasive robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

He consults and operates at multiple leading private and public hospitals around the Eastern Suburbs.

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