What do I need to know about taking care of my sexual health? (for males)
What is Sexual Health?
Our sexuality is part of our personality. We are all sexual beings, from the moment we?re born until we die. Our sexuality includes our beliefs, attitudes, feelings and actions.
Sexual health involves being able to enjoy the positive aspects of sexual and reproductive behaviour and to make informed choices that fit with your personal values. Sexual health also involves freedom from fear, shame, guilt, difficulties and diseases. Sexual health includes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Gender, age, social class, ethno-cultural background, sexual orientation, disability and values affect your sexual decisions, experiences and your sexual health.
Taking care of your sexual health is an important part of maintaining your health in general. To ensure that you are sexually healthy, you need to have access to confidential, non-judgmental sexual and reproductive information and services to help you make informed sexual decisions throughout your life.
How do I choose a birth control method?
It is important for men who do not wish to get a female partner pregnant to know about available birth control options, emergency contraception and protection from sexually transmitted infections (STDs). Choosing to not have sex, using condoms and having a vasectomy are the only birth control options that are currently available for men. Research is being done to develop other male methods of birth control, including pills and injections. There are many ways that men can be involved in birth control with their partner, including discussing birth control decisions with their partner, sharing the cost of the method and inserting barrier methods. Wearing condoms is an effective way of preventing both pregnancy and STDs.
To use any birth control method effectively, both partners should have a clear understanding of how to use the method properly. For more information about birth control options, talk to a birth control counsellor or a doctor or nurse. You can also contact your local Planned Parenthood.
How can I protect myself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV?
The best way to protect yourself from an STD (also referred to as STI, or Sexually Transmitted Infection) if you are sexually active is to practice safer sex every time and all the time. There are many sexual activity choices, including masturbation, massage, intercourse and oral sex. The risk of contracting an STI depends on the sexual behaviour. People can also choose not to have sexual contact at all as a way of protecting themselves from infections. Two basic rules for safer sex are to avoid exchanging potentially infectious body fluids (including semen, blood, pre-ejaculatory fluid, and vaginal fluids) and to avoid having sex if a partner has a sore on their body.
You can also reduce your risk of acquiring some STDs (such as genital warts) by reducing your number of sexual partners. However, it is possible to get an STD whether you have multiple partners or one partner, if you are not practicing safer sex with your partner(s). If you choose to be in a monogamous relationship (when you and your partner have sex only with each other), be sure to discuss monogamy with your partner. Don?t assume you are in a monogamous relationship.
When should I have a Testicular Exam?
Testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men age 15-35. Examining the testicles can help find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Often there are no early symptoms of testicular cancer. You can start doing testicular self-exams at age 15. It is important to do testicular exams every month in order to detect any problems. The best time to do a testicular exam is after bathing when heat causes the skin of the scrotum to relax. Your family doctor may also do a testicular exam when you go for a check-up. Many family doctors neglect to perform this routine exam when they see male patients, but it is an important exam for you to ask your doctor about.
When should I be tested for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in older men. Once you turn 50, you should be screened for prostate cancer once a year during your regular physical exam. Talk to you doctor to set up the right prostate tests for you.
What else should I know about taking care of my sexual health?
How Do I Find a Health Care Provider?
Find a health care provider that you are comfortable with and who you can talk to. Many communities have sexual health centers, Planned Parenthood offices and teen clinics that provide sexual health information and services. You can also contact your local public health unit for sexual health information and referrals to doctors. You have a right to confidential sexual health services.
Ask your health care provider questions about your sexual health instead of waiting for them to mention sexual health issues to you. Not all health care providers are trained to feel comfortable with sexuality issues. They may be waiting for you to initiate discussions. If you are not comfortable with your doctor or if you do not have a doctor, ask friends and family for the names of doctors they would recommend.