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Sexual Health Care: It's Important for Guys, Too
Originally Published: Feb 24, 2004
Revised: Nov 8, 2010
Far too many of my guy friends have unprotected sex and don’t ever think about going to a doctor or health clinic to get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or learn about contraception. But I want to learn about reproductive health, even before I become sexually active.
Why? There are approximately three million cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people aged 10-19 each year in the United States, according to the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior survey. And I’m scared that I’ll receive a “gift” that never stops giving: an incurable STD, like HIV or herpes. But guys shouldn’t just be concerned about STDs. They contribute to the high rate of teen pregnancy in the U.S., too.
Drawing by Kevin Johnson
Knowledge is the key to STD and pregnancy prevention. And obviously many guys need to be educated about STDs and the importance of using protection during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. To take care of their sexual health, guys should also get examined by a doctor or health care provider who’s comfortable treating young people.
To find out what a sexual health exam is like for guys and why it’s important, I interviewed David L. Bell, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Columbia University’s Young Men’s Clinic, in New York City.
Sex, Etc.: Why is it important for guys to get checked out?
Dr. Bell: Because some STIs—like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV—can be silent infections. This means that a guy may not have any signs or symptoms, but still have an infection that can harm him—and others.
Sex, Etc.: What can a guy expect during a sexual health exam?
Dr. Bell: It depends on why he’s coming for an exam. But usually I ask about his past medical and sexual history, we talk about sexually transmitted infections, and I answer any of his specific questions. If needed, I have him tested for STIs.
I’ll check for hernias and testicular lumps (including testicular cancer). I’ll check the skin in his groin area, including his penis, for rashes and genital warts. I’ll also check his penis for discharge—liquid coming from the penis that’s not normal.
Sex, Etc.: What types of questions should guys ask during a sexual health checkup?
Dr. Bell: During at least one visit, they should ask about:
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the most common STIs in the community and what symptoms they should worry about.
- any concerns about premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or erections.
- side effects of birth control methods that their female partner may be thinking about or already taking. (With the right information, guys can be an influence on whether or not their partner starts or continues a certain birth control method.)
- emergency contraception, which can prevent pregnancy if a female takes it within five days or 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. This is most important, because if a condom breaks, an informed male can help prevent an unintended pregnancy.
- any products that they plan to use for bodybuilding. Sometimes these products affect reproductive health.
- any products that they’re thinking of taking to enhance their sex life in any way. This is especially important, because these products sometimes make misleading claims.
Sex, Etc.: Should a teen guy do a self-examination of his testicles? If so, how?
Dr. Bell: Yes. Here’s how: take your first two fingers and your thumb and roll each testicle through them, looking for any bumps that were not there before. If you find bumps, contact your doctor.
Sex, Etc.: Any final words of wisdom for teen guys about their sexual health?
Dr. Bell: Yes. First, start having sex only when you’re ready and—if you’re ready—have safer sex by using protection.
Second, know that guys, almost as regularly as girls, are pressured to be sexually active or have sex. Although it may be tough to withstand the pressure, it’s better not to give in to outside pressures to have sex.
And third, find someone to talk to about sexual concerns. I see many guys who don’t have anyone they can talk to about things that are bothering them. My message is: find someone you can trust. Sometimes it’s best to get advice from an adult who’s distant from the problem at hand. But, at a minimum, the person can be someone who just listens, which lets a guy organize his thoughts to figure out the best next step.
Editors’ Note: To find a private doctor, ask a parent/guardian or trusted adult to recommend one. Some family planning clinics offer services to guys. To find one, look in the yellow pages under “clinics” or “family planning,” and call to ask if they see male patients.
Some Planned Parenthood Health Centers treat guys, too. To find one near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here.
Do you have a sexual health question? Ask the Experts on our site, and you’ll get a personal and confidential answer by e-mail!
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