Guys often don’t see a doctor unless something is terribly wrong, but they have sexual health issues, too. There are many factors that keep guys from seeking sexual health care. Some have bought into myths, like “real men don’t go to the doctor.” Others don’t have insurance or fear getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Personally, the idea of finding out that I have an STD and having it treated by a doctor I trust is much less scary than the idea of not knowing it and then possibly passing the STD on to a partner. Whatever keeps guys from getting health care, not seeing the doctor means not having regular checkups for good sexual health.
 

Some doctors are working to change how guys think about health care. I interviewed one such doctor, David Bell, M.D., who is the medical director and chief physician at the Young Men’s Clinic at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. We talked about why more guys don’t seek sexual health care and what they can expect when they do.

Sex, Etc.: What have you noticed keeps young men from seeking sexual health care?

Dr. Bell: Guys often don’t know where to go. Sometimes, they’re afraid to hear bad news. Also, some feel strange about undressing in front of a stranger.

Sex, Etc.: Clinics like Planned Parenthood can seem like they’re just for girls and women, but they’re not. Do you feel that clinics are doing enough to accommodate young men?

Dr. Bell: Not enough, but they’re trying harder than they used to. In fact, the Title X federal funding for family planning clinics has really pushed for folks to reach out more effectively to boys and young men. There’s been a lot of success seen when a male educator does outreach to other males. Also, clinics need to create a male-friendly space.

Sex, Etc.: How often should guys see their doctors?

Dr. Bell: For general health, usually every one to two years. For sexual health, it depends on the individual and his behaviors. It’s definitely recommended between relationships. It also depends on the relationship. For example, is the person being monogamous? What safer sex practices is he using with his partners?

Sex, Etc.: What actually happens during the physical exam?

Dr. Bell: For a sexual health appointment at my clinic, guys register and see a health educator or social worker for HIV pretest counseling. If the patient chooses to get tested, a rapid HIV test is done, so by the time he sees the doctor, the results are known and can be discussed.

Then the doctor talks with the patient while the patient is dressed and really encourages openness by asking questions, like, “What are you worried about?” Connecting like this can reduce patient discomfort. Then the exam, which takes about 15 to 25 minutes, happens. Guys should be prepared, however, to spend at least an hour in the clinic.

Sex, Etc.: Do you have to ask for STD testing?

Dr. Bell: At a private doctor, probably yes. At clinics, it’s usually a part of the exam. It’s routine to get a urine sample, so it’s easy to test for a number of STDs.

Sex, Etc.: Please describe some of the most common tests for STDs. Do they hurt?

Dr. Bell: Many tests can be done using urine; otherwise, blood is tested. The only discomfort there involves a pinprick on the thumb. Lots of guys are worried about the swab test [in the urethra], which usually doesn’t need to be done.

Sex, Etc.: What should a guy do if he wants to keep his visit confidential?

Dr. Bell: If a guy is over 18, his appointment is confidential. For those under 18, the laws vary from state to state. You can check when making an appointment. Just know that if a guy is on his parent’s private insurance and uses the card, his parent(s) will know, even if the clinic intended to keep the appointment confidential.

Sex, Etc.: Is there anything else guys should know about seeing the doctor?

Dr. Bell: SPEAK UP! Write questions ahead of time and don’t be afraid to ask them. The doctor can dispel any myths and address your worries.

There are no reasons for guys not to see a doctor for sexual health checkups, especially when they are sexually active. Instead of hiding behind excuses, why not be a real man: go to the doctor and get tested.
 

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