Often, misters shy away or restrain from talking about their sexual health with their doctors. However, irrespective of your sexual preference, sexual issues, or health is an aspect that should not be ignored. Multiple partners, unprotected sex, etc. can lead to sexual health problems — hectic lifestyles also make you more susceptible to a range of health conditions.
Your doctor would suggest or recommend methods of treatment and protection in the future. Naturally, you have a few concerns about disclosing your sexual identity to your physician. But remember that whatever you discuss in the chambers would be confidential and protected by law. Have an honest dialogue with them. If you are uncertain about how trustworthy your doctor is, consider switching to another one. Because at the end of the day, these five diseases pose a bigger threat:
Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are the biggest threat to both sexes right now. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that from 2005 to 2014, the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses rose by 6 percent in the gay and bisexual population. Anyone can contract STIs during sexual encounters.
Common STI diseases include:
- Herpes (HSV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
Discuss safe sex practices
Talk about safe sex practices with your doctor. Protective measures like a condom and lubricant are usually recommended. Condoms, in particular, minimize risks of STIs. And believe it or not, many men still don’t know how to put on a condom correctly — and your doctor can help with the same.
Water/silicone-based lubricants help reduce chances of the condom breaking or malfunctioning. You can also discuss sexual positions that are safer.
Many men suffer from emotional, sexual issues. They are not confident of their body image, and this, in turn, leads to engaging in unhealthy behavior. The idea is to talk openly about these issues so that you can come to a solution. Self-image issues include anorexia, bulimia, etc.
Emotional or mental health can ruin your sexual life. Men are more at risk or under pressure of performing in bed. This may cause psychological pressure and lead to non-performance. Also, your sexual identity is yours — the stigma associated with the same can cause havoc. A doctor can help evaluate your mental health and suggest therapeutic measures.
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. also pose health risks. You should moderately consume this for overall improvement in sexual performance. Your doctor would be able to analyze your body’s health based on tests. Dependence on alcohol and drugs, in particular, leads to unsafe health practices.
Avoiding to talk about them can lead to serious sexual issues and diseases. Communicate with your doctor to work out solutions based on trust and reliability.