Sexual health is a broad term encompassing all services relating to sexual health and wellbeing; having a good and healthy sex life, whatever your gender preference, behaviour or ongoing sexual health concerns. PrEP is available for anyone who is at risk of HIV exposure, and PrEP is available on the PBS. Sexual Health includes the screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and the health of the reproductive organs in terms of reproduction and sexual function. For men the reproductive organs include the testes, epididymis, prostate, urethra and penis, and when consulting a doctor regarding a sexual health issue, we may request tests such as hormone profiles if there is suspected testosterone deficiency. We will probably ask you a series of questions about urinary symptoms to assess your prostate.
For men with an enlarged prostate, there may be a pressure or obstruction on the urinary system which will impact on urinary symptoms and cause hesitancy, dribbling, poor stream, blood in the urine or semen, or getting up several times in the night to pass small amounts of urine (nocturia). Screening for prostatic cancer is an important part of a health screen for men especially over the age of 50 years. There is no accurate blood test to screen for prostate cancer, although a blood test may be useful under certain circumstances, such as in the follow up of men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer. A digital rectal examination ( DRE) may also be part of an assessment of prostate health. Semen analysis is always part of a preliminary work up for couples who are slow or unable to conceive ( subfertility or infertility) .
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common problem, and presents as difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient to enable penetration. It can affect straight or gay men and may be caused by a number of factors. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction or issues with ejaculation ( premature or delayed), please arrange a consult at Gynaecare. Our doctors will take a history and examination and perhaps arrange some blood tests. High cholesterol, smoking, excessive alcohol use are all causes of ED, though psychological factors may play a part. If there is an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes, it is important that the treatment for that condition is optimised. Treatments for ED may include medication, vacuum pumps, injection therapy. Most men respond well to medication, though lifestyle factors should be addressed as part of the management. Pyschosexual counselling can be invaluable for some.