Early Diagnosis in Men's Sexual Health Is Also Important for Protecting General Health

Sexual health problems in men can often be neglected due to embarrassment, hesitation, or the belief that complaints will resolve on their own. However, problems such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, and penile curvature can, in some cases, be among the first signs of other health problems as well. Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Berkan Reşorlu points out that early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning in men's sexual health are important for protecting both sexual function and general health.

Men's sexual health stands out as a comprehensive health area influenced jointly by physical, hormonal, psychological, and social factors. Changes occurring in sexual function can affect a person's quality of life and relationship with their partner, and can also be associated with some systemic diseases.

In particular, the fact that erectile problems can be linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders makes it necessary to evaluate sexual health complaints comprehensively. Testosterone deficiency, side effects of certain medications, intense stress, and psychological factors can also negatively affect sexual function.

Urological evaluation performed early can help determine the causes of complaints and plan appropriate treatment options. Viewing sexual health problems as an inevitable consequence of aging, or resorting to different treatment methods without obtaining expert opinion, can lead to delays in diagnosing underlying diseases.

Early diagnosis helps identify underlying diseases

Early diagnosis in men's sexual health aims not only to resolve existing complaints but also to identify the diseases that may cause these problems. Sexual dysfunctions can arise from various causes, such as conditions affecting vascular health, hormonal imbalances, and neurological diseases.

During evaluations of a man experiencing erectile dysfunction, previously undiagnosed diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension can be detected. Similarly, in people with complaints of decreased sexual desire, it may be necessary to investigate testosterone deficiency, thyroid function disorders, or psychological factors.

For this reason, it is important to first identify the underlying causes, rather than trying to control sexual health problems solely with medications targeting the symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of heart and vascular disease

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain sufficient erection for sexual intercourse. This problem, which can be seen in men of different age groups, can be closely related to vascular health.

For an erection to occur in the penis, the blood vessels must provide adequate blood flow and the nervous system must function properly. Impairments in vascular function can negatively affect erection quality.

The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines also state that erectile dysfunction is an important health indicator associated with cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that cardiovascular disease risk be assessed especially in men experiencing erectile dysfunction due to vascular causes.

This does not mean that every man with erectile dysfunction has heart disease. However, newly developing or gradually increasing erectile problems in particular should not be ignored. Early evaluations can examine blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Premature ejaculation can affect quality of life

Premature ejaculation is among the sexual dysfunction problems commonly encountered in men. This problem, characterized by insufficient control over ejaculation and the resulting distress it causes, can be seen in some men from the beginning of their sexual life, while in others it can develop later.

In cases of acquired premature ejaculation, it may be necessary to evaluate erectile dysfunction, certain diseases related to the prostate and urogenital region, thyroid function disorders, and psychological factors.

Failure to treat the problem for a long time can cause some people to avoid sexual intercourse, experience performance anxiety, and develop problems in partner relationships. In treatment planning, the onset time of the problem, its frequency, accompanying diseases, and the person's expectations are taken into account. Behavioral approaches, psychosexual support, and drug treatments can be considered for suitable patients.

Low sexual desire can be related to hormonal problems

Decreased sexual desire in men can develop due to various physical and psychological causes such as daily life stress, sleep problems, depression, relationship problems, and certain medications. In addition, testosterone deficiency can also be associated with symptoms such as low sexual desire, decreased morning erections, and low energy.

However, the presence of a complaint of low sexual desire alone is not sufficient to diagnose testosterone deficiency. When hormonal evaluation is deemed necessary, testosterone measurements must be performed under appropriate conditions, and low results may need to be confirmed with repeat tests.

The European Association of Urology's current sexual and reproductive health guidelines emphasize that the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency should be made by evaluating clinical symptoms and biochemical findings together.

Hormone treatments may not be suitable for every man with a complaint of low sexual desire. It is taken into account that external testosterone use can suppress sperm production, especially in individuals planning to have children. For this reason, it is important that the decision for hormonal treatment be made by a specialist after the necessary tests have been performed.

Early evaluation is important in Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease is defined as a condition characterized by the formation of fibrous plaque in the penile tissue, which can cause penile curvature during erection. In the early stage of the disease, symptoms such as palpable hardness on the penis, pain during erection, and newly developing curvature can be observed.

In some patients, the curvature may increase over time, while in others it may remain at a certain level. A decrease in pain does not mean that the penile curvature has completely corrected itself.

Urological evaluation performed early can help determine whether the disease is in an active or stable phase and help establish an appropriate follow-up plan. Treatment options may include observation depending on the characteristics of the disease, penile traction therapies, injection applications in suitable patients, and surgical methods. Surgical interventions are generally considered in patients whose curvature has become stable and whose sexual functions are significantly affected.

For this reason, newly emerging changes in the shape of the penis or complaints of painful erections should not be neglected.

Sexually transmitted infections can progress without symptoms

Sexually transmitted infections are also an important issue among the problems affecting men's sexual health. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, and HIV can continue for a long time without symptoms in some people.

In particular, chlamydia and gonorrhea infections can cause inflammation in the urinary tract. However, symptoms such as burning during urination, discharge from the tip of the penis, or discomfort in the genital area may not be seen in every infection.

The absence of symptoms does not mean that the infection will not be transmitted to sexual partners. In addition, some infections, when left untreated, can lead to complications affecting reproductive health.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the need for screening for sexually transmitted infections be determined based on the person's risk factors and history of sexual contact. It is important that necessary tests be performed at the appropriate time in men with a history of unprotected sexual contact or whose partner has been diagnosed with an infection.

Thanks to early diagnosis, treatment of infections can be initiated, and when necessary, sexual partners can also be evaluated, reducing the risk of reinfection.

What tests are performed in a men's sexual health examination?

The first stage in evaluating men's sexual health problems consists of a detailed examination of the person's complaints and medical history. The physician evaluates when the sexual function problems began, how often they occur, the medications used, existing chronic diseases, and lifestyle habits.

Physical examination and laboratory tests can be utilized when necessary. In people with erectile dysfunction, blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, and, in suitable patients, testosterone levels can be examined. Additional hormone tests can also be requested if a hormonal disorder is suspected.

Imaging methods such as penile Doppler ultrasonography can be used in some patients. However, these tests do not need to be routinely applied to every patient with erectile dysfunction. In case of suspected sexually transmitted infection, laboratory examinations can be performed using urine, blood, or swab samples taken from appropriate anatomical regions.

The main goal in the diagnostic process is to carry out an evaluation appropriate to the patient's complaints and risk factors while avoiding unnecessary tests.

Unconscious drug use can pose a health risk

One of the problems encountered with complaints related to men's sexual health is the use of medications or different support products without expert evaluation. In particular, taking certain medications used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction together with nitrate-containing heart medications can lead to serious drops in blood pressure.

Sexual performance products sold over the internet with unverified content may contain undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients. This situation can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with heart and vascular disease.

Uncontrolled use of products marketed as testosterone boosters can also affect hormonal balance. Testosterone preparations used without a physician's recommendation can suppress sperm production, causing negative effects on fertility.

For this reason, before starting treatment, existing health problems, medications used, and possible risks need to be evaluated by a specialist.

With which symptoms should one consult a urology specialist?

The occasional experience of sexual health problems in men does not always indicate the presence of a serious disease. However, expert evaluation becomes important if complaints recur, persist for a long time, or negatively affect quality of life.

Complaints such as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, a significant change in ejaculation control, a long-term decrease in sexual desire, penile curvature, and pain during erection should be taken into consideration. In addition, symptoms such as sores, warts, discharge in the genital area, burning during urination, or swelling in the testicles may also require urological evaluation.

Sudden onset of severe testicular pain or an erection lasting longer than four hours are among the conditions requiring emergency medical evaluation.

Healthy lifestyle habits support sexual function

Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking play an important role in protecting men's sexual health. In particular, lifestyle changes aimed at protecting vascular health can contribute to supporting erectile function.

Reducing excess weight, exercising regularly, and keeping chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension under control are important not only for general health but also for sexual function. While smoking can negatively affect vascular function, excessive alcohol consumption can affect both hormonal balance and sexual performance.

Chronic stress, anxiety, and sleep problems can also negatively affect sexual desire and erection quality. For this reason, in protecting sexual health, it is necessary to evaluate not only physical symptoms but also psychological and lifestyle-related factors.

Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment approach stand out

Applying the same method to every patient is not considered appropriate in the treatment of men's sexual health problems. The treatment plan is created taking into account the cause of the complaints, the patient's age, general health status, accompanying diseases, and personal expectations.

In different problems such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, and Peyronie's disease, drug treatments, lifestyle changes, psychosexual support, or, in suitable patients, interventional methods can be considered.

In men's sexual health diseases addressed within the specialty area of Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Berkan Reşorlu, it is important that an accurate diagnosis is made and that treatment is planned according to individual needs.

Ignoring sexual health problems can, in some cases, cause underlying diseases to be noticed late and negatively affect quality of life. For this reason, it is recommended that persistent changes in sexual function not be considered a natural and inevitable consequence of aging, and that expert opinion be sought if complaints persist.

Early diagnosis in men's sexual health supports not only the treatment of existing sexual function problems but also the identification of accompanying health problems such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, hormonal disorders, and infections. Timely medical evaluation, the correct treatment approach, and regular follow-up play an important role in protecting men's sexual function and overall quality of life.