Drug Medical Information

MAINTAINING SEXUAL HEALTH: MEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Sexual dysfunction and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases are but two concerns affecting sexual health and wellness. This section speaks to several others.
Men's Sexual Health and Wellness
There are several threats to the sexual health and wellness of men. Among these are cancer of the prostate and testicular cancer. Since these are discussed in detail in chapter 13, only a reminder of the importance of regular medical screening for these cancers and for monthly testicular self-examinations is offered here.
Other common conditions experienced by men are epididymitis and prostatitis. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis at the top of the testicle that causes swelling, pain, and tenderness in the scrotum (usually one side only). It is caused by bacteria (usually Chlamydia trachomatis) that enter through the urethra and travel through the vas deferens to the epididymis. Treatment is with antibiotics and is very effective, although in severe cases surgery may be necessary. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Its symptoms include a thin discharge from the penis, pain in the lower abdomen and scrotum, and pain during ejaculation. In more severe cases there may be fever, chills, and pain when urinating. Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics.
In older men, enlargement of the prostate gland is not uncommon. Sometimes difficulty urinating accompanies this enlargement, and the pressure created on the bladder leads to a sensation of having to urinate frequently. Enlargement of the prostate also increases susceptibility to bladder and prostate infections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary; although with the potential side effects of incontinence or erectile dysfunction (impotence), surgery is only performed when other options are exhausted. Several different drugs are available to treat enlargement of the prostate in an attempt to avoid the need for surgery.
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