Let’s Talk About Men’s Health
February 27, 2025
Although health issues like sexual dysfunction can feel like a difficult topic to broach, it is important for men to talk openly with both their partner and doctor. For starters, men are more likely to die prematurely than women, which in part is due to the fact that men schedule fewer doctor visits. Unfortunately, this masculine tendency can create unnecessary delays in getting important health screenings.
Men are more often reluctant to talk about health issues and this is believed to be due to traditional gender roles as well as societal expectations. Plus, conditions like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation can feel embarrassing. However, many common health conditions can easily be treated if they are identified early. For example, the leading cause of death among men (about 1 in 4) is heart disease.
Where temporary issues with sexual performance are common, reoccurring disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED) can actually be an early indicator of cardiovascular problems. Nearly 350,000 men die of cardiovascular disease every year and the cancer rate among men is higher than for women. Just like ED, deadly heart disease can be caused by a buildup of plague in the arteries that restricts normal blood flow to important organs.
The complex male reproductive system
The male reproductive system plays a crucial role in sexual function and urination. While many parts of the system are external, such as the penis, scrotum, and testicles, there are also important internal components like the vas deferens, prostate and urethra. Interestingly, the penis itself isn’t a muscle; it’s primarily made up of spongy tissue that fills with blood during an erection. The male organ houses the urethra, which acts as a passage for both urine and semen. Additionally, the male reproductive system is responsible for producing, maintaining, and transporting sperm alongside seminal fluid that provides a protective environment for a man’s reproductive cells.
How Sexual Check Ups Improve a Man’s Health
Men in the United States have a life expectancy that is nearly six years shorter than women. According to the official U.S. government website, this disparity is often linked to higher rates of life-threatening conditions and a tendency to skip regular checkups or preventive health screenings. As a result, men face a heightened risk of chronic illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, and other serious diseases.
There are simple and effective ways to address these concerns, especially heart-related issues that can impact overall health and even erectile function. Routine health screenings play a critical role in detecting early warning signs of serious illnesses, such as prostate cancer, and improving recovery with positive outcomes. Additionally, regular checkups for men’s sexual health provide an opportunity to build a strong doctor-patient relationship that encourages proactive health management.
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. It can stem from various causes, including issues affecting blood vessels, neurological disorders, mental health challenges, or physical injuries. If you’re experiencing difficulties with achieving or maintaining an erection, it's important to consult with a men's health provider to explore potential causes and discuss treatment options.
What are the common causes of erectile dysfunction?
ED is the most common sex-related men’s health condition that males report to their doctors, especially as they age and develop other health issues. Unfortunately, most men’s sexual health providers believe that men between the ages of 40 and 70 often fail to seek help for their condition due to embarrassment or a false sense of shame. Nonetheless, there are many possible causes of erectile issues, including conditions that affect a man’s:
Circulatory System – A man’s circulatory system delivers oxygen, hormones, and nutrients to all cells and removes waste products to ensure proper functioning of every organ, including the penis. Heart disease, high or low blood pressure, and strokes are circulatory disorders. Since the penis needs adequate blood flow for an erection, it relies on a critical series of valves that open and close to prevent vascular ED.
Endocrine System – The brain and body rely on hormones that are created and released by the endocrine system to perform many crucial functions. Testosterone is a common sex hormone that helps with desire, sexual performance, and erectile function in men. Although it can naturally decline with age, many older men with low-T do not suffer from low libido and do not have issues with erectile function.
Nervous System – A man’s nervous system includes his brain, spinal cords and nervous system. These components work together to transmit electrical impulses that trigger feeling throughout a man’s body, including his penis. Trauma from major surgery for prostate cancer is a common cause of neurogenic ED, as is trauma from injuries. Diabetic neuropathy is a metabolic cause of ED related to nerve damage.
Lifestyle Choices – Drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, lack of physical activity, and obesity are lifestyle issues that impact a man’s erectile function and overall sexual performance. These lifestyle choices can damage blood vessels and affect blood flow to the penis. In addition, eating highly processed foods, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, and an increase in stress hormone (cortisol) are common ED culprits.
Mental Health System – Common sexual health problems typically have a physical cause, but psychogenic erectile dysfunction can also be the result of psychological issues or side effects caused by medications the man is currently taking. Although it is often falsely assumed to just be a “natural part of aging,” it is also not a sign that a man has lost interest in sex or is no longer attracted to his partner.
The sudden onset of erectile dysfunction can indicate a more serious underlying man’s health condition, such as cardiovascular disorders, hormone imbalances or damaging lifestyle concerns. On the other hand, clinical studies have shown that targeting modifiable risk factors for ED can have a significant effect on improving erectile function, testosterone levels, and overall sexual desire. In addition, relationship issues or performance anxiety can contribute to sudden ED.
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Dr. Earl Eye has practiced medicine in Jacksonville for over four decades. He is board certified in 5 medical specialties, including advanced training in Age-Management medicine. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Florida-Shands Hospital. Currently, Dr. Eye is President and Chief Medical Officer of Cenegenics Elite Health Jacksonville.
If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, consult with a doctor that specializes in men’s health issues. After all, whatever is causing your erectile dysfunction will likely intensify under the pressure of sexual intercourse. The most common cause of ED is poor blood flow, which can be easily treated using GAINSWave’s non-invasive approach of no meds and no surgery. Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Earl Eye and launch your journey to better sexual performance.
