Embarrassing Sexual Health Topics

Embarrassing Questions

Taking Viagra when you don't need it

"You can't have more than 100 percent erection, and you can't use these drugs to make a superman out of a normal man," says Dr. Ira Sharlip, spokesman for the American Urological Association and clinical professor of urology at the University of California, San Francisco.

While you shouldn't pop the blue pill if you don't need it, you won't make yourself more prone to erectile dysfunction in the future, and the only risks you'll face are normal side effects, which include headache, facial flushing, stuffy nose, muscle aches and indigestion. However, if you combine Viagra with other drugs, such as cocaine, you can up your risk of priapism, which is a prolonged and painful erection that can last from several hours up to a few days, says Dr. Anthony Smith, spokesman for the American Urological Association and professor and chief for the Division of Urology for the University of New Mexico.

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Jock itch

Classic jock itch isn't serious and is caused by a fungus called tinea cruris, which can affect moist areas on the body. "If it itches, it's not commonly something else," says Smith. For the most part, jock itch can be cured by over the counter anti-fungal creams and powder, but if it persists you can ask your doctor for a prescription. To prevent it, make sure to keep the area clean and very dry, especially after working out.

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The zipper trap

Accidentally catching the penis in a zipper maybe extremely painful, but you don't need to worry about permanent damage. "There have been times where we've had to take a snip of skin to get it out," says Smith. "But I've never seen anybody cause bad damage," he says. He suggests oiling up the zipper to try to get the skin out. Otherwise, you may need to disassemble it or go to the emergency room to get some professional help.

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Circumcision

The merits of circumcision run the gamut from religious reasons to aesthetics, but is there a medical reason why men should or should not be circumcised? For the most part, the answer is no. A man with an uncircumcised penis may be more prone to a rare form of penile cancer and a slightly higher risk of urinary tract infection. However, because the United States has a record of good hygiene practices, these risks are generally low compared to non-industrialized nations. "In Sub-Saharan Africa, circumcision reduces the risk of transmission from HIV positive women to HIV negative men by 60 percent," says Sharlip. This high-risk of transmission is due to a thin inner layer of foreskin that contains HIV target cells and is prone to lacerations and abrasion during sex, he says. "By removing the vulnerable skin, you reduce the risk of transmission. Other than that, I don't know of any health advantages of being circumcised."

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Penis fracture

Yes, it is possible to fracture your penis. But don't worry, it's not permanent. During sex, if the penis bumps against a hard part of the woman's body, such as the pelvic bone, the force can be transferred down to the penis and lacerate the tissue that fills with blood to create the erection, says Sharlip. "It's the equivalent of a finger jam. It's a penis jam," he says. A penis fracture is usually accompanied by an audible pop and immediate pain and swelling. "If it's left unattended it can lead to curvature of the penis," says Smith. In addition, the crack can also rupture into the urethra and affect urination. Surgery is required to sew up the laceration and prevent blood from pooling in the penis and creating a deformity. The surgery is noninvasive and patients can usually go home the next day. It can take a few weeks for the bruising and swelling to subside, and you need to wait six to eight weeks before having sex.

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Vasectomy

When it comes to getting a vasectomy, men usually have two questions: Does it hurt, and will it affect sex? No, and no, says Irwin Goldstein, M.D., director of San Diego Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego. It's a basic outpatient procedure, and doesn't change the feel of sex or lessen a man's libido. It is a big decision, but it's also a great way for a man to assume responsibility for contraception. "A vasectomy can be the greatest gift you can give your partner," Goldstein says.

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Testicle pain

If you have a sudden onset of pain, you may have an infection or one of your testicles may be twisted. A bell clapper deformity is a congenital defect related to an abnormal attachment of the testicle in the scrotum. "The testicle twists on a veil of tissue that allows the testicle to spin and winds up cutting off blood supply," says Smith, adding that it's extremely painful. Another big concern if you experience testicle pain is testicular cancer. While it's rare, it's important to not brush off any pain you experience and follow up with your doctor.

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Erectile dysfunction

The persistent or consistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection is certainly a difficult topic to broach. Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are often told by their doctors that the problem is completely psychological, Goldstein says. "That's a myth," he says. ED can also be caused by hormone and neurological disorders and commonly prescribed drugs, such as antidepressants. "ED can also be an early warning sign of vascular disease," he says. A decrease in blood flow will affect the penis first -- and eventually, the heart. If you've been having trouble with erections, it's time to see the doctor for a full medical workup.

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Testicular cancer

Cancer is a terrifying topic, but taking a proactive approach can sometimes lessen the fear. The good news is that testicular cancer accounts for just 1 percent of all cancers in men. "And if it's caught early, we can cure it 99 percent of the time," Goldstein says. Unlike other cancers, testicular cancer affects young men (ages 20 to 39) more often. The cancer replaces the sperm-making cells, and causes lumps and pain, so the best way to screen for it is to feel both testes every time you shower, then alert your doctor immediately if you note any changes.

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Prostate cancer

As if the idea of cancer weren't terrifying enough, fear of the screening exam can keep concerned men away. If you think you can just wait to get checked when you have symptoms (which include trouble urinating), it's important to know that often there are no symptoms with this illness. If you have a first-degree relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer, start getting screened for the disease at the age of 40; otherwise, screenings are recommended at age 50. Your doctor will order a blood test called a PSA, as well as examine your prostate, which involves the doctor inserting his finger into the rectum. It's generally quick and usually only causes slight discomfort.

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