Ask An Expert: Mens Sexual Health

Are all erectile dysfunction medications the same and have the same side effects? My husband says they are and that all of them will give you headaches, stomach upset, and blurred vision. I think they are like any other medications — you might have to try a few before you find the right one for you. What do you think?

I have a couple of questions about herpes. Does it show up right away or does it take a while before you know you have it? I had blood test for herpes two years ago with my last pregnancy and it was negative. Now I'm pregnant again and I have a positive reading from the blood test. Would that mean that I was infected with herpes sometime between the two babies? My second question is: How often are the blood test results wrong?

Is the HPV virus always transmitted sexually? I was informed by a health professional that the virus may be spread in other ways, but all the information I have found does not back up that statement. I was recently told I was positive for the virus. I have only been sexually active with my current partner. Does this mean that he must have had other sexual partners, who he caught HPV from?

I'm 45 years old—and a man. But I have overly large breasts. My wife tells me it's because I need to lose weight. I've researched the problem online and read about something called gynecomastia. Is that the cause? What can I do about this? I'm starting to feel embarrassed.

What would cause a lower than normal testosterone level?

I have genital herpes. I rarely have an outbreak — maybe once a year or less, but of course I have no idea when an outbreak will happen. Should I be on Valtrex to prevent transmission of the disease?

Can men be tested for HPV?

What effect does Flomax have on sexual function?

My male partner was diagnosed with gonorrhea, but I have no signs or symptoms. How long can a woman have gonorrhea without knowing it?

Can I safely use Viagra after a heart attack? If I do use Viagra, how can I prevent having to take nitrates?