Male Sexual Health Center

Sexual health is one of the factors that support physical and mental well-being. A sustainable sexual life for men is crucial in preventing all emotional, mental, and physical disorders that may be associated with it.

Disruptions in sexual health, in addition to affecting men’s physical health, can reduce their quality of life, decrease their self-esteem, hinder partner communication, and naturally form the basis of their social problems.

Therefore, it is very important that any sexual disorder is not overlooked and can be treated by specialist physicians as quickly and permanently as possible. Male Sexual Health Center is of greater importance in this regard and aims for the happiness of couples with the services it provides.

Male Sexual Health Center

What Issues Does the Male Sexual Health Center Address?

The sexual health center is a unit responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of common urogenital problems in men, primarily sexual dysfunctions.

All disorders related to reproductive organs (penis, testicles, prostate, etc.) and organs such as the urinary tract, kidneys, ureters, bladder, scrotum, urethra, and prostate gland can be evaluated at this medical center. Accordingly, the treatment of all urogenital disorders and physical or psychological sexual function problems can be performed by specialist physicians at the sexual health center.

What Should Come to Mind When Male Sexual Health Is Mentioned?

When male sexual health is mentioned, healthy sexuality, pleasure, and physical integrity should first come to mind. In addition, the proper functioning of the reproductive systems is also an indicator of male sexual health.

With the traditional examination of fertility and sexual health issues also from the male perspective, effective treatments for many sexual problems have begun to be implemented today. Men’s lifestyles, dietary habits, and general body health are also determining factors here.

The male genital organs (penis, testicles) being anatomically in normal position and size, being functionally active, and the psychological formation of sexual arousal in men constitute the definition of male sexual health.

On one hand, complete physiological and physiopathological sexual integrity is achieved, while on the other hand, the focus is on achieving complete psychological satisfaction, fulfillment, and pleasure from sexuality.

What Is Urology?

Urology is a medical discipline that primarily deals with conditions concerning the urinary tract of both adult men and women as well as children, and diseases affecting the reproductive system. A urology specialist is a doctor who is specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary system diseases.

Accordingly, the bladder, kidneys, ureters (the urinary canal between the kidney and bladder), and urethra (the urinary canal extending from the bladder to the point where urine exits the body) are body parts within the specialization area of a urology specialist. Urologists also treat conditions involving the reproductive organs and adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys.

Urology physicians in addition to the aforementioned medical skills, also specializes in diseases affecting male sexuality and reproductive health (Andrology). Accordingly, a urologist deals with urinary tract infections, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, chronic kidney diseases, urinary tract obstructions, acute kidney failure and similar problems in both men and women, while also specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases in men only, including the following rol sahibidir:

What Are the Sexual Dysfunctions Seen in Men?

Sexual dysfunctions that can occur at any age in men are more frequently seen at advanced ages. Accordingly, disorders that negatively affect male sexual health include;

These problems can be treated after identifying the underlying main cause. On the other hand, conditions leading to sexual dysfunction in men are evaluated in 2 groups as psychological and physiological:

  • Physiological causes: Low testosterone levels, use of antidepressants and similar medications, structural disorders of the penis, penile curvatures, Peyronie’s disease, vascular disorders of the penis, diabetes or heart diseases, smoking and alcohol use, atherosclerosis, surgery-related nerve damage, and similar conditions.
  • Psychological causes: Relationship problems, depression, past traumas and anxiety, intense work-related stress, depression or feelings of guilt, and similar conditions.

How Are Male Sexual Dysfunctions Diagnosed?

The main symptoms in male sexual dysfunctions include problems in the processes of having children, engaging in sexual intercourse, and maintaining sexual intercourse. Here, there are certain conditions that prevent the person and their partner from having a healthy sexual life. These disturb the person psychologically and/or physiologically.

At the diagnostic stage, the sexual history taken and detailed examination performed by a urologist are of great importance. Additionally, some blood tests may be used to understand hormonal status and certain imaging methods may be used to evaluate sexual functions.

Additionally diagnostic methods, sperm test (semen analizi, spermiogram, semen analysis) and urine tests. The most commonly used imaging methods are penile color Doppler ultrasonografi and transrektal ultrasondur.

Erectile Dysfunction and Treatment Methods

Erectile dysfunction or otherwise known as erectile dysfunction, can be described as the problem of being unable to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for healthy sexual activity. Not every man who experiences erectile dysfunction at some point in their life should be evaluated in this group is not accurate.

The fundamental criterion for diagnosing erectile dysfunction is that the problem has been progressively continuing for a long time and the person’s sexual life is completely negatively affected. This problem can arise from psychological origins as well as being associated with diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity.

Finding the underlying main cause of the erectile problem is very important for determining the treatment.

After completing the diagnostic process, oral medications are first tried for physically based erectile problems. Other treatment methods used in this process are as follows:

  • Vacuum devices: With these erection-assisting devices operated manually or with battery support, a vacuum effect can be created to draw blood into the penis.
  • Penile injections: In this method, which is especially recommended for patients who are not inclined toward surgical treatment and do not have very frequent sexual intercourse, medication is injected into specific areas of the penis to achieve erection before intercourse.
  • ESWT shockwave therapy: In this treatment, shockwaves are used to support new vessel formation at different points of the penis and to resolve erectile dysfunction. The technique helps patients with erectile dysfunction regain their previous performance by stimulating vessels at low intensity, providing a continuous and permanent increase in blood flow to the penis.
  • Penile prosthesis: This treatment method, known as the happiness rod, is recommended as a last resort when all other methods have failed. Penile prostheses also provide the most definitive and permanent solution for erection.

What Is the Difference Between Peyronie’s Disease and Penile Curvature?

Penile curvature is a definition that includes 2 different conditions: congenital penile curvature (congenital penile curvature) and Peyronie’s disease. Accordingly, congenital penile curvature is a condition where the shaft is bent or curved due to abnormal development of both sides of the erectile chambers.

This abnormality begins in the early stages of childhood. It is typically noticed by the patient when the first erection occurs during puberty. Unlike Peyronie’s disease, scar tissue is not present in men with congenital penile curvature.

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes severe bending of the penis to one side due to many different causes, primarily trauma to the penis. This subsequently occurring curvature is also accompanied by calcium deposits that form within the penis over time. These accumulated hardnesses are called plaques.

Accordingly, Peyronie’s disease can be distinguished by the presence of non-cancerous fibrous scar or plaque tissue growing in the connective tissue called the tunica albuginea or in the elastic membrane of the penis.

How Is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed and Treated?

The fundamental factor in diagnosing Peyronie’s disease is physical examination. Additionally, imaging tests such as penile Doppler ultrasound may be used to support initial findings. This test is very important for detecting the location of calcium plaques and monitoring existing blood flow.

A personalized treatment method is applied with the planning done after diagnosis. Accordingly, it would be incorrect to say that there is a one-size-fits-all treatment for Peyronie’s disease.

During the treatment process, various medications, traction methods, injections, and most commonly surgical interventions are utilized. In cases where Peyronie’s disease causes severe penile curvature and leads to erectile dysfunction that does not respond to medication treatment, in addition to the current treatment, penile prosthesis procedure can be performed.

What Are Ejaculatory Dysfunctions?

Ejaculatory dysfunctions are fundamentally a set of problems related to a man’s inability to expel his semen correctly and at the right time. These problems, like erectile dysfunction, are among the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and are also a common cause of male infertility. It is possible to evaluate ejaculatory dysfunctions in 6 groups. Accordingly;

  • Premature ejaculation: Although the exact cause is not known, it is the problem of semen being expelled earlier than desired due to both psychological and biological factors.
  • Delayed ejaculation: This is a condition where men need excessively prolonged sexual stimulation to experience peak sexual pleasure and for semen to be released from the penis. In this problem, male ejaculation may be delayed or sometimes may not occur at all.
  • Retrograde ejaculation: Also known as dry ejaculation, in this condition, the bladder neck cannot properly constrict the muscle at the bladder entrance, and therefore semen flows backward into the bladder instead of being expelled outward.
  • Absence of ejaculation: In this problem called anejaculation, there is no semen discharge from the penis. Anejaculation does not cause any problems in the long term, and therefore does not require treatment in most cases.
  • Painful ejaculation: It is the condition of feeling pain during or after ejaculation through sexual intercourse or masturbation. It is mostly seen in association with urogenital infections. It may rarely also be associated with tumoral formations.
  • Bloody ejaculation: It is the presence of fresh red blood in the fluid during ejaculation. It may sometimes appear pink, dark red, or clotted. Bloody ejaculation can generally be an early sign of a urogenital infection. It may also be associated with cancers affecting the urogenital system.

Are Premature Ejaculation and Delayed Ejaculation Treatable Problems?

In men, premature ejaculation means the semen being expelled from the body earlier than desired during sexual activity. This problem, which 1 in 3 people in the population encounter at some point in their lives, is not considered significant if it does not recur very frequently. Poor body image, depression, very ly age sexual experiences, sexuality experienced without adequate knowledge, feelings of guilt and anxiety are among many factors that can trigger premature ejaculation. On the other hand, some physiological conditions, including the following, are also causes of premature ejaculation:

  • Irregular hormone levels,
  • Irregular levels of brain chemicals,
  • Swelling and infection of the prostate or urethra,
  • Hereditary characteristics.

This condition, which leads to relationship problems and fertility issues, can be treated with various behavioral techniques, pelvic floor exercises, medication, psychotherapy, and certain techniques that can be applied during sexual activity.

Delayed ejaculation, known as the opposite of this problem, is a term used to describe situations where voluntary ejaculation is not possible and the process takes much longer than desired. This problem can occur during sexual activities, including masturbation, in a certain group of men who have normal sexual desire and erection processes.

Different types of medications, including antidepressants, some strong painkillers, and certain medications for high blood pressure and heart disease, can cause delayed ejaculation. Additionally, this problem may have arisen as a result of genital or pelvic surgeries, various traumas, nerve or spinal cord problems, hormonal disorders, and chronic diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression can also be a cause of delayed ejaculation.

In the treatment of the problem, the first step is to discover the underlying main cause. Accordingly;

  • For delayed ejaculation problems arising from the use of any medication, the relevant physician can be consulted for medication readjustment.
  • If there is an underlying psychological issue, various therapies and relaxation methods can be tried.
  • Stimulation-enhancing assistive devices can be utilized, especially for men who wish to have children.

Male Infertility and the Importance of Sperm Health

Infertility is a significant condition that prevents many couples from having children today. Moreover, male infertility plays a major role in the failure of pregnancy to occur despite frequent unprotected sexual intercourse.

Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm functions, blockages preventing sperm delivery, or disorders in sperm count and shape. Additionally, various diseases, genital area injuries, chronic health problems, maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, and many different factors can also lead to male infertility.

In addition to this, varicocele, various infections, ejaculatory dysfunctions, antibodies attacking sperm, various tumors, hormonal imbalances, undescended testicle, chromosomal disorders, celiac disease, and erectile problems may also be at the root of male fertility issues.

On the other hand, many environmental conditions such as exposure to heavy metals or radiation also negatively affect the process of having children. In the treatment of male infertility, the use of various medications, injection applications, insemination methods, and finally assisted reproductive techniques play a role.

In this case, it may be possible to protect the prominent sperm health in many different ways. Simple steps to increase the chance of producing healthy sperm are as follows:

  • Maintaining a weight considered healthy according to body mass index,
  • Eating healthily and staying away from alcohol or tobacco products,
  • Preventing the testicles from being exposed to high heat,
  • Always being cautious against sexually transmitted diseases,
  • Managing stress and incorporating various relaxation techniques and regular exercises into the daily routine,
  • Completely avoiding the use of medications, sprays, gels, and creams not recommended by a specialist physician,
  • Being conscious about pesticides, lead, and other toxic substances,
  • Consuming foods such as fish, seafood, certain green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fruits that will increase sperm count and quality.

Sperm health depends on various factors such as quantity, motility, and structure. Accordingly, fertility problems are not encountered when there are at least 15 million sperm per millimeter in semen in a single ejaculation. Additionally, motile sperm with typically oval heads and long tails are also considered to be in ideal form for reaching and fertilizing an egg.

What Are Common Prostate Diseases?

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces fluids that nourish and protect sperm cells. The three most common forms of prostate disease are prostatitisis, benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as non-cancerous growth, and prostate cancer. Accordingly;

  • Prostatitis: Also known as prostatitis, this condition is a disease that is much more common in young adults aged 20-50 and has basically 2 types. Among these, bacterial prostatitis is a type that responds quite well to appropriate antibiotic treatment. Non-bacterial prostatitis or CPPS (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome) is the most common form of prostatitis and is a disease that can recur. Symptoms vary from one man to another. Multiple different tests need to be applied to diagnose this condition.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Known in medicine as benign prostatic hyperplasia, this disease is a problem that occurs more frequently in older men and can greatly reduce quality of life even if it does not cause life-threatening situations. In this problem, the enlargement of the prostate gland leads to narrowing of the urethra and applies pressure to the base of the bladder. Depending on the progression of the condition, urinary flow obstruction occurs over time.

Obstructions generally manifest as lower urinary tract symptoms and sometimes cause urine to remain in the bladder when it should be expelled. When this occurs suddenly, it is defined as acute urinary retention.

In the treatment of this quite painful problem, a thin catheter is generally used to drain urine. In the less commonly seen chronic retention, there is a urine accumulation in the bladder that does not cause any pain but can be dangerous. Rarely seen chronic urinary retention is associated with high bladder pressures that can damage kidney function.

  • Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is a disease that typically affects men over the age of 50 and whose likelihood of occurrence may increase with advancing age. Although family history is known to be among contributing factors, the exact cause of prostate cancer cannot be fully explained. In early stages, cancer cells are confined to the prostate gland.

In more aggressive types of prostate cancer, cancer cells can spread to the vascular and lymphatic systems. Cancer cells that begin to spread to other parts of the body, especially by developing secondary tumors in bones, can be eliminated through methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.

What Is Sexual Therapy?

Sexual therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy applied by experienced psychologists, psychiatrists, and urologists who can offer solutions through various techniques regarding the mental or emotional aspects of sexual problems.

During these treatments that help overcome mental and emotional barriers related to sexuality, therapeutic methods are applied in many areas such as erectile problems, performance anxiety, or communication problems with the partner. Thus, it is possible to treat many sexual dysfunctions that have psychological causes or effects.

Understanding whether there are any underlying physical problems before sexual therapy is very important. The first step for this is to be examined by a specialist urologist.

Experienced individuals in sexual therapy use various evidence-based treatment techniques to help people improve their sexual lives. The most frequently applied among these is psychotherapy, which is effective in evaluating and transforming feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

This is also known by many as talk therapy. The psychotherapy methods used in sexual therapy planning include the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy,
  • Emotion-focused therapy,
  • Mindfulness-based therapy,
  • Inter-couple communication techniques.

What Is Andropause? How Is This Period Recognized?

In men andropause refers to the clinical and biochemical changes that are associated with advanced age and characterized by testosterone deficiency. Andropause, which is a nightmare for many men, is actually a period that is not so difficult to accept when well understood and properly managed.

Testosterone levels gradually decrease with age. This decline, which increases significantly at advanced ages, brings physical, sexual, and psychological problems along with it.

On the other hand, testosterone replacement therapy can be administered in appropriate individuals to alleviate the symptoms of andropause, which is a natural consequence of aging.

Some symptoms that individuals may encounter during the andropause period are as follows:

  • Depression and feelings of burnout,
  • Irritability and unstable mood,
  • Abdominal fat accumulation, hair loss, and breast enlargement,
  • Sexual reluctance and erectile problems,
  • Inability to enjoy life,
  • Decreased bone density and easy fatigue,

Many people confuse this condition with lifestyle or psychological factors. On the other hand, certain unhealthy living conditions can also lead to the worsening of andropause symptoms. These may include smoking, obesity, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, or certain medications.

To keep symptoms under control, it is also beneficial to follow a healthy nutrition plan, pay attention to adequate calcium intake, consume healthy fats, maintain ideal weight, and support the body with adequate zinc intake.

What Is Penile Aesthetics?

Penile aesthetics surgeries are a series of surgical operations performed to resolve visual and functional problems of the penis. As in past years, whether the thickness, length, and functionality of the penis are adequate remains a major source of concern for many men today.

These related problems can also have a significant impact on a person’s self-confidence, personal image, psychological health, sexuality, and quality of life. Additionally, there are various conditions that can affect the functionality, appearance, size, or curvature of the penis. Penile aesthetics surgery is a popular choice for resolving problems in these areas.

Accordingly, in suitable patients, various surgical procedures can be applied to correct penile deformities or curvature problems and also to increase the length and thickness of the penis.

Penile aesthetics surgery is most commonly performed with penis enlargement comes to the agenda for this purpose. However, in various other problems including the following, penile aesthetics surgeries can be performed for treatment purposes:

  • Cases where the penis is naturally small and thin,
  • Penile curvature and Peyronie’s disease
  • Buried penis
  • Revision of improper circumcision procedures
  • Reduction of the penoscrotal web
  • Correction of scrotal skin
  • Testicular size differences or testicular deficiencies.

As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, fluid accumulation under the skin, pain, swelling and bruising, or allergic reactions in penile aesthetics operations. However, all these complications can be minimized with a properly planned surgical process and an expert physician, and very good results can be obtained from operations.

Tips for Maintaining Sexuality in Older Men

Advancing age directly affects sexual functions, like all body functions. This is the fundamental factor in the emergence of some problems in older men. However, of course, advanced age does not mean the end of a healthy sexual life.

Accordingly, it is possible to mention some tips that should be followed for the protection and continuity of sexual health. The following points can be highlighted for maintaining a satisfying sexual life:

  • Attention should be paid to healthy and balanced nutrition and regular appropriate exercises.
  • The effect of adequate and quality sleep on sexual functions should not be forgotten.
  • Alcohol consumption and use of tobacco products should be avoided as much as possible.
  • Routine health check-ups should not be neglected and physician appointments for possible sexual dysfunction should never be postponed.
  • Proper communication is also at the foundation of a healthy sexual life, and therefore any problem should definitely be discussed openly with the spouse or sexual partner.
  • It will be beneficial to seek specialized therapies or try relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation, especially in the treatment process of psychologically based problems.
  • Sexual function problems associated with other diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure should not be overlooked, and a specialist should be consulted for treatment or medication readjustment or planning of additional methods.
  • It is important to continue being cautious against sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Building bonds without falling into the misconception that advanced age eliminates romance and sentimentality will also be a factor supporting sexuality.

Which Doctor Should Be Consulted for Sexual Problems in Men?

Urologists are healthcare professionals who receive professional-level training in the treatment of the male reproductive system and urinary tract. They are competent in planning and implementing appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods for patients with various disorders related to cancers of the reproductive organs, kidney stones and other kidney diseases, urethral diseases, bladder problems, pelvic muscle disorders, and infections.

These specialists also have expertise in male infertility, reproductive health, preservation of male sexual functions, and treatment of various sexual dysfunctions. Accordingly, a urology specialist should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of male sexual problems.

Is There Any Treatment Available to Improve the Sexual Intercourse Process?

The most important diseases that negatively affect sexual intercourse are evaluated under the main heading of sexual dysfunctions. With the treatment of these types of diseases, it is also possible to maintain a healthy sexual life.

For this, first a series of examinations and tests are conducted to understand whether the condition is due to psychological or physiological factors. After the consultation completed by the relevant specialist physicians, an appropriate treatment method is planned for the diagnosed disease. These treatments may include the following options:

  • Various therapy methods for problems arising from psychological factors
  • Drug treatments and lifestyle changes
  • Penile injections and vacuum therapies
  • Hormone replacement therapies
  • Sexual therapies and surgeries.

All these methods are treatment forms applied in the process of improving diseases that negatively affect the sexual intercourse process, primarily erectile problems, as well as ejaculatory dysfunctions, sexual reluctance, and arousal disorders.

References:

  • Testosterone replacement in men with sexual dysfunction. Hunju Lee , Eu Chang Hwang , Cheol Kyu Oh, Solam Lee, Ho Song Yu, Jung Soo Lim, Hong Wook Kim, Thomas Walsh, Myung Ha Kim, Jae Hung Jung, Philipp Dahm. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024 Jan 15;1(1):CD013071.
  • Penile prosthesis in the medically complex patient: a narrative review. Van Huele A, Van Renterghem K.Transl Androl Urol. 2023 Dec 31;12(12):1885-1892.
  • Updated recommendations on the therapeutic role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for peyronie’s disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Wang X, Liu H, Tang G, Wu G, Chu Y, Wu J, Cui Y. BMC Urol. 2023 Sep 12;23(1):145.
  • Efficacy of Various Treatment in Premature Ejaculation: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Lee HY, Pyun JH, Shim SR, Kim JH. World J Mens Health. 2023 Aug 9.
  • Revelations on Men Who Seek Penile Augmentation Surgery: A Review. Soubra A, Natale C, Brimley S, Hellstrom WJG. Sex Med Rev. 2022 Jul;10(3):460-467.
  • Penile length augmentation surgical and non-surgical approaches for aesthetical purposes. García Gómez B, Alonso Isa M, García Rojo E, Fiorillo A, Romero Otero J. Int J Impot Res. 2022 May;34(4):332-336.

Contact Us

Fill out the form for quick communication and we will contact you immediately.

WhatsApp
Back to top button