MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

This week is Men’s Health Week, an opportunity to discuss and think more about men’s health concerns and the unique health issues experienced by men.
 
You’ll probably hear lots about mental health, depression, prostate cancer and heart disease. These are some of the everyday things that impact men, and they are so important to talk about. Men are over-represented in the numbers for suicide, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. 11% of WA men experience a high or very high level of psychological distress last year. 1 in 4 men will deal with depression at some point in their life.

But there are so many other things that men don’t discuss; topics that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing but impact men’s mental health and well-being. It’s time to talk about sex and the unique sexual issues that men deal with.
 
Why Talk about Sex and Men's Sexual Health?
At least 1 in 4 men will experience problems with their sexual function in their lifetime. When it comes to sex, if something doesn’t quite go to plan, it can affect our confidence, happiness, sense of pride and self. And it can create distance in our relationships.
 
There are many different sexual problems men may deal with. They all have an impact on our lives, health and happiness in different ways. Some common ones include:

• Erectile Dysfunction - ED is an issue where a man cannot get or keep an erection hard enough for sex.
• Rapid Ejaculation - also called premature ejaculation, it’s where a guy might struggle to control or delay the timing of his ejaculation; cumming before he or his partner would like.
• Delayed Ejaculation - where a man has difficulty or be unable to achieve orgasm or ejaculate.

 
Dealing with these sexual function problems, as well as the underlying considerations that impact them, can have an dramatic impact on a man's happiness, vitality and overall well-being. It can affect his relationships, his feelings of being a dad, a husband, a lover, and co-worker as these concerns can impact a guys sense of self. These problems are common and there’s a lot that you can do to deal with them.

• Talk to your mates

Men don’t often talk about sexual problems with their mates, especially if they’re embarrassed or ashamed. It’s vital to make these topics safe to discuss. Why? They’re common, and they impact our happiness. It gives a safe space for you and your mates to share what you’re dealing with.

• Talk with your doctor

If you’re experiencing sexual concerns, talk to your GP or a sexual health doctor. Often things like erectile dysfunction and rapid ejaculation can have physical and/or mental causes. Having a frank discussion with your doctor about what you are dealing with means they can work with you to handle it.

• Talk to a sex counsellor or sex therapist

Some sexual problems have a psychological or emotional cause. They can also be stressful and frustrating. Talking with someone trained in sex and relationship counselling can be enormously helpful. This process can help to overcome or reduce the issue. A sex therapist can provide exercises to do at home.
 
Be proud, be loud, and give yourself the opportunity to talk about what you’re dealing with. If you are experiencing sexual concerns, you are not alone. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you and there is support out there for you.
 
If you need to talk to someone about what you are dealing with, whether it be concerns about sexual function, relationships or anything else to do with sex, we are here for you. Appointments with our experienced sex therapists are safe, supportive and confidential. You can book an appointment by going to our booking page or contact us at any of the options on our contact us page.