18 Things Men Shouldn’t Ignore About Their Sexual Health

Guys are notorious for dismissing early signs of potential health problems. When it comes to a man's reproductive health, there are certain issues that shouldn't be ignored. Take a look at the top concerns (including symptoms and lifestyle habits) men should be aware of to ensure their sexual health stays at peak performance.

Overactive bladders could be an indicator of another lurking health problem. If guys are feeling the urge to urinate as many as eight times per day or more, have to wake up at least twice each night to relieve themselves, or if they find their urine stream starts and stops while going, it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate or a bladder infection. Seeing a doctor will help isolate the cause and find the right course of treatment.

Speaking of overactive bladders—urinary incontinence is another issue men should be aware of. Just because there aren't commercials about men leaking when they laugh too hard doesn't mean it doesn't happen to them, too. If a man is experiencing issues with urine leakage or having trouble holding his bladder, he needs to see his doctor to make sure his prostate or urinary tract aren't to blame.

While light inebriation (we're talking one drink, guys) can encourage a more positive sexual response, more than two drinks can have the opposite effect. Not only does moderate to heavy alcohol use contribute to erectile dysfunction, but it can also lead to a decreased libido and problems reaching orgasm. Chronic alcohol abuse is also linked to depression, which requires the treatment of a health professional.

Unless he's recently eaten beets or taken medication that causes a change in the color of his urine, seeing red while peeing is never normal. While blood in the urine can be caused by several different health issues (including problems with the kidneys, bladder or urinary tract) it could also indicate an enlarged prostate. All reasons require a doctor's evaluation.

Every man's libido is different, but a sudden drop in his sex drive shouldn't be ignored. A decline in desire may be caused by the side effects from medication, a drop in testosterone, untreated psychological problems, sleep apnea or certain health issues like cancer or chronic pain. While some men may feel embarrassed, it's important to talk to their doctors about a decreased libido to make sure other health problems aren't the cause.

A dip in a man's energy reserves are not always due to a lack of sleep. If a man notices he's more tired than usual, is irritable, less interested in sex and is losing muscle mass, he may want to get his testosterone levels checked. A decrease in this important hormone could be caused by an injury to the testicles, certain illnesses (like diabetes or pituitary gland problems) or genetic conditions that need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Struggling to achieve or maintain an erection or reach orgasm can be indicative of erectile dysfunction, which men shouldn't ignore. ED is linked to multiple causes, including psychological problems, diseases (like heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson's), alcohol abuse and prescription medications. Doctors need to know if a man is experiencing ED to identify if there is an underlying health concern causing the issue.

Penis shape, much like size, varies from man to man and is little cause for concern, unless there's a distinct curve or bend accompanied by pain. If a man's penis curves drastically upward or to the side and hurts during sex, he may have something called Peyronie's disease—a build-up of scar tissue in the penis that can make intercourse and ejaculation painful. Only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment for this problem.

Many factors, such as sexual inexperience, anxiety or long periods of abstinence can cause premature ejaculation in men. Thankfully, this rarely indicates a true problem and over time (and with practice), can be delayed. Occasionally, other factors, like depression, erectile dysfunction or inflammation may be to blame. Men shouldn't feel embarrassed about talking to their doctors if they feel they're reaching orgasm too quickly.

An interesting study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that many men struggling with infertility also had other substantial health problems . While it's next to impossible to visually detect semen changes, men diagnosed with infertility may want to get checked for other health issues. Researchers found that 44 percent of infertile men in the study had other illness, making semen a strong indicator of overall health.

Guys, if there's a stink coming from down below, it's time you take action. Regular bathing and changing clothes go a long way to keeping the funk at bay, but certain infections may make a man's efforts futile. Urinary tract infections, bacteria similar to that found in women with bacterial vaginosis and even an overgrowth of yeast can cause an unbecoming smell on a man's member. If washing isn't helping, see a doctor, stat.

Like breasts, a man's scrotum needs to be examined regularly to identify any changes in texture or new lumps. Scrotal masses, pain in the scrotum or a hardening of the testes should be reported to a doctor, so they can check for the cause, which may include testicular cancer, cysts, inflammation or infection.

Too much of a good thing isn't so great for a man's sexual health, especially when it comes to masturbation. While manual-stimulation is normal and a healthy form of sexual self-expression, excessive and even aggressive forms of solo-action can lead to penile injury, desensitization, a loss of interest in sex with a partner and the development of paraphilia— an abnormal sexual desire reinforced through masturbation.

By now we all know chronic stress is dangerous for our bodies, but it can also wreak havoc on a man's sexual health. Constant stress can lead to erectile dysfunction, which can amplify stress and anxiety about sexual performance. Left unchecked, stress has been linked to major ailments like heart disease, stroke and addiction – all of which contribute to ED. Long story short: men get your stress in check.

If a man struggles with erectile dysfunction, it may be due to his daily medication routine. Antidepressants, beta blockers, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and prescription pain meds have all been linked to ED. The good news is that there are many medications on the market and doctors can help find the best medicine to help a man stay healthy without interfering with his sexual stamina.

The stigma of "man-boobs" has made many men embarrassed about something that's rather normal. A whopping 70 percent of boys experience some form of gynecomastia during puberty, and weight gain is known to cause larger breasts in men. However, if a healthy adult male develops excess breast tissue, there may be an underlying reason. Doctors can assess a man's hormone levels and current medications to find the cause.

It's so important for men to know that they, too, can develop breast cancer. In fact, it's estimated that in 2017 approximately 460 men will die from breast cancer—meaning men should be checking for lumps, dimples, nipple discharge or a change in breast texture regularly. Some lumps, located directly under the nipple, are caused by gynecomastia, but still, should be evaluated by a physician.

A quick Google search for vitamins that help with erectile dysfunction show the web is packed with misleading, scientifically unproven "natural cures." While there's no herbal or supplemental fix for ED, there are some natural remedies that may help. Getting a full night's rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising and limiting stress can all boost a man's mental and physical health, which may in turn lead to better overall sexual health.