Healthy sexuality is an important concern for all men. Educating yourself about your sexual health and scheduling routine visits with a healthcare provider can help protect your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you're currently sexually active or planning to be in the future, this page serves as a resource to help you learn about specific topics in advance of your appointment to make these conversations easier. Though we use the term “men's health” throughout this page, the content is suited for people with a penis and other male anatomy, regardless of their gender identity.

UHS Men's Sexual Health Services

University Health Services offers many services specific to men's health. As a student, you have access to UHS healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about:

• General health care and routine physical exams

• Sexual health problems

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment

• Gardasil® (the HPV vaccine)

• Urinary tract infections (UTI) and other urinary symptoms

• Testicular cancer screenings

• Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation

• Genital skin lesions or rashes

• Pelvic floor therapy

Here's how you can take control of your sexual health:

Familiarize yourself with contraceptive methods. Aside from the male condom and the female (or internal) condom, the majority of contraceptive methods are primarily used by women. However, men also benefit from learning about methods of contraception, how to use them, and how effective they are at preventing pregnancy.

If you are sexually active with female partners, the following tests are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• HIV (at least once after becoming sexually active)

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis (urethra) if you have had unprotected vaginal intercourse

• Routine screening for herpes and syphilis is not recommended

If you are sexually active with male partners, the following tests are recommended:

• HIV (at least once a year)

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis B

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum if you've had receptive anal sex in the past year

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis (urethra) if you have had insertive anal sex or received oral sex in the past year

• Gonorrhea of the throat if you've given oral sex (your mouth on your partner's penis or anus) in the past year

• Routine screening for herpes is not recommended

Hepatitis A and B vaccines and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are also recommended for all men. If you have more than one partner, anonymous sex or unprotected sex, you should be screened more often for STIs, including HIV (for example, every 3 to 6 months).

Protect yourself from HIV infection. To reduce your risk of HIV infection, consider making an appointment at UHS to discuss Truvada (or PrEP), a pre-exposure prophylaxis for people who are at high risk of getting HIV.

• If you think you've recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles, or if you've been sexually assaulted, talk to an emergency room doctor about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) right away. PEP means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP is only effective within the first 72 hours after exposure.

Avoid using drugs or alcohol before or during sex. Drugs and alcohol may impair your judgment and result in riskier sexual behaviors, potentially increasing your risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs.

Perform testicular self-examinations to detect early signs of testicular cancer. While testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men from ages 20-34, complication can be greatly reduced if abnormalities are detected early. A testicular self-examination is the best way to detect early signs of testicular cancer.

Consult with a healthcare provider about erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction does not only occur in older men, and can often result from stress, drug and alcohol use, and smoking. Consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider if you frequently experience erectile dysfunction.

Be aware of urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. A UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, which is comprised of several important organs. Learn more about UTIs and consult your healthcare provider if you think you have symptoms, such as increased urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and urine that looks cloudy or reddish.

Learn how to build a healthy relationship. Explore tips on how to handle conflict, communicate, and address expectations with your partner(s).

Talk to your partner about safer sex. Healthy, honest communication about sexual desires and safer sex practices (like using condoms and getting tested for STIs) is the best way to ensure a positive experience for everyone and to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Remember, consent is a mutual, enthusiastic agreement.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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