{"id":5999,"date":"2021-01-22T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-22T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5999"},"modified":"2021-05-18T08:45:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T08:45:03","slug":"mens-sexual-health-7-myths-debunked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/mens-sexual-health-7-myths-debunked\/","title":{"rendered":"Men\u2019s Sexual Health: 7 Myths Debunked"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The term \u2018sexual health\u2019 covers a wide range of topics, from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to sexual intercourse, fertility, and genital health. Here, we explore some myths about men\u2019s sexual health, and their truths.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018Having Chlamydia won\u2019t affect my fertility\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being infected with Chlamydia for a short period of time, getting tested, and successfully treating the infection is unlikely to affect your fertility. However, left untreated, Chlamydia can spread into the testicles and epididymis (the tubes that carry sperm) causing epididymitis. Not only can this cause pain and swelling, but an inflamed infection can damage your reproductive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chlamydia can be treated with a course of antibiotics. It is a common STI, however, up to 50% of men with a Chlamydia infection will not have symptoms. Therefore, it is very easy to leave the infection undetected. Having a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/chlamydia\">Chlamydia test<\/a> is quick, simple and could save your fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm-1024x802.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6000\" width=\"430\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm-1536x1202.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/sperm.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 430px) 100vw, 430px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018Men can\u2019t get thrush\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>False. Thrush is a yeast infection which thrives in warm,\nmoist conditions. Therefore, something as simple as not drying yourself carefully\nafter a shower can cause thrush. Although not classed as a sexually transmitted\ninfection, it can also be passed during sex, or triggered by sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The infection targets the head of the penis, leading to\nbalanitis (an inflammation of the tip of the penis). Symptoms of thrush\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Thick, white discharge<\/li><li>Redness, itching and burning on the penis head or\nunder the foreskin<\/li><li>Pain during sex<\/li><li>Pain during urination<\/li><li>Foul smell<\/li><li>Difficulty pulling the foreskin back.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/do-i-have-thrush-or-an-sti\/\">Learn\nmore about the difference between thrush and an STI.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018If I use a condom during sex, I won\u2019t catch an STI\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Condoms do help to prevent catching and passing STIs.\nHowever, some STIs such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/herpes\">Herpes<\/a>\nand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/syphilis\">Syphilis<\/a>\ncan be passed through skin-on-skin contact alone. Therefore, a regular sexual\nhealth check-up is always advised, even if you do use condoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018I have discharge coming from my penis. Does this mean I have an STI?\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Discharge can be a symptom of an STI such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/chlamydia\">Chlamydia<\/a> or\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/gonorrhoea\">Gonorrhoea<\/a>,\nor a non-sexually transmitted infection such as thrush. If you think you may\nhave been at risk of an STI, the only way to be sure is to get tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Better2Know\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/comfort-screen\">Comfort Screen<\/a>\nwill test you for the STIs which most commonly cause unusual discharge. You can\nbook in at one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/clinics\/search\">nationwide\nclinics<\/a> or test with a convenient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/comfort-screen\">home\nsample collection kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018Erectile dysfunction can be cured with medication\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many reasons why erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs,\nranging from physical issues to psychological factors. Whilst ED can\u2019t be\nspecifically cured, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help in\nreducing or even eliminating the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although an erection is seemingly physical, it is a complex\nprocess involving many nerves, blood vessels and hormones. This means that your\nemotional or mental state, including depression or low self-esteem, can impact\nED.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ED can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as\ndiabetes or high blood pressure. It may also occur as a side-effect of\nmedication. Therefore, it\u2019s a good idea to speak to your doctor if you are\nsuffering from ED regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018Men don\u2019t suffer from UTIs\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>False. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs due to a build\nup of bacteria in the urinary tract. It can develop in the urethra, the\nbladder, the prostate or the kidney, potentially leading to a more serious\ninfection. Other symptoms to look out for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A need to frequently urinate<\/li><li>A sudden need to urinate<\/li><li>Pain or burning sensation during or after\nurination<\/li><li>Blood in urine<\/li><li>Having difficulty urinating<\/li><li>Cloudy, strong smelling urine<\/li><li>Pain in lower abdomen.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>UTIs often occur due to bacteria from a sexually transmitted\ninfection, so if you may have been at risk, you should get tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Myth: \u2018Testing for STIs involves having a painful swab inserted\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>False! Most STIs can be tested for with a simple blood or\nurine sample. You will always know, before your appointment, which samples are\nrequired for your tests. Better2Know provides testing for a wide range of STIs,\nso no matter what your concerns are, we have a suitable option for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/sti_screens\">STI screens<\/a>\ncombine testing for different combinations of infections to give you a more\ncomplete overview of your sexual health. If you are unsure which test or screen\nto choose, our highly trained sexual health advisors will be more than happy to\nhelp you decide. Why not contact our team by phone or live chat today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>[1] Healthline: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/is-erectile-dysfunction-curable\">Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Cured?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[2] NHS: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/chlamydia\/complications\/\">Chlamydia\nComplications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[3] Healthline: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mens-health\/thrush-in-men\">What are the\nsymptoms of thrush in men and how is it treated?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[4] Harvard Health: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mens-health\/men-and-urinary-tract-infections\">Men\nand urinary tract infections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[5] Healthline: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mens-health\/uti-in-men#causes\">Everything\nyou should know about UTIs in men<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term \u2018sexual health\u2019 covers a wide range of topics, from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to sexual intercourse, fertility, and genital health. Here, we explore some myths about men\u2019s sexual health, and their truths.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[1246,3210,3209,1657,568,608,644,2952,3208,1072,570,563,560,571,752,3206,2257,577,2277,3207],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5999"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6175,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999\/revisions\/6175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5999"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=5999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}