Men’s Health
Male Sexual Health and Hygiene
Your sexual health is a vital part of your general well-being. We specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your sexual health.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on Aug. 23, 2023.
State-of-the-Art Treatments
Our urologists have specialized training in men’s sexual health conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone. We offer the latest medical and surgical options to improve your health and quality of life.
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Our Difference
Leading-Edge Technology
We offer minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical options that reduce your recovery time and risk of complications.
Specialized Expertise
Our men’s health experts have received advanced training and are leaders in the field of sexual health.
Team-Based Approach
We collaborate with oncologists, radiation therapists and other specialists to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition.
What Is Sexual Health?
Sexual health measures your emotional, mental and physical ability to enjoy sexual activity. Good sexual health is important for your overall well-being and quality of life.
Up to 20% of men experience a sexual problem at some point in their lives. A variety of lifestyle factors and medical conditions can affect. your sexual health.
Common Causes of Sexual Health Conditions
Cancer Treatment
Treatment for prostate cancer and other urologic cancers can damage your reproductive organs and nerves. This is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Research links CAD to erectile dysfunction. CAD interferes with blood flow in the body, including the penis.
Diabetes
Studies link type 2 diabetes to low testosterone levels which causes low sexual desire (libido).
Drug and Alcohol Use
Alcohol abuse, recreational drug use and smoking tobacco also link to low libido and problems getting or maintaining an erection.
Hormone Imbalance
A hormone imbalance, like low testosterone, interferes with libido and may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Infections
Bacterial and viral infections can cause swelling and pain in your penis, prostate gland or testicles. This can lead to reduced sexual enjoyment and erectile dysfunction.
Medications
Medications that treat conditions like depression and high blood pressure can affect your libido and ability to get or maintain an erection.
The Importance of Genital Hygiene for Sexual Health
Good hygiene habits are an important part of your sexual health. Keeping your genitals clean protects you and your partner from infections and skin conditions caused by bacteria or yeast. Inflammation from bacterial and fungal infections causes pain and discomfort during sexual activity.
Good hygiene habits include:
Bathing Regularly
Cleaning your genitals every day (and before and after sexual activity) prevents bacteria and fungus from building up on your skin.
Drying Your Genitals Thoroughly
Gently dry your penis and scrotum before you get dressed. This helps reduce your risk of fungal infections.
Using Gentle Cleansers
The sensitive skin on your penis and scrotum can become irritated from chemicals and fragrances. Use gentle soaps to avoid irritation.
"Male Sexual Problems," National Institutes of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1114727/
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Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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