{"id":20225,"date":"2023-02-02T17:16:35","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T22:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20225"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:37:59","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:37:59","slug":"scared-to-ask-8-answers-to-your-penis-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/scared-to-ask-8-answers-to-your-penis-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Scared to Ask: 8 Answers to Your Penis Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Certain problems can be awkward to discuss with your doctor \u2014 especially if they\u2019re below the belt. The good news? While your penis problem might feel super embarrassing, your doctor doesn\u2019t feel the same way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always tell my patients, \u2018I\u2019ve only examined 30 other penises today,\u2019\u201d <\/span>says <\/span>Dr. <\/span>William Berg<\/span><\/a>, a urologist with the Stony Brook Medicine Department of Urology’s Men’s Health Program in New York. \u201cWe treat it just like any other part of your body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, Berg answers some of the sex-related questions people with penises might be scared or anxious to ask.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Should I shave my pubic hair?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no specific health reason to shave your pubic hair, but you might decide to for cosmetic reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you shave, be aware that your razor could spread bacteria to your pubic area, resulting in uncomfortable little red bumps. It can help to swap out your razor blade beforehand and to shave carefully, so you avoid cutting and scraping the area. \u201cShaving in the shower, when the scrotum is wet and warm, can also prevent skin irritation,\u201d says Berg. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why is my libido so low? Or so high?<\/h2>\n

Libido can vary from person to person, and lots of factors can affect it. Mood and stress can zap your sex drive, as can sleep deprivation. Chronic health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and obesity can impact testosterone levels, which can change libido.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal to experience heightened sex drive when you have a new partner, but medical conditions rarely cause a libido surge. \u201cIf you notice a change in either direction, talk to your doctor,\u201d Berg says. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is my prostate and why is it important?<\/h2>\n

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra (It\u2019s not visible, so it\u2019s not easy to check for yourself.) When you urinate, the pee passes through the middle of the prostate. It\u2019s also the prostate\u2019s job to provide fluid for ejaculation. Your prostate grows throughout your life. As you get older, your urethra may get narrower, and you may notice symptoms like a slower urine stream or more frequent urination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The prostate is also important because prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer. Berg says most men should start getting <\/span>screened for prostate cancer<\/span><\/a> at age 55. \u201cIf you have a family history of prostate cancer or you\u2019re African American, you\u2019re considered higher risk, and you should get screened starting around age 40 or 45,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n

What are treatments for premature or delayed ejaculation?<\/h2>\n

Ejaculation is the event that causes semen to be released from the penis, usually in response to sexual stimulation. It\u2019s normal to ejaculate within about five minutes during penetrative sex. If you regularly take a lot longer or if you ejaculate within two minutes and can\u2019t control it (premature ejaculation), there might be an underlying medical cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>, along with other underlying issues like low testerone, can cause ejaculation problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no FDA-approved treatment for premature ejaculation, but you can get over-the-counter creams or sprays that prevent you from ejaculating too soon. Psychotherapy or a low dose of an SSRI can also help prevent premature ejaculation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Delayed ejaculation usually happens due to medication side effects, including from antidepressants or high blood pressure meds. If that\u2019s the case, your doctor can change your medication dosage or switch you to another one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are some signs of a sexually transmitted infection?<\/h2>\n

Sexually transmitted infections can cause a variety of symptoms. Possible STI symptoms in patients with penises can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n