Men, your sexual health is an important part of taking care of your overall health and the health of your partner. Take control of your sexual and reproductive health today with a few easy steps.
1 Create A Plan
Creating a plan can help you take action based on your personal values, goals and resources. It may help to ask yourself questions such as, “Am I ready to have a child, and have I talked with a provider about my sexual and reproductive health?” Discussing your goals with your partner is essential too. It will ensure you are both on the same page.
2 Schedule Regular Checkups
Don’t forget to schedule regular health checkups and talk with your provider about your priorities and goals. They can also help determine health risks early or before they become a problem. Men have a higher risk of testicular cancer and heart attacks, which your provider can help treat or even prevent.
3 Get Tested for STIs
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, don’t always have symptoms so it’s important to get tested. Letting an STI or other health concern go unchecked can not only harm your health but also your partner’s. It can even cause complications with pregnancy or harm an unborn child if your pregnant partner gets infected. The good news is that many STIs are treatable, especially when caught early. Talk to your partner about getting screened for STIs to protect everyone’s health.
4 Keep A Healthy Lifestyle
Improving your sexual health isn’t all about focusing on sex. It’s also about balancing your lifestyle. Your reproductive health may improve when you:
- Exercise and eat healthy
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
- Take care of your mental health
- Support your partner so you both feel safe
- Get help for physical, mental, and emotional struggles
If you feel that something isn’t right in your body, talk to your provider. They may have resources to help you adjust your lifestyle and make healthy changes.
Now that you know how to get started, it’s time to get the sexual and reproductive health services you need. To find a location near you, visit the find a health center page today.