A local obstetrician-gynecologist reproductive health services for males

Being a man means you probably already know what reproductive health is. But if you’re not sure, that’s totally normal — it’s a subject most doctors and nurses aren’t very familiar with. That’s why most people don’t know much about it (statistics say 80% of reproductive diseases affect men). It’s important to remember, though, that reproductive health doesn’t just affect you as an individual. Being able to understand and access reproductive health services matters if you’re trying to protect your health and that of your partners and children. So here’s a brief introduction to reproductive health as a male, courtesy of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

What is Reproductive Health?

Reproductive health is the medical and behavioral aspects of human reproduction. Reproductive health includes the following topics:

• The diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disorders (e.g., infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases)
• The prevention of reproductive disorders (e.g., through the use of contraceptives)
• The counseling of individuals concerning reproductive health issues (e.g., pregnancy and childbirth, sexuality, and family planning)
• Healthy sexuality, including preventing sexually transmitted infections and promoting reproductive health
• Men’s health and reproductive issues, including male infertility, impotence, and sexual dysfunction

So, in a nutshell, reproductive health is everything from contraception and STI prevention to prenatal care and men’s health. It’s often said that one in three couples struggle with infertility. That’s a lot of lovebirds stuck in a loveless marriage. Luckily, there are things you as a man can do to protect your reproductive health and that of your unborn children. Here are a few tips from the experts at ACOG:

Understand Your Doctor’s Orders

Your doctor may give you a list of instructions or advice about how to take care of your health. You should follow these orders or instructions carefully, as they can save your life. But if you don’t understand what they are, it can be hard to remember them all. That’s why it’s so important to understand why your doctor has prescribed a certain treatment or drug. Did he or she advise you to take a specific diet or vitamin supplement? Did you receive a prescription for a certain type or dose of a medication? If not, ask your doctor about it. It would be wise to keep a written record of your conversations with your doctor, as they can be helpful in the future.

Get To The Point

When doctors ask you a question, it’s important to give them a direct answer. For example, if your doctor asks how your sexual activity is, don’t just say, “It’s good.” Tell her specifically what changes you’ve made and how you’re feeling about it. This way, she’ll know exactly what changes to recommend to you. Asking a question usually implies you have multiple options and solutions to choose from. So be mindful of your answer and choose your words wisely. Remember, less is more; give simple answers to complex questions.

Look Into Different Approaches

In his or her quest to save your reproductive health, your doctor may suggest different therapies or treatments for you to consider. It’s important to look into all available options and choose the one that seems right for you. The more you know about different treatments, the more you can choose the best one for you.

Watch Out For Unsolicited Advice

Doctors are not paid to give you advice. However, sometimes they don’t know when to keep their mouth shut. One of the main reasons for this is when they think they can give good advice to someone they know could use it. They don’t realize it’s not always appropriate to give unsolicited advice. So if you’re feeling particularly emboldened, it might be a good idea to interject and say something like, “I’m not looking for advice, but…” If they ask you a question, they probably already know the answer. But if you feel like you need to justify yourself, then it’s probably best to keep your mouth shut.

Follow Up

After your doctor has prescribed you a treatment or therapy, it’s important to follow up and make sure you’re taking the right dose at the right time. If you don’t, it can lead to bad outcomes. This is especially important for men who are prone to infections, as the medicine they’re taking may have an immune depressing effect on them. In addition, make sure you’re not taking any other medications that could interact with the one your doctor has prescribed for you. Sometimes it’s necessary to switch meds to prevent unpleasant side effects or to achieve better results.

See A Specialist

If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of a reproductive disorder, then it might be a good idea to consult a specialist. These doctors have special training in the field and can help diagnose and treat issues that other doctors might miss. Sometimes, it takes a while for specialists to become familiar with your case and to identify the root of the problem. Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean you have to deal with the issue privately or that you’ll necessarily have bad outcomes. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you’re not sure what’s wrong.

Consult With Your Partner

Like most things in life, having a good partner can make or break your sex life. If you’re having trouble getting your partner(s) to open up and discuss their feelings with you, then it’s time to have a good conversation. It might be difficult to admit, but sometimes your mate’s lack of interest in pleasuring you is the root of your problem. Simply put, if they don’t see your needs met, then you may never please them. In these situations, it’s important to remember that your needs and desires are just as important as theirs. So if they want to avoid conflict, then they should go the extra mile and make sure you’re sexually satisfied.

Being a man means you’re probably pretty knowledgeable about reproductive health. And it’s great that you want to protect your health and the health of your partners and children. Just make sure you know when it’s appropriate to ask questions and when it’s better to keep your mouth shut. Doctors aren’t mind readers, so it might be a good idea to write down the advice you’re given and follow it carefully. Remember to consult with your partner before starting any treatment or therapy, as they may have additional concerns or requirements. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you aren’t sure what’s going on. Chances are, there is something you can do to protect your reproductive health and that of your family.