Male health: beyond sexuality, comprehensive care for body and mind

Men’s health goes far beyond urological exams. It involves comprehensive care for both body and mind — from preventing chronic diseases to maintaining sexual and reproductive health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men live, on average, 5 to 7 years less than women, and much of this difference is linked to lower healthcare engagement and less healthy lifestyle habits. 

In Brazil, data from the Ministry of Health show that men account for about 70% of deaths from external causes, such as accidents and violence, and have a higher incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. 

Promoting men’s health, therefore, means encouraging self-care, early diagnosis, and regular medical follow-up — essential actions to improve quality of life and life expectancy. 

Below, we discuss an essential but often overlooked topic in men’s health: sexual health. We explore its importance for guiding prevention and diagnostic strategies, its direct impact on quality of life, and why it should be addressed broadly and through a multidisciplinary approach. 

What is male sexual health?

Male sexual health refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality — not merely the absence of disease or dysfunction. It includes the ability to have satisfying sexual relations, control over reproduction, and the absence of coercion, violence, and discrimination (1). Promoting sexual health is vital for overall well-being and quality of life. 

What are the main sexual dysfunctions?

Male sexual dysfunctions are common and affect not only intimate life but also self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. The main sexual dysfunctions include: 

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance (2). It is a common, multifactorial condition resulting from organic and/or psychological factors that significantly impairs quality of life (3).  

• Causes: vascular (atherosclerosis), neurological, endocrine (hypogonadism), medication-induced, chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension), psychological factors (anxiety, depression), and lifestyle habits (smoking, sedentary behavior).
• Treatment: includes lifestyle changes, psychological therapy (when indicated), oral medications (PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil), mechanical devices, and, in specific cases, penile prostheses (4). Treatment choice depends on the cause, severity, and patient preference.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation occurs when ejaculation happens persistently sooner than desired during sexual activity, causing personal distress or relationship issues. About 30% of men are affected, making it the most common male sexual dysfunction (5, 6). 

• Causes: may include neurobiological factors, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases (diabetes), stress, anxiety, and learned sexual behaviors. Psychiatric disorders and medication/substance use may also contribute (7).
• Treatment: behavioral therapy, sex or cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication use (such as SSRIs or tadalafil in certain contexts) (8).

Sexual function changes

Sexual function changes may involve reduced libido, anorgasmia, or altered ejaculation. They should be investigated when persistent and associated with quality-of-life impacts (4). 

• Common causes: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hormonal dysfunctions, and medication side effects; psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship conflicts; and excessive alcohol use, smoking, inactivity, and recreational drug use.

How to improve male sexual health

• Adopt healthy habits: balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and management of chronic diseases.
• Seek medical evaluation: regular follow-up with a urologist/andrologist is essential.
• Multidisciplinary approach: physician, psychologist, and physiotherapist working together for more effective results.

Men’s health at all stages of life

Men’s health should be viewed holistically and comprehensively, far beyond the sexual sphere. At each stage of life, different clinical aspects deserve specific attention. 

Adolescence

During adolescence, it is essential to address mental health, prevention of risky behaviors, sexuality and reproduction, and vaccination — including immunization against HPV. Guidance on consent and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also crucial. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric follow-up should include discussions about pubertal development, sexual behavior, STI and pregnancy prevention, as well as psychosocial aspects and substance use (9, 10). 

Adulthood

In adulthood, men’s health care should extend beyond sexual function, including surveillance of cardiometabolic factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, as well as obesity, sleep disorders, and lifestyle habits — smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. Sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction, may serve as early markers of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (11, 12). 

Maturity

Prostate evaluation is also important, including screening for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, especially after age 50 (13, 14). 

Male health and fertility

Male fertility is another relevant indicator of overall health. Semen analysis can reflect environmental and behavioral influences and altered spermatogenesis has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases — serving as an early marker of systemic imbalance and an incentive to adopt healthier habits (15). 

A comprehensive approach to men’s health should include screening for urogenital cancers, investigation of hypogonadism, monitoring bone health, and attention to mental and social well-being. 

It is now recognized that behavioral and self-care patterns established early in life directly influence men’s quality and life expectancy (12, 16). 

Why do men seek healthcare less often?

International studies indicate that between 39% and 61% of adult men do not attend regular medical appointments or annual check-ups, even in countries with accessible primary care systems (17). 

In general, men use healthcare services less often than women — both for preventive care and when experiencing symptoms — and this gap is observed across age groups and socioeconomic contexts (18, 19). 

This low engagement is strongly linked to psychosocial and cultural factors such as stigma, masculine norms that value self-sufficiency, and resistance to vulnerability (20–22). 

Major barriers include fear of discovering illness, low risk perception, shame, social influence, and cultural beliefs associating health care with weakness. Practical barriers, such as cost, distance, service quality, and incompatible schedules, also hinder access — especially among younger men and workers (18, 23). 

These factors contribute to delayed care, self-diagnosis, and self-medication, negatively impacting early detection and management of chronic and acute diseases (20, 24). 

Effective strategies to increase men’s healthcare engagement

Several strategies have proven effective in increasing men’s adherence to medical care: 

• Gender-sensitive educational interventions that directly address masculine norms and involve partners improve adherence to screenings and preventive visits (22, 25);
• Male-focused healthcare services (“men’s clinics”) have shown increased rates of check-ups and preventive care (26, 27);
• Campaigns challenging masculinity stereotypes, training healthcare professionals, and offering flexible and welcoming service hours also improve engagement (20, 28).

Age-specific adaptation is crucial: younger men tend to face more psychosocial barriers, while older men are more likely to adhere to preventive practices (29, 30). 

Evidence reinforces that breaking stigma and promoting self-care are central steps to improving men’s health outcomes (31). 

Promoting men’s health requires a paradigm shift — moving from a disease-centered model to a preventive, multidimensional, and stigma-free approach. 

Taking care of your health is an act of responsibility — toward yourself and those you love. 

Which tests does SYNLAB offer for men’s health assessment?

To promote comprehensive male health care, SYNLAB offers a wide range of exams — from hormonal and PSA tests to genetic panels that support prevention and early diagnosis of conditions such as infertility and prostate cancer. 

• Basic male hormonal profile: includes evaluation of free T3, free T4, TSH, 17β-estradiol, testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, somatomedin C (IGF-1), DHT, and insulin.
• Advanced male hormonal profile: in addition to the basic panel, it includes assessment of luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, free testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).
• Prostate Health Index: The ProPSA Test is a chemiluminescence assay that measures [−2] proPSA levels along with total and free PSA concentrations, followed by a calculation that results in a Prostate Health Index (PHI). PHI is a multivariable index designed to help determine prostate cancer risk from a single serum sample. 

It is used to distinguish patients at higher risk of developing prostate cancer from those with benign prostatic conditions and is particularly recommended for men over 50 years of age with total PSA levels between 2 and 10 ng/mL and no signs of cancer on digital rectal examination. 

Get to Know SYNLAB – A Leader in Medical Diagnostic Services!

Accurate and up-to-date testing is essential for precise diagnoses and better treatment guidance. SYNLAB is here to help. 

We offer diagnostic solutions with rigorous quality control to the companies, patients, and healthcare providers we serve. Present in Brazil for over 10 years, we operate in 36 countries across three continents and are leaders in diagnostic services in Europe. 

Contact the SYNLAB team to learn about our available tests. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Sexual Health (FAQ) 

What promotes men’s sexual health?

Maintaining healthy habits is the foundation of good sexual health. This includes exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, managing chronic diseases (such as diabetes and hypertension), reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and seeking psychological support when necessary. 

Open communication with one’s partner and regular medical check-ups also make a difference. 

At what age do men lose sexual desire?

There is no specific age when sexual desire decreases. It is the result of an interaction between biological factors (such as hormone levels), psychological factors (anxiety, depression, stress), and relational factors (conflicts or lack of intimacy). Testosterone levels may decline with age, but sexual desire depends on much more than just age. 

What are the most common symptoms of male sexual dysfunction?

The main symptoms include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, decreased sexual desire, premature or delayed ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm (anorgasmia), and dissatisfaction with sexual relationships. 

These signs may indicate physical, hormonal, or emotional causes that should be medically evaluated. 

How do I know if I have erectile dysfunction?

If there is persistent difficulty (for more than three to six months) in maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse — and this causes personal distress or problems in the relationship — it is important to seek medical evaluation. The physician can investigate vascular, hormonal, neurological, or psychological factors. 

What causes erectile dysfunction in young men?

Although more common in men over 40, erectile dysfunction is increasingly seen in younger individuals. The main causes include performance anxiety, stress, depression, alcohol and drug use, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and medication side effects. Recent studies also link the increase in cases to psychosocial factors and sedentary lifestyles. 

What can affect male sexual function?

Sexual function can be influenced by multiple factors such as systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and endocrine disorders), psychological aspects (anxiety, depression, stress, emotional conflicts), medications (some drugs can affect libido and erectile function), and lifestyle habits (smoking, sedentary behavior, alcohol use, and recreational drugs). 

What is the refractory period and how long does it last?

The refractory period is the interval after orgasm during which a man cannot achieve another erection. This period varies between individuals and tends to increase with age — lasting minutes in younger men and hours in older ones. Hormones such as dopamine, prolactin, and oxytocin are involved in this process. 

Some studies have explored whether PDE5 inhibitors (such as tadalafil) may shorten this interval, but results vary depending on individual cases. 

References 

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