- Advanced urology care
- Men’s Sexual Health
Men’s Sexual Health
Men’s sexual health is an important part of overall well-being, encompassing concerns related to reproductive, sexual, hormonal, and prostate health. UT Physicians provides comprehensive care for men experiencing such issues as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, infertility, and prostate-related conditions. These health challenges are common and treatable with surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. We also offer education and counseling to support each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Conditions we treat
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
ED, also called impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It can result from various factors, including vascular disease, hormonal imbalances, or psychological conditions. ED is common and treatable, with options ranging from lifestyle modifications to advanced medical or surgical therapies. A men’s health specialist can provide an individualized, tailored approach to curing ED.
Male infertility
Male infertility involves challenges in conceiving due to issues like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or anatomical problems. Our specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments, including microsurgical techniques and assisted reproductive technologies.
Vasectomy and its reversal
A vasectomy is a safe, effective form of permanent birth control. It involves cutting and sealing the tubes (called the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to mix with semen during ejaculation. This is now done via a state-of-the-art no-scalpel technique to make recovery as easy as possible. To restore fertility, a vasectomy reversal may be an option and is performed by reconnecting the vas deferens to allow sperm to enter the semen.
Low testosterone (Low T)
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can lead to fatigue, decreased libido, and mood disturbances. Our team provides thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans, including hormone replacement therapies and lifestyle interventions. We aim to get to the underlying cause to best treat each individual person.
Hormonal disorders
While low testosterone is a common concern, other hormone-related conditions can also impact men’s sexual health. Disorders like underactive (hypo-) or overactive (hyper-) thyroid, high prolactin levels (or hyperprolactinemia), and issues with the pituitary gland can lead to low sex drive, difficulty with erections, and reduced fertility. These symptoms may signal a hormonal problem, and an evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Peyronie’s disease
This condition is caused by scar tissue forming inside the penis. This can cause the penis to bend or curve during erections. This can cause pain for both the patient and their partner, and make sexual activity difficult. Treatment options vary based on severity and may include medications, traction therapy, injections, or surgery to relieve symptoms.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly affecting men as they age. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and a weak urine stream. Various treatments are available, from medications to minimally invasive procedures.
Treatment options
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Oral medications: phosphodiesterase inhibitors, like sildenafil, that enhance blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving erections
- Penile injection therapy: direct injection of medication into the penis to stimulate an erection
- Vacuum erection devices: mechanical pumps that create a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood in to produce an erection
- Sexual health counseling: therapy to address psychological factors contributing to ED
- Penile implant surgery: surgical insertion of a device into the penis to allow for controlled erections
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- UroLift: a minimally invasive procedure that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue, relieving urethral obstruction
- Rezum: uses steam therapy to reduce excess prostate tissue
- Aquablation: employs a water jet to remove prostate tissue precisely
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): surgical removal of prostate tissue to alleviate urinary symptoms
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a minimally invasive procedure where small cameras, lasers, and special instruments called morcellators gently clear out the excess tissue through the urethra without incisions
Testosterone replacement
- Injections: regular administration of testosterone to restore normal levels
- Pellets: implanted under the skin, releasing testosterone over time
- Oral pills: daily medication to increase testosterone levels
- Lifestyle and dietary modifications: changes in diet and exercise to naturally boost testosterone
Vasectomy
- No-scalpel vasectomy: a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, typically completed in 10-15 minutes and highly effective with minimal recovery time
Peyronie’s disease
- Traction therapy: mechanical stretching of the penis to reduce curvature
- Xiaflex injections: enzyme injections that break down the scar tissue that is causing the curvature
- Surgery:
- Penile plication: shortens the unaffected side of the penis to straighten it
- Plaque excision and grafting: removal of scar tissue with placement of a graft to straighten the penis
- Penile implant: placement of an implant to correct curvature and treat any underlying ED at the same time
Meet the team
Our team includes experienced sexual health specialists dedicated to providing personalized care. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to address men’s health concerns.
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
