|
This page is specifically useful for guys. Facts and myths around male sexual health are discussed here.
MYTH: Guys don’t go to the doctor.
FACT: It’s really important for everyone, guys and girls, young and old, to have regular check-ups, and to go to the doctor if it seems like something’s wrong. Some of you have had doctors who have judgemental or negative attitudes. This can make anyone feel like they don’t want to go back. There are lots of respectful, informative clinics and doctors out there, sometimes it can take time to find a good doctor that you feel comfortable with. Check out Planned Parenthood Toronto Health Services (
www.ppt.on.ca
) as a starting place to find a doctor right for you.
It’s important to do regular testicular self-exams. Testicular cancer affects young men, 15-24, more than any other age group, but it’s very curable if caught early. Do a testicular self exam once a month, to learn how to do one properly check out our
TESTICULAR SELF-EXAM
.
MYTH: I’m not the type of guy to get an STI (STI means Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Taking a shower does not protect you from giving or getting a sexually transmitted infections.
The best way to prevent getting or spreading STIs is to use a condom when you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Condoms are easy to get (you can get them for free at lots of health clinics, including Planned Parenthood Toronto). They’re pretty cheap if you do have to buy them, and they’re easy to keep in your wallet so that you have them when you need them. Some guys don’t like condoms, saying the latex reduces the amount of sensation on their penis when they’re having sex. Try wearing a condom while masturbating so you get used to the way you feel while wearing one. Try out a few different condom brands and sizes until you find one that works for you. That way you’ll feel comfortable with a condom when you decide to have sex with another person. Don’t worry if you go soft the first few times you’re using a condom during sex with a partner – it’s really normal while you get used to incorporating condoms into your sex life. Do something else for a while until you’re ready to romp again. Also, change condoms each time you ejaculate / produce cum. Change condoms if you are changing from anal to vaginal sex. Types of sex that don’t need a condom are mutual masterbation (wanking together), dry humping, finger fucking.
Some STIs you can’t see, feel, smell, so you would never know you had them; but, they can be transmitted to another person. Have regular STI check ups, especially if you’re not in a monogamous relationship. If you are in a committed, monogamous relationship, you and your partner should get checked at the beginning of the relationship, if either of you is unsure of your STI status. If you’re having sex with anyone whose status you don’t know, wear a condom. After all, it’s your health and wellbeing. STI tests have changed – all you have to do is pee in a cup and have a blood test – there are no painful swabs involved.
MYTH: Guys don’t need to talk about their feelings
Talking about how you feel is a great way to help deal with stress. Talking to a friend, family member, partner, or counsellor can help you deal with all kinds of issues. Everyone has stuff they have to deal with, and you don’t have to do it alone. Other people you can talk to for free are counsellors and therapists. Contact Planned Parenthood Toronto (
www.ppt.on.ca
) to find out more.
There’s also a myth out there that guys don’t get depressed and guys don’t have body image issues. Neither are true. There are a lot of things that can lead to depression or having serious body issues. Again, talking to someone you trust – or a trained counsellor – is a really important way to help you to start feeling better.
MYTH: My cock size ain’t normal (what’s up with my penis?)
There are so many penis sizes, a whole range: some guys’ penises seem really small to them when they’re soft, but grow a lot when they’re hard, some guys have longer, thinner penises, some guys have shorter, wider penises, and everything in between.
Penis growth starts at the onset of puberty, usually between about 10 and 14 years old, although it can be earlier or later. Penises continue to grow throughout the teenage years, and guys usually have to wait a year or two after they’ve stopped growing in height to know how big their penis will be. Penis size is determined by genetics.
Some guys are worried about their penis size when it comes to having sex with another person. The truth is your sex partner is probably more interested in you paying attention to them and what gives them pleasure during sex rather than the size or shape of your cock. The saying, “It’s not what you have, it’s how you use it” is true! Listen to what your partner says they enjoy (For example, “I like it when my neck is licked”). Listen for the noises your partner makes to tell if they like or don’t like certain movements. To learn more about what your partner likes, have fun and play together to learn about what each of you likes, and ask your partner to tell you which behaviours and movements they like.
MYTH: Guys aren’t victims of abusive relationships
Usually, when we think about abusive relationships, we think of a woman being beaten by her husband or boyfriend. Men are also the victims of abusive relationships. We don’t know how many men are in abusive relationships, because they tend not to report it. It is okay to say something if you are being hurt. Abuse includes hitting, shoving, pushing, punching and other forms of physical abuse, sexual assault and rape, and emotional abuse where the guy is constantly put down by his partner to the point where he believes that he’s worthless. A guy will often stay in a relationship at that point, because he believes that no one else will ever want him. Abuse happens in straight and gay relationships. Talking to a counsellor or a friend you trust can be a way of starting to find your way out of an abusive relationship.
|
