Men's Sexual Health

Educating yourself about your sexual health and scheduling routine visits with a healthcare provider can help protect your overall health and well-being. Whether you're currently sexually active or planning to be in the future, this page serves as a resource to help you learn about specific topics in advance of your appointment to make these conversations easier.

Though we use the term “men's health” throughout this page, the content is suited for people with a penis and other male anatomy, regardless of their gender identity.

UHS Men's Sexual Health Services

University Health Services offers many services specific to men's health. As a student, you have access to UHS healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about:

• General healthcare and routine physical exams
• Sexual health concerns
• Asymptomatic and symptomatic sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment
• HPV vaccine administration
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) and other urinary symptom care
• Testicular cancer screenings
• Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation care
• Genital skin lesion and rash treatment
• Pelvic floor therapy

Ways to Support Your Sexual Health

Familiarize yourself with contraceptive methods

Aside from external condoms, the majority of contraceptive methods are primarily used by women. However, men also benefit from learning about methods of contraception, how to use them, and how effective they are at preventing pregnancy. Visit the UHS Contraception page to learn more and the Healthyhorns Play It Safe page to learn how to access free safer sex supplies like condoms.

Get tested for STIs

If you have more than one partner, casual sex or unprotected sex, you should be screened more often for STIs, including HIV.

See the CDC’s screening recommendations for guidance.

If you are sexually active with female partners, the following tests are recommended:

• HIV (at least once after becoming sexually active)
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis (urethra) if you have had unprotected vaginal intercourse
• Routine screening for herpes and syphilis is not recommended

If you are sexually active with male partners, the following tests are recommended:

• HIV (at least once a year)
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum if you've had receptive anal sex in the past year
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the penis (urethra) if you have had insertive anal sex or received oral sex in the past year
• Gonorrhea of the throat if you've given oral sex (your mouth on your partner's penis or anus) in the past year
• Routine screening for herpes is not recommended

Get vaccinated

Hepatitis A and B vaccines and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are also recommended for all men. Visit the Allergy, Immunization and Travel Clinic for more information.

Protect yourself from HIV infection

To reduce your risk of HIV infection, consider making an appointment at UHS to discuss PrEP.

• If you think you've recently been exposed to HIV or if you've been sexually assaulted, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 (NURS) to consider post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) right away. PEP means taking antiretroviral medicines after being potentially exposed to HIV to reduce the chance of becoming infected. PEP is only effective within the first 72 hours after exposure.

Avoid using drugs or alcohol before or during sex

Limit or avoid using drugs and alcohol before and during sex. Using alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to use barrier methods effectively and make you more likely to take unintended risks.

Perform testicular self-examinations to detect early signs of testicular cancer

While testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men from ages 20-34, complication can be greatly reduced if abnormalities are detected early. A testicular self-examination is the best way to detect early signs of testicular cancer.

Consult with a healthcare provider about erectile dysfuntion

Erectile dysfunction does not only occur in older men, and can often result from stress, drug and alcohol use, and smoking. Consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider if you frequently experience erectile dysfunction.

Be aware of urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms

A UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, which is comprised of several important organs. Consult your healthcare provider if you think you have symptoms, such as increased urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and urine that looks cloudy or reddish.

Talk to your partner about safer sex

Healthy, honest communication about sexual desires and safer sex practices (like using condoms and getting tested for STIs) is the best way to ensure a positive experience for everyone and to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Remember, consent is a mutual, enthusiastic agreement.

Canvas Course

Keep learning about your sexual health through the Longhorn Wellness Center’s Canvas Course.