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Why should I pay attention to sexual health?

We enjoy sex with our partner and feel good about our intimate relationships most of the time. Sex is a physical way to express love and affection for someone. Being in a sexual relationship can be very rewarding and enjoyable. But some men may have difficulties or problems about their sexual health.

What causes sexual problems in men?

Many men find that it is sometimes difficult in initiating sex or having problems about their sexual health on occasion. Either they cannot get an erection, come too quickly for their partner, or simply lose their interest in sex. Other than medical reasons such as diabetes mellitus, common lifestyle causes for sexual problems include:

Drinking too much alcohol
Drug abuse
Stress and anxiety
Relationship conflicts
Being tired
Smoking

How can I keep my sex life in good shape?

There are many things you have to do in order to keep your sex life in shape:

Have a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating nutritious food and exercising regularly.
Avoid drug abuse.
Establish a faithful sexual relationship with your partner.
Try to find out how you can relax.
Don't get upset about your sexual failure. Try other ways that do not involve penetration such as kissing or touching.
Share your worries with your partner and ask for support.
Don't force yourself (or your partner) to have sex if you are not ready. To have enjoyable sex, both partners need to agree to have sex without any intimidation.

What is "safer sex"?

Safer sex means sexual intercourse which avoids direct contact with partner's body fluid, like vagina secretion, semen, blood or saliva. It reduces your risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and also accidental pregnancy. Safer sex includes:

Using condom during intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral)
Mutual masturbation
Skin kissing or dry kiss (without contact with saliva)
Caressing or sensuous touching
Watching the naked body of the partner

How can I use a condom properly?

Condom is the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease if you use it properly. It should be used each and every time you have intercourse.

Choosing and caring for condom

Choose a brand that fits you comfortably.
Make sure the use-by date on the packet is current.
Check the package for any breakage or broken seals.
Ensure that condoms are kept in cool, dry place.

Putting on the condom

Put the condom on before any sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral).
Open the packet carefully. Do not snag the condom with rings or fingernails.
Squeeze the teat on the end of the condom to expel air and make room for the semen.
Place the condom against the tip of the penis and gently unroll it down to the base of the penis.
Always use water-based lubricant. Do not use oil or vaseline.

After ejaculating

Withdraw the penis before it becomes flaccid.
Hold the rim of the bottom to prevent spillage while withdrawing the penis, and slip the condom off carefully.
Wrap it in paper and put it in the bin. Do not flush the condom down the toilet

Statistics

According to the Department of Health statistics in 2007, the number of male patients are more than that of female for various sexually transmitted diseases.

Health Alert

Patients with impotence should never use drugs (e.g. Sildenafil, male hormones or similar drugs) without a doctor's prescription as wrong use of these drugs may lead to prostate problems or heart disease, or even death in severe cases.

Health Tips.

Condom is the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease if you use it properly.

Do You Know...

Many men may have difficulties or problems about their sexual health.

Stop AIDS! Safer Sex!

Have Safer and Fun Sex; Fight AIDS

Protect yourself, take good care of your sexual partner. Men, you can do it!

Men's Health Tests

Safer Sex

Erectile Function

Condom - Do you know how to use it?

Who Else Can Help?

Hong Kong Family Planning Association
Service Hotline
Phone : 2572 2222

Dr SEX Hotline
Phone : 2337 2121

AIDS Hotline
Phone : 2780 2211

Red Ribbon Centre Hotline
Phone : 2304 6268

The Virtual AIDS Office of Hong Kong

Aids Hotline
www.27802211.com

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