Providers: Let’s Talk About Men’s Sexual Health in the Exam Room

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges men face and encouraging more open conversations with healthcare providers. Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet conditions like Peyronie’s disease (PD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and testosterone deficiency (TD) may go underdiagnosed or are surrounded by stigma.^{1,2,3,†,‡}

Keenova’s new Men’s Sexual Health Screening Tool helps healthcare providers by acting as a guide to obtain sexual health information and enable thoughtful conversations about topics that can feel sensitive.

Encouraging Open Conversations for Better Health 

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in fostering open conversations, making sure that men receive the care and support they need. The questions in the three scenarios below help create space for honest discussions about men’s health. By normalizing these conversations, providers empower patients to seek care, feel heard, and take charge of their well-being. 

New Intake Tool: A Small Addition That Makes a Big Difference

The Men’s Sexual Health Screening Tool empowers providers to guide more meaningful sexual health conversations with their patients. The tool was developed as part of the screening for Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone. By capturing important information up front, they open the door to topics that can often feel difficult or uncomfortable to discuss.

The result is a more supportive environment—one where men feel at ease sharing concerns they might otherwise keep to themselves, leading to more honest dialogue and better care outcomes.

Questions on the form:

• Do you currently experience this symptom? (followed by list of six symptoms, including: a lump, bump, or curve in my penis; difficulty getting an erection; low energy; and low libido)
• If yes, how much does it bother you? (followed by scaled rating system for each of the six symptoms)

Mental Health Matters 

Sexual health is linked to emotional and psychological well-being. For example, men with PD may experience distress or depression⁴;  those with ED may struggle with performance anxiety,⁵  and men facing TD can be affected by depression and have difficulty concentrating.⁶ Integrating a mental health screening can provide essential context and help address the root causes of a patient’s emotional symptoms. 

These questions may look like: 

Partner-Focused Conversations in Women’s Healthcare 

Even within women’s health settings, there are meaningful ways to support men’s health through inclusive, partner-centered care. By broadening the conversation, providers can help patients and their partners feel more seen, supported, and understood. 

Gynecologists might ask: 

Integrating Sexual Health Across Specialties 

PD, ED, and TD are also connected to other chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes.^5,7,8 This means providers across many specialties, from primary care to endocrinology, can help identify early signs and initiate appropriate care pathways. 

Many providers already take a whole-person approach to care, rather than just focusing on the presenting symptom. Incorporating sexual health questions like the ones mentioned above is a natural extension of this commitment to treating the full patient. 

Reducing Stigma Through Routine Care 

Sexual health can be a sensitive subject, but routine inquiry helps reduce stigma. When providers consistently ask open questions with care and professionalism, patients begin to see these conversations as normal and necessary. 

By creating space for these discussions, providers empower men to take ownership of their sexual health and overall wellness. A few thoughtful questions can go a long way in building trust, uncovering unmet needs, and improving patient well-being.

^† Cross-sectional analysis of data from 2,126 adult male participants in the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 

^‡ Prevalence based on total testosterone threshold.