5 Questions Men Are Afraid To Ask Their Doctor

Six out of every ten male adults avoid going to the doctor, and studies have shown that the men who do make doctor’s appointments, only do so when they suspect there’s a severe health problem. Men also avoid discussing health issues, and most men do not tell their spouses about health concerns.

Many men struggle with alexithymia (the inability to identify their feelings), repress their emotions, and do not learn to express their feelings healthily. Some men also feel they must project strength and avoid showing vulnerability. Consequently, many men find it difficult to ask their doctors about sensitive health concerns such as those discussed here.

1. Can a penis be broken?

Although a penis does not contain bones, it can be broken. The tunica albuginea, which is the layer around the penis, holds the blood to enable a man to have an erection. If the layer breaks during intercourse, the blood that was held by the tunica albuginea will bleed through, and the man will not only lose his erection, but struggle to have subsequent ones (Erectile Dysfunction).

Penile fractures can also occur if the penis is bent or subjected to trauma. It is also possible for the tissue beneath the tunica albuginea to rupture. Symptoms include sudden pain, loss of erection, swelling, and discoloration. In addition, fractures can impact other areas of penises such as the urethra, which is a serious concern as any urologist will tell you, since it severely limits the passing of urine. Penile fractures are not to be left untreated, as they will most likely require a surgical procedure to correct, and so speaking to a doctor regarding this is not only worth putting pride to one side for, but is paramount to one's health.

2. Can my penis be enlarged safely?

You may be concerned about the size of your penis and whether or not it is normal. The average penis size is 5.5 inches, with most penises falling between 3.5 and 7.5 inches in length. Additionally, it’s normal for a flaccid penis’s girth to be approximately 3.6 inches.

Penis enlargement is possible. You can employ several techniques to enlarge your penis, such as stretches, exercises, lotions, and surgery. Penis extenders can be used to lengthen the penis, and men can gain up to two inches of length through an exercise known as jelquing. All of these methods contain risks, and your penis may be bruised, or ligaments could be torn. The PE method is a safer exercise that can produce gains of two inches, which will make a significant improvement to penile size. You can also consider the Pro Extender, a medical device designed by a urologist, which is capable of increasing the size of the penis. Remember, this is not a medical condition, so it is actively encouraged that you speak to your doctor before engaging in any such activity to increase penis size.

3. Is it normal to be depressed?

Men raised with traditional male gender roles may find it challenging to express emotions and discuss their feelings with anyone, including their spouse. Many men are still raised to be protectors who look after their families, making them reluctant to show signs of weakness. When men struggle with depression or other emotional issues, they may find it challenging to discuss these feelings with their doctor, meaning that the appropriate help from a therapist, psychologist, or other mental health practitioner is missing.

You can ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist, or you can use a reputable therapy matching site, such as With Therapy. Through this site, you can identify your concerns and preferences. Their system helps identify the most effective form of therapy for you. For example, if you have religious beliefs, you may feel more comfortable discussing your issues with someone who shares your faith. Some men may find it easier to talk to other men, while others may feel more comfortable with a female therapist. An effective therapy matching system that considers your needs and preferences, can effectively match you with a qualified therapist that you'll feel comfortable with, which will increase the likelihood that your therapy will be successful. The biggest advantage of using this site to find a therapist or psychologist, is that there is no need to speak to someone face-to-face, which most men will find to be easier.

4. Will I be affected by health issues that my father had?

Some health issues can be hereditary. It’s important to discuss your family medical history with your doctor, to ensure you take preventative measures to protect yourself from hereditary medical problems. If there’s a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure, you may be more likely to suffer from cardiac issues. It would help if you informed your doctor about family members with diabetes because you may be predisposed to becoming diabetic yourself.

5. Is erectile dysfunction typical or a sign of a problem?

Although erectile dysfunction )ED) can affect young, healthy men from time to time, chronic erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of a severe health issue. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by stress and can also be a symptom of diabetes or heart disease. Both diabetes and heart disease can cause blood flow issues, which can prevent you from developing and sustaining an erection, as well as leading to a loss of sensation in other extremities.