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Educational article

How to Talk About Sexual or Physical Changes During a Men’s Hormone Health Visit

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 5 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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An adult man speaks privately with a health professional during an evaluation about sexual changes.
Explaining what changed and when it began helps provide context for an evaluation of men’s hormone health in Bogotá.

Talking about changes is part of the evaluation

An evaluation of men’s hormone health does not necessarily begin with an exam or test result; it also starts with what you have noticed. It can feel uncomfortable to talk about sexual desire, erections, ejaculation, fertility, or physical changes, but describing them clearly helps the health professional understand what is happening and in what context. You do not need to find medical terms or arrive with a definitive explanation.

Changes you can mention

You can talk about changes in sexual desire, the frequency or firmness of erections, ejaculation, or the ability to have children, if that is a concern. You can also mention physical or emotional changes that stand out to you, such as changes in body composition, energy, or mood. These are separate aspects: mentioning one does not mean the others are also affected.

Describe the change in your own words

Explain what feels different to you, when you noticed it, and whether it happens consistently, at certain times, or in specific situations. You can recall whether it began gradually or suddenly and how it has changed over time. You do not need to keep a detailed record; a simple statement such as “I noticed it a few months ago, and it doesn’t happen all the time” can help guide the conversation.

Distinguish sexual desire, erections, ejaculation, and fertility

Sexual desire refers to interest in or desire for sexual activity; an erection is a physical response; ejaculation is the release of semen; and fertility is the ability to achieve a pregnancy. A change in one of these areas does not necessarily mean there is a change in the others. If something concerns you, you can name it directly and explain how it affects your life or relationships, if you wish.

Share your history and context

You can mention how you have been sleeping and how much stress you have been experiencing, whether you have had any recent health problems, and what medications or supplements you use. It is also helpful to mention alcohol or other substance use. Do not stop or change medications on your own; sharing this information helps the health professional assess the full picture.

Changes do not point to a cause on their own

Sexual or physical changes can have different explanations, hormonal or nonhormonal. Based on what you describe and your medical history, the health professional may assess whether a clinical exam or any tests are needed. These changes alone do not confirm low testosterone or another hormonal condition.

You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis

You do not need to search online for a definitive explanation or request tests on your own. There is also no single level of sexual desire or function that should be the same for everyone; individual variation is normal. What is useful is to explain what changed and whether it concerns you or affects your life. Avoid starting treatments or changing ones you already use without professional guidance.

When to request an evaluation

You can request an evaluation if a sexual, physical, or mood-related change concerns you, persists, or affects your well-being. You can also consult a health professional if you are unsure whether it is significant; you do not need to wait until it becomes severe or justify your concern with a self-diagnosis. Explaining what changed, when it began, and under what circumstances is a good place to start.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How can I start talking about an intimate topic?

You could say, “I feel a little embarrassed bringing this up, but I’ve noticed a change in…” Then explain when it began, whether it is constant or variable, and how it affects you. You do not need to use technical terms.

Does a change in sexual desire or erections mean I have low testosterone?

Not necessarily. These changes may be related to different hormonal and nonhormonal factors; on their own, they do not confirm a cause. A professional evaluation can help determine what to explore.

Should I bring testosterone test results that I ordered on my own?

There is no need to request tests on your own or arrive with a diagnosis. Describe your changes and medical history; the health professional will decide whether tests are appropriate and how to interpret them in your situation.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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