Men! THESE signs in the bedroom can indicate a bigger health problem

Just as we discuss cardiovascular health problems, diabetes and other day to day ailments, we should also be aware and more vocal about intimate health issues.

Sexual health is an integral part of our overall well-being. Men or women must not feel embarrassed or shy to talk about problems that not only hinder their sex life, but also pose great risk to their health.

Statistically, men may be less open to discussing sexual health problems or visiting doctors for regular check ups. This is because most sexual or reproductive problems associated with men are linked to erectile dysfunction or infertility - two of the many things society has come to associate with 'masculinity'.

However, it is important to look beyond these societal norms and constructs and focus more on one's own wellness. That said, here are some of the signs that could hint at a bigger problem and men should be alert about them.

Also read: 6 times STDs can happen WITHOUT sex; know how

Loss of libido or sex drive could indicate a bigger health problem. While one of the primary causes could be a troubled relationship, health conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED) or hypogonadism (low T-testosterone) could also trigger low libido. This could be characterized by the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for sex to occur. Other signs include low self-esteem, stress, feeling of embarrassment or guilt, which can all make things worse. Best way to tackle it is by talking to your doctor.

Being unable to get or sustain an erection can be a leading sign of erectile dysfunction. But a combination of factors can lead to ED.

According to Mayo Clinic, physical causes of erectile dysfunction include: metabolic syndrome, parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, certain prescription medications, tobacco use, alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse, sleep disorders, treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate, surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord or low testosterone.

The best way to know what the source of your problem is to get yourself tested and examined by the doctor.

For men, prostate is an important gland associated with both urinary and sexual function. In case you notice signs such as frequent visits to the bathroom, inability to empty the bladder, changes in urinary volume or frequency, it can be related to enlarging prostate.

The three most common prostate problems are inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer.

Symptoms can range from pain or burning urination, painful ejaculation, frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs.

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a long time, but to no avail, then it is best to determine the reason. Male infertility can be caused by several factors including low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Other reasons could be an undescended testicle, enlarged veins around the testicles (called varicocele), an injury to the testicle, testicular cancer, anabolic steroid use or more.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Peyronie's disease is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis and causes curved, painful erections. Men who suffer with Peyronie's disease often have a penis that is subject to an irregular curvature i.e. it might curve upward or downward or bend to one side, explains the health body.

All these sexual health problems, which are often limited to the bedroom or dealt with in private should be addressed on time. Talk to your doctor and get yourself regularly tested for urinary and sexual health issues.