Men’s Sexual Health: How Telehealth Makes It Easier to Talk to a Doctor

Many men find it hard to talk about sexual health, even with a doctor. Concerns like erection problems, ejaculation issues, low sex drive or a possible STI are common, and most can be assessed and managed. Telehealth can make that first conversation easier: you speak to a GP by phone or video, from somewhere private, without sitting in a waiting room.

This article looks at why men often put off getting help, how to start the conversation, what to expect in a telehealth consultation and when you need to be seen in person.

Why men often delay getting help

• Embarrassment: worry about what the doctor will think, or feeling that a problem reflects on your masculinity.
• Hoping it goes away: putting it off, especially if symptoms come and go.
• Not knowing it’s common: many men assume they’re the only one, when erection and ejaculation problems affect a large number of men at some point.
• Practical barriers: getting time off work, travelling to a clinic, or living in a small town where you know the GP or the receptionist.

Sexual health problems can also be an early sign of other health conditions. For example, erection problems can be linked to heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. Talking to a doctor isn’t just about your sex life; it’s about your overall health.

How telehealth can help

• Privacy: you choose where you take the call, whether that’s at home, in your car or somewhere else you feel comfortable.
• Phone or video: if you’d rather not be on camera, a phone consultation is fine for many concerns.
• Convenience: appointments that fit around work, with no travel.
• Access: helpful for men in regional and remote areas, FIFO workers and shift workers.

Starting the conversation

GPs talk about sexual health every day, and nothing you say is likely to surprise them. If you’re not sure how to begin, you could try:

• “I’ve been having trouble getting or keeping an erection.”
• “I’ve been finishing too quickly, and it’s bothering me.”
• “I’d like an STI check.”
• “I’ve noticed a change down there and want to get it looked at.”

It helps to think beforehand about when the problem started, how often it happens, any other symptoms, medicines or supplements you take, and how much you drink, smoke or use other drugs. Be as honest as you can; the doctor needs the full picture to help.

What to expect in a consultation

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, general health, relationships and sexual history. These questions are routine and confidential. Depending on the problem, they may:

• arrange blood tests, for example to check blood sugar, cholesterol or hormone levels
• arrange STI tests using a urine sample, swab or blood test
• talk about lifestyle changes, stress, mood and relationship factors
• prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• refer you to a specialist, psychologist or other service where needed
• let you know if you need an in-person examination

Common concerns men raise

Erection problems

Erectile dysfunction is common and can have physical causes (such as heart disease, diabetes, smoking or some medicines), psychological causes (such as stress, anxiety or depression) or both. See erectile dysfunction: causes and when to get help and overcoming ED stigma.

Premature ejaculation

Ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like is one of the most common sexual concerns in men. Behavioural techniques, counselling and medical treatment can help. Read premature ejaculation: causes and common myths.

Low sex drive

Low libido can be linked to stress, tiredness, relationship issues, depression, some medicines, alcohol or, less often, low testosterone. A GP can help work out the likely cause and may suggest blood tests.

STIs

Many STIs cause no symptoms, so regular testing matters if you have new or multiple partners. Men who have sex with men are usually advised to test more often. See common STIs in Australia.

Mental health and relationships

Anxiety, depression and relationship stress can all affect sex, and sexual problems can affect mood in return. A GP can talk through mental health support and refer you to a psychologist if appropriate.

When you need to be seen in person

Some concerns need a hands-on examination. See a GP in person if you notice:

• a lump or swelling in a testicle
• sores, lumps or a rash on the penis or genitals that a doctor needs to look at
• a bend or curve in the penis that’s new, painful or getting worse
• blood in your urine or semen
• trouble weeing, a weak stream or needing to go much more often, especially at night

When to get urgent help

Go to an emergency department or call 000 if you have:

• sudden, severe pain in a testicle, which can be a sign of testicular torsion and needs treatment within hours
• an erection that lasts more than four hours and won’t go down
• chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint during or after sex
• a possible exposure to HIV in the past 72 hours (go to an emergency department or sexual health clinic for HIV PEP)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs provide sexual health consultations by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Consultations for premature ejaculation and STI testing and treatment are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Erectile dysfunction consultations are a private fee ($55 on weekdays, $75 on weekends and public holidays) with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details. For STI-only concerns, our sister service STI Doctor is another option.

Frequently asked questions

Can I talk to a doctor about erection problems over the phone?

Yes. A GP can usually assess erection problems by phone or video, arrange blood tests if needed and discuss treatment options. They’ll let you know if you need to be examined in person.

Will the doctor judge me?

No. GPs discuss sexual health every day. Their job is to understand the problem and help, and the consultation is confidential.

Do I have to use video?

No. Many sexual health concerns can be discussed by phone. The doctor may suggest video or an in-person visit if they need to see something.

Are men’s sexual health consultations bulk billed?

At Teldoc, consultations for premature ejaculation and STI testing and treatment are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Erectile dysfunction consultations are a private fee ($55 on weekdays, $75 on weekends and public holidays) with no Medicare rebate.

Sources and further reading: healthdirect: Erectile dysfunction; healthdirect: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Healthy Male: What all men should know about anatomy, sex and STIs.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026