No Shame. Just Science: Why Sexual Health Deserves the Conversation

BALTIMORE, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sexual health concerns affect millions of people, yet many suffer in silence, believing their symptoms are embarrassing, an inevitable part of aging, or simply something they have to live with.

The reality is that many sexual health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Approximately 30 to 50 million men and about 43% of adult women in the United States experience urological and sexual health issues.

This Sexual Health Awareness Month, the Urology Care Foundation (UCF), the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA), is encouraging patients to start the conversation through its “No Shame. Just Science.” awareness campaign. Throughout September, the Foundation will share expert-backed information and resources on common sexual health conditions affecting people across the lifespan.

“Sexual health is a major contributor to quality of life and longevity, and urologists have always been leaders in advancing this space,” said Rachel Rubin, MD, a urologist and sexual medicine specialist. “From addressing erectile dysfunction and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) to recognizing the important roles of hormonal and pelvic health, we have an opportunity to advance comprehensive sexual healthcare for both men and women across the lifespan. Sexual health is an essential component of overall health and well-being.”

Sexual Health Is Health

Sexual health is closely connected to physical, emotional, and relational well-being. Conditions affecting sexual function can impact quality of life and, in some cases, may be associated with other underlying health concerns.

Unfortunately, many people delay seeking care.

“People will live with a sexual health problem for years because they think it is embarrassing, inevitable, or untreatable,” said Juan Andino, MD, a urologist specializing in men’s sexual and reproductive health. “It is none of those things. Erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease are medical conditions, and we have treatments that can meaningfully restore function and quality of life, including highly effective surgical options when other therapies fall short. These conditions are often worsened by or associated with other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer treatments. Sexual Health Awareness Month is a reminder that optimizing quality of life can start with one conversation, and in that process, we often help optimize overall health as well.”

Understanding Common Sexual Health Conditions

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Many people experiencing menopause notice changes in both vaginal and urinary health, but may not realize these symptoms could be part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Symptoms may include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Burning or irritation
• Pain during sexual activity
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

GSM is common, treatable, and not something anyone should feel they must endure in silence.

Access the Urology Care Foundation’s GSM and menopause resources.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual health concerns affecting men and can sometimes be associated with underlying health conditions.

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Oral medications
• Injections
• Vacuum erection devices
• Penile prostheses and other surgical options

Access the Urology Care Foundation’s resources on erectile dysfunction.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation affects up to 1 in 3 men and remains one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction.

Effective management options may include behavioral therapy, counseling, and medical treatments.

Access the Urology Care Foundation’s resources on premature ejaculation.

Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal

More than 500,000 men in the United States choose a vasectomy each year as a form of birth control. For some individuals whose family plans change, vasectomy reversal may be an option to help restore fertility.

Access the Urology Care Foundation’s vasectomy resources.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer remains the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 44. Knowing the signs and symptoms and seeking timely medical care can help support earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Access the Urology Care Foundation’s resources on testicular cancer.

Start the Conversation

Many people wait years before discussing sexual health concerns with a health care provider. Whether the issue is erectile dysfunction, GSM, premature ejaculation, pelvic health concerns, fertility questions, or symptoms affecting intimacy and quality of life, starting a conversation can be the first step toward relief.

Throughout September, the Urology Care Foundation will share free educational resources, videos, patient stories, expert insights, and social media content designed to help people better understand sexual health and available treatment options.

Visit the Urology Care Foundation’s Sexual Health Awareness Month Information Center for trusted, expert-reviewed resources. Follow the Foundation on X, Facebook, or Instagram throughout September for additional educational content, patient stories, videos, and resources.

This Sexual Health Awareness Month, remember: No Shame. Just Science. Start the Conversation.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Collaborating with physicians, researchers, patients, and the public, the Foundation supports, through philanthropic efforts, the improvement of urologic clinical care globally by funding research, clinical education, patient education, and humanitarian programs. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs, visit: www.urologyhealth.org.

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• No Shame. Just Science: Why Sexual Health Deserves the Conversation

CONTACT: Corey Del Bianco
Urology Care Foundation
410-689-4033
cdelbianco@auanet.org