BY: DR. DANIEL T. LYBBERT
DHR HEALTH UROLOGIST AND MALE INFERTILITY SPECIALIST
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT CALL: (956) 362-8767
Sexual function is often a sensitive subject for men to bring up, especially with their doctor. However, what many men don’t know is that sexual dysfunction can often be a red flag and an early indicator of other concerning health issues. Erectile dysfunction, infertility, ejaculatory dysfunction, and low libido (decreased sex drive), are complicated disease processes that correlate with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, neurodegenerative disorders, and many other serious conditions. It’s important for men to bring up these concerns of sexual dysfunction during a visit to their care provider, not just for improvement in their intimate relationships, but as a way to improve their overall health. Data shows that sexual dysfunction is associated with increased risk of mortality in men.
Unfortunately, in our society and cultures, sexual dysfunction is a taboo subject for most men to discuss with anyone. Men may feel emasculated admitting to erectile or other sexual dysfunctions, and would rather find ways to hide their symptoms than address them. However, these symptoms are sometimes the presenting symptoms of more insidious disease processes. In my own experience, I have spoken with men who thought they were otherwise healthy but needed help with erections. Upon further investigation in these men, I had referred them to other providers who diagnosed them with previously unrecognized diabetes and heart disease. Early intervention allowed them to get control of their disease process before it could progress with more deleterious effects.
Even something that may seem innocuous, such a low sperm counts and male factor infertility, is a red flag for their future health. Data shows that men with low sperm counts have increased potential risk for certain cancers, such as prostate, testicular, and colon cancer as well as melanoma. These men, in particular, should be conscientious about appropriate screenings and self-examinations.
Overall health and wellness is great, but sexual health is in and of itself an important aspect of our lives that we deserve to enjoy, even well into our later decades of life. There are many amazing medical and surgical treatments to help with erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and infertility, and more advancements in this field are being developed all the time.
At DHR Health, our urologists understand and are well versed in the most up to date treatment modalities for men’s sexual health and we understand the sensitive nature of discussing these concerns. We provide a comfortable and understanding environment to discuss these issues in confidence. Whether you are in your 20’s or in your 90’s, if sexual function is important to you and your relationship with your partner, don’t hesitate to get the treatment you need. I often tell my patients and other care providers, “Some doctors are there to save lives. I’m here to help make life worth living!”
ABOUT DR. DANIEL T. LYBBERT
Dr. Daniel T. Lybbert is DHR Health’s newest urologist and male infertility specialist. His office is located at the DHR Health Urology Institute, 2603 Michelangelo Drive in Edinburg, and he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Lybbert earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology with honors from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He then attended the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, where he obtained his medical degree in 2018. From there, he went on to complete his residency in urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and recently completed a fellowship in andrology and infertility at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
In his role, Dr. Lybbert will address a wide range of urology issues related to the kidneys, bladder, prostate, penis, testes, and urethra. He will also specialize in diagnosing and treating male fertility, sexual and urinary health conditions, including infertility, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature), low testosterone, urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, chronic pelvic/scrotal pain, and kidney stones.
To make an appointment with Dr. Lybbert, call the DHR Health Urology Institute at (956) 362-8767. DHR Health accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
