Men’s Health
What is Men’s Health?
Men's health refers to men's general physical and mental well-being, including preventing and treating diseases and conditions that are more common in men and promoting healthy behaviours and lifestyles.
Men’s Health encompasses various issues, including sexual and reproductive health, cardiovascular health, mental health, and preventative care for conditions such as cancer and osteoporosis. It also includes information about healthy diet and exercise, stress management, and relationship and family issues.
We provide specialised men’s health services aimed at these needs.
Consultations are conducted in a confidential and private consulting room and may cover
- health screening,
- prostate checks,
- blood screening,
- blood pressure checks and
- sexual health checks.
About Men’s Health
Australian men are more likely to get sick than women from serious health problems. We help men at all stages of life, including issues with:
- Prostate Enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Erectile Dysfunction or Premature Ejaculation
- Gynaecomastia
- Mental Health
- Testosterone Deficiency
- STD Testing
- High Blood Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
Factors Affecting Men’s Health
There are a variety of factors that may impact and make men vulnerable to particular health issues. These can include:
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
- Environment: Exposure to pollution, toxins, and other environmental factors can negatively impact men's health.
- Genetics: Certain genetic conditions, such as hemochromatosis (a condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron) and prostate cancer, are more common in men.
- Age: As men age, they are at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis.
- Social factors: Factors such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social isolation can all have an impact on a man's health.
Men need to take steps to maintain their health, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Men should also be aware of any family history of health conditions and discuss any concerns with their doctor.
Your doctor can provide you with a trusted and programmed approach based on diagnostic and suitable treatments, including:
- Annual Health Assessment To Ensure You Are On Track
- Mental Health Assessment and Mental Health Management Plans
- Chronic Disease Management
- Prostate Cancer Detection and Management
- Sexual Health Advice, Erectile Dysfunction, STD and Testicular Checks
- Lifestyle Choices
- Sleep Disorders
Why is Men’s Health Important?
Men's health is essential for several reasons, including:
- Preventing and managing chronic conditions: Men are at higher risk for specific conditions such as heart disease and prostate cancer, so they must take steps to prevent or manage these conditions.
- Improving overall well-being: By focusing on overall health and wellness, men can increase their lifespan and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.
- Improving mental health: Men's health also includes addressing mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact overall well-being.
- Improving sexual and reproductive health: Men's health includes taking care of the sexual and reproductive system, which can help to prevent conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility.
- Enhancing personal relationships: A healthy man is better equipped to handle the stressors of everyday life and relationships.
- Boosting self-confidence: By taking care of one's health and feeling good about oneself, men can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Improving work performance: A healthy man is more productive and efficient at work, which can positively impact his career and financial stability.
Overall, men's health is crucial for the well-being of men, their families and the community. By taking care of their health, men can improve their quality of life and live fulfilling and productive lives.
Preventative Men's Health
Men's health is relevant for all adult males, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. It encompasses a wide range of issues specific to men; as such, all men need to be aware of and take steps to maintain their health.
Some common health concerns specific to men include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, low testosterone levels, and conditions such as heart disease and depression, which are more common among men than women.
By understanding these health concerns, men can take steps to reduce their risk and maintain good health throughout their lives.
Preventative men's health refers to taking steps to prevent the development of certain health conditions before they occur.
Our doctors conduct preventative health checks and provide education to suit each patient's needs.
Regular Health Checks
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help detect and prevent potential health problems.
Physical Examination
From time to time, your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) will be checked during examinations. Depending on individual risk factors, men over 45 may need to undergo a physical exam once every three years.
Blood Pressure Check
Men with a history of borderline or high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least every year. Men with diabetes-raised cholesterol levels, heart disease, kidney problems, or other related conditions also need to have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Diabetes Screening
Men aged 40 or above should get tested for diabetes every three years. Men with blood pressure above 135/80 will be recommended by their healthcare provider to check their blood sugar for diabetes.
Bone Density
A bone density test should be performed for men over 65; depending on their risk factors, they may need to be screened for osteoporosis.
Colon Cancer Screening
Men between the ages of 50 and 75 need to be screened for colon cancer. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites Australians over 50 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home. This aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection of the disease.
Your doctor may schedule additional studies if you have a history of ulcerative colitis or any family history of colon cancer.
Eye Examination
An eye examination is recommended every two years for men older than 45 or with vision abnormalities. You may need to be checked for glaucoma once you are over 45.
Regular Health Checks
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help detect and prevent potential health problems.
Physical Examination
From time to time, your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) will be checked during examinations. Depending on individual risk factors, men over 45 may need to undergo a physical exam once every three years.
Blood Pressure Check
Men with a history of borderline or high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least every year. Men with diabetes-raised cholesterol levels, heart disease, kidney problems, or other related conditions also need to have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Diabetes Screening
Men aged 40 or above should get tested for diabetes every three years. Men with blood pressure above 135/80 will be recommended by their healthcare provider to check their blood sugar for diabetes.
Bone Density
A bone density test should be performed for men over 65; depending on their risk factors, they may need to be screened for osteoporosis.
Colon Cancer Screening
Men between the ages of 50 and 75 need to be screened for colon cancer. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites Australians over 50 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home. This aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection of the disease.
Your doctor may schedule additional studies if you have a history of ulcerative colitis or any family history of colon cancer.
Eye Examination
An eye examination is recommended every two years for men older than 45 or with vision abnormalities. You may need to be checked for glaucoma once you are over 45.
Mental Health
Mental Health Assessment
Mental health assessment for men is a process used to evaluate a man's mental well-being and identify any issues affecting his ability to function. Our doctors can conduct a mental health assessment.
The assessment may include a thorough evaluation of the individual's mental and emotional state, including their mood, thought patterns, and behaviour. The doctor will also ask about any symptoms the individual may be experiencing, such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
The assessment may also include a review of the individual's medical history and any medications or other treatments they are currently receiving. The doctor will conduct cognitive and psychological tests to assess the individual's memory, attention, and reasoning abilities.
Mental Health Management Plan
If any mental health issues are identified, our doctors will work with the individual to develop a treatment plan. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. The treatment plan will be tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals.
Men need to take steps to maintain their mental health, such as learning to manage stress, practising self-care, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Men should also be aware of any family history of mental health conditions and discuss any concerns with their doctor.
Prostate Checkups
Men should have a checkup for prostate cancer starting at age 50 or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.
What is Prostate Cancer Screening?
All men over 50 should have a Prostate Cancer Check once every 24 months. Prostate Cancer checks are typically simple and are conducted at the practice. The two tests are:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA Blood Test) measures your antigen levels for your age
- Digital rectal examination (DRE), where the doctor feels the prostate using his finger.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Disease?
- Lumps, sores or ulcers that don’t heal
- Unusual changes in your testicles – changes in shape, consistency or lumpiness
- Coughs or hoarseness that hangs around
- Persistent changes in toilet habits or
- Loss of bladder control (incontinence) or overactive bladder
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Painful urination, chronic pelvic pain, or interstitial cystitis
- Urinary blockages such as prostate enlargement, stricture, or narrowing of the urinary tract
- Enlargement of the prostate
If you have unexplained symptoms, you must see one of our doctors for further investigation. Early diagnosis of cancer increases survival rates.
Testicular Cancer Checks
What is Testicular Cancer Screening?
Although testicular cancer is rare, it is one of the most common cancers in men aged between 15 and 45. It is also one of the most curable cancers if found early.
What Causes Testicular Cancer?
The causes of this cancer are unclear, but men with undescended testicles are at increased risk.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Be aware of what is normal for you. Sometimes early testicular cancer can be asymptomatic, but if a patient experiences either.
- A lump in either testicle or
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Don’t let embarrassment get in the way; if you see or feel any changes, see your doctor.
What are the Treatments for Testicular Cancer?
If cancer is found, there are various approaches that your doctor will detail, but the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Checks
Practising safe sex and getting regular check-ups for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can help prevent the spread of these diseases.
What is Sexual or STD Screening?
Our doctors can order urine or blood tests to check for the following:
- Chlamydia,
- Gonorrhoea,
- Hepatitis B and C,
- Herpes,
- HIV,
- Syphilis.
Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
There are three types of STD disease agents, these are:
- Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
- Bacteria (gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia)
- Parasites (trichomonas)
Causes of STDs
While the sexual activity may be responsible for spreading some infectious agents, it is possible to contract an STD without sexual contact. For example, Hepatitis A, B and C viruses, shigella, and Giardia do not necessarily require sexual contact.
What are the Symptoms of STDs?
STDs can present in many forms and may also be asymptomatic. Some symptoms may include the following:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth or anus
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groyne
- Unexplained fever or rashes
While these symptoms may not be a definitive guide, you are advised to make an appointment with our practice to seek advice and testing.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
What are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
As men age, many contributing health conditions may lead to reduced erectile function. Some common conditions include the following:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol and blood pressure
- Diabetes and Obesity
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco, alcohol or other forms of substance abuse
- Poor sleep and stress
- Prostate cancer or enlarged prostate BPH
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
After being assessed for any underlying physical and psychological conditions, several treatment options exist.
Subject to pre-existing conditions and medications, common and effective treatments can include:
- Devices like pumps
- Medications, including pills and injections,
- Surgery
Our doctor can assess and discuss your specific options.
Lifestyle Choices
Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars is also beneficial.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall health. A healthcare provider can determine a healthy weight range and guide how to achieve and maintain it.
Vitamins
Taking a daily multivitamin can help fill any nutrient gaps in the diet. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine your necessary vitamins and minerals.
Habits
Avoiding bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are essential for maintaining good health.
Sleep Disorders
Good sleep is necessary for optimal health and can affect hormone levels, mood and weight. Poor sleep can lead to low energy and blood pressure problems.
Common sleep problems include
- Snoring,
- Sleep apnoea,
- Insomnia,
- Sleep deprivation, and
- Restless legs syndrome
What Causes Sleep Problems?
Obesity, diabetes, or respiratory problems can cause disrupted sleep, but other chronic illnesses can also cause insomnia and daytime drowsiness.
Sleep Disorder Assessments
If you suffer from poor sleep or daytime drowsiness, you should talk to our doctors about having a Sleep Assessment. The purpose of a Sleep Assessment is to help:
- Understand the possible causes of your sleep disorder
- Offer tailored information based on your situation
- Deliver suitable treatments or strategies to deal with the problem
