Men’s urological needs refer to the medical and surgical conditions that affect the male urinary tract system and reproductive organs. Some of the common men’s urological needs include:
- Prostate health: The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder and is important for male reproductive health. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer can affect prostate health.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are common in men and can cause pain and discomfort during urination. They are caused by bacterial infections in the urinary tract system.
- Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED can be caused by several factors such as nerve damage, psychological issues, or underlying medical conditions.
- Infertility: Infertility is the inability to conceive a child. Male infertility can be caused by several factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or genetic conditions.
- Testicular health: Testicles are important for male reproductive health. Conditions such as testicular cancer, torsion, or trauma can affect testicular health.
- Incontinence: Incontinence is the loss of bladder control and can be caused by several factors such as prostate surgery, nerve damage, or medication side effects.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and discomfort during urination.
- Urological cancers: Men can develop several types of urological cancers, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.
A urologist can address these concerns, however a pharmacy-led model of care developed by Brad Butt, called Mens Health Downunder has offered an alternative to certain urological needs of the male adult population over the past 10 years.
Initially commencing in Canberra and now in 9 locations across Australia, the operation is run by a group of Australian pharmacists that provide rehabilitation solutions and cost-effective endorsed medical grade treatments for men with urological health issues. Mens Health Downunder provides products that are medical grade and specifically tailored for individuals with urological or sexual health issues backed by evidence-based solutions and pharmaceutical advice.
Mens Health Downunder exists to address the growing need for men to access quality health advice, break the stigma around urological health and reduce the embarrassment so men openly ask questions and confidently address health concerns. No concern is off limits.
Australian Health Journal met with Brad to hear about his journey, Mens Health Downunder and the impact the pharmacy-led model of care has had on patient’s urological as well as mental health.
Brad’s mission is to also raise awareness for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia with expectations of aggressive diagnosis to double by 2028, overtaking breast cancer. Interestingly, media tends to focus on breast cancer more than prostate cancer. Often this is because of the stigma associated with prostate cancer. Men suffer in silence and are less likely to seek medical diagnosis and treatment. However, the stigma that surrounds prostate cancer and men’s health is a significant barrier that is being addressed, by Brad and his team of pharmacists.
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Research finds many practitioners feel underprepared to navigate men’s distress
Movember’s Men in Mind expands nationally to equip mental health professionals with the tools to better connect with men before they reach crisis point. Research conducted by the Men’s Health Research team at Movember has found men account for three in every four suicide deaths in Australia, and more than 50% had sought help in the year before they died.
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Cardiovascular Disease Risk Guidance and Calculator get long overdue update
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for significant morbidity and premature mortality in Australia. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2020 and cerebrovascular disease was the third most common cause of death.
As the first major update to Australian CVD risk assessment guidelines in over a decade, the 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk and associated Aus CVD Risk Calculator reflect the latest evidence on assessing, communicating, and managing CVD risk. Developed using Australian-specific data and the latest evidence, it supersedes the 2012 Guidelines for the management of absolute cardiovascular disease risk.
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Sense of service and pride in uniform
This ANZAC Day 2023, Australian Health Journal releases an interview with Group Captain Kath Stein MACN, Director of Defence Force Nursing with the Royal Australian Air Force.
She talks about many masks, aside from PPE, that leadership and all nurses need to wear. Currently there is work underway on a new capability description on what a nurse brings to every level in the nursing defence structure. The advice Group Captain Stein, imparts for new recruits and those interested in joining Defence Force Nursing is to take every opportunity that arises. This is evident in her progression through her career.
