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Men’s Health

At Strathfield Family Medical Centre we understand that men have unique needs in terms of health and the way health services are accessed. We provide specialised men’s health services aimed to 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.

Our doctors conduct preventative health checks and provide education to suit each patient's individual needs.

Some specific Men’s Health issues covered include:

  • Regular health checks
  • Your lifestyle and lifestyle choices
  • Prostate screening
  • Testicular check
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sleep disorders

Regular Health Checks

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 the age of 45 may need to undergo a physical examination once every 3 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 3 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 the age of 65, and 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 aged 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. Additional studies may be scheduled by your doctor 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 over45.

Flu Vaccinations

A flu vaccine is recommended once a year.

Your Lifestyle

Often men’s health or illness can be the result of lifestyle and lifestyle choices. Specifically they can relate to:

  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Alcohol and
  • Smoking

Poor lifestyle choices can lead to early onset of diseases and a shortened life. Alternately, improved choices can help prevent or reduce the likelihood of a disease or disorder arising or impacting your health.

Men can be poor at both understanding and managing their specific risk factors. At Strathfield Family Medical Centre we can review and discuss your risks, tests, management and other strategies that can lead to improved health outcomes.

Prostate Cancer Checks

As men get older the prostate gland grows and so the PSA is likely to rise. A high PSA may indicate some type of prostate disease.

The level can be raised due to inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).

What is Prostate Cancer Screening

All men over the age of 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) which 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 blockage such as prostate enlargement, stricture, or narrowing of the urinary tract
  • Enlargement of the prostate

It is important if you have unexplained symptoms that you see one of our doctors for further investigation.arly diagnosis for 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 years. 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 who have had an undescended testicle 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 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 Infection Checks

What is Sexual or STD Screening?

Our doctors can order urine or blood tests to check for:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis
  • Herpes
  • HIV

Types of Sexually Transmitted Disease

There are three types of STD disease agents, these are:

  • Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
  • Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
  • Parasites (trichomonas)

STD Causes

While sexual activity maybe responsible for spreading some infectious agents, it is also possible to contact a 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:

  • 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 groin
  • Unexplained fever or rashes

While these symptoms may not be a definitive guide, you advised to make an appointment with our practice to seek advice and testing.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is when a man cannot obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

What are the Causes of ED

As men age there are many contributing health conditions that may give rise to a reduced erectile function. Some common conditions include:

  • Heart disease
  • Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
  • High cholesterol and/or 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 first being assessed for any underlying physical and psychological conditions, there are a number of treatment options.

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.

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 illness 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 possible causes of your sleep disorder
  • Offer tailored information based on your individual situation
  • Deliver suitable treatments or strategies to deal with the problem