Powerpoint Template for healthcare, Prevention Parent-Child Transmission, Private Personal Trainer or Therapist, Physical Performance Test, there are so many abbreviations but Prostate, Penile and Testicular Healthcare are at the top to the table.
Not just what's on the outside
The Men's Wellness industry is currently worth $4.2 trillion and still growing, but what is the focus? It no longer just talks about how you look, your skin care, to shave or not to shave, but it is developing awareness of the common issues that face males - the changes they experience as they transition from childhood, to teens, young men and through adulthood - as well as providing information about the tools and support now out there for men to navigate these changes and issues.
Penile health
Penile health is about the caring for and promoting the health of your penis and related parts. Did you know that the brain has an automatic penis maintenance function built in? There are impulses from the brain that cause erections during the dreaming phase of sleep (REM phase). This happens as the penis becomes filled with blood due to parasympathetic nervous system activity. Levels of testosterone are generally high in the morning, this enhances erections but is also designed to get us up and moving, energised, sociable, but can make us more prone to emotional outbursts as it also effects emotional regulation.
In puberty there is an increase in hormone production and physical changes start to occur, but penile care starts from birth. Male babies are born with a foreskin, the hood of skin covering the end of the penis, some parents choose to have this removed in a process called circumcision. This can be done within the first 2-10 days after birth. Whatever the choice it is important to clean and bathe the penis as a parent and to teach boys how to care for their penis too.
Some common signs of poor health are yellow or green discharge, red, swollen or inflamed tip, pain when peeing, when erect, sore, itchy rash or bumps on the penis or pain when having sex. If you are concerned about the health of your penis, contact a medical professional. The function of the penis is to carry urine and semen out of the body, the testicles produce testosterone and sperm and also store sperm.
Testicle Health
The testicles are also known as balls and are the two organs inside the sac or scrotum that hang behind the penis. The testicles ideally feel smooth, free from any lumps or bumps but are firm to hold.
Common signs and symptoms of poor testicles health are inflammation, build-up of fluid, pain, swelling or tenderness, swollen veins, erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, increased breast tissue, infertility, decrease in body and beard hair.
Remember the hormone testosterone is produced in the testicles and an imbalance in hormones can be down to testicular or endocrine health.
To learn more about how to exam your testicles watch this clip of Chris Hugh with Dr Steele from This Morning.
Nutrients that support penis and testicle health are sources of magnesium such as spinach, almonds, meat, lentils, nuts, dark chocolate and greens. Apples, in particular the peel, have cancer fighting compounds.
Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in Men with more than 47,500 men diagnosed every year, 129 men every day. Whilst 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, caught early the survival rate in the UK is 86.6%.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland responsible for the production of a fluid that helps to make up the semen, it is walnut sized and located between the bladder and the penis. Signs and symptoms of poor prostate health are frequent urge to pee, blood in your urine or semen, pain or burning when peeing, painful ejaculation, stiffness or pain in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area or upper thighs, dribbling of urine.
PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen is a blood test that can be carried out by a doctor and is the primary method for testing for prostate cancer. Ideally it is advisable if you are 50+ to talk to your doctor or medical consultant about whether a test is appropriate for you. If you are black or mixed race then it is beneficial to start the conversation at 45 years.
If you are a man reading this you do not have to wait till your 45 years or more to start to have a conversation with your son, father or other males in your family about your prostate or other men's health issues. You can find out more from prostate cancer and other health issues from prostate Cancer UK, Movember or Men's Health Forum.
Get talking
Men's health matters, and whilst we have covered some of the health issues males face, the importance of community and having somewhere to connect, comment, socialise, create awareness, support and get educated are key to changes.
You can support your own health, fitness and wellbeing by being proactive, EAT, MOVE, CONNECT & REFLECT with those around you. Find your tribe.