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Men's health Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

Answers to questions about men's health

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Is it safe to buy treatments for impotence over the internet?

Be careful if you're considering buying medicines on the internet, particularly prescription-only medicines. If you do, there is a risk that they may be from unregulated or illegal websites. If they are, there will be no guarantee of safety, quality or effectiveness. Pharmacies in the UK that are registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) can display a logo on their website. However, it’s important to remember that if you buy medicines online, you won’t have the benefit of a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare professional and risk buying medicines that aren’t suitable for you.

Explanation

Impotence can have a number of causes. Discuss these first with your GP as the reasons may be psychological and/or physical. You may not even need a prescription medicine such as sildenafil, which can interact with other medicines you may be taking and have serious side-effects. Ask your GP for advice. It's confidential and he or she will talk through all the options available to you.

If you buy medicines over the internet, there is a risk that they are from unregulated or illegal websites. If they are, there will be no guarantee of safety, quality or effectiveness of the medicines provided. The medicines which can be purchased online may not contain the correct ingredients so they may have no effect or they could even be harmful.

Sources

  • Buying medicines over the internet. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. www.mhra.gov.uk, accessed 31 March 2009
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 57th edition. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2009
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I'm worried that I've caught a sexually transmitted infection (STI). What should I do?

Visit your GP or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic for a test. Wearing a condom provides effective protection against many STIs.

Explanation

You may have an STI if you have symptoms including:

  • unusual discharge from your penis
  • pain or a burning sensation when you pass urine
  • pain in your testicles
  • pain or bleeding after or during sex
  • your penis, anus or the area around it itches
  • a rash, sore, lump or blister on or around your genitals or anus

However, some STIs that are very common in young people, such as chlamydia, may have no obvious symptoms. So if you have unprotected sex with someone who hasn't been screened since having sex with someone else, there is a chance you will pick up an infection. Getting checked out and treated if necessary should clear up the infection before it gets worse or you pass it on.

It's also important to bear in mind the risk of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite new treatments HIV/AIDS is still a serious and incurable disease.

Always use condoms with new partners and if you change partners a lot, it's important to go for regular STI screening.

Further information

Sources

  • I think I might have a sexually transmitted infection. fpa. www.fpa.org.uk, accessed 31 March 2009
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005
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How do I examine my testicles?

It's important to check your testicles regularly so you know what is normal for you and can notice any changes. There isn't a set way to examine your testicles and every man is slightly different, but the explanation below may help to guide you.

Explanation

It's a good idea to check yourself when you feel comfortable and have a bit of time. Lying in the bath or after a warm shower is a good time as the skin of the scrotum is softened and the testicles are easier to examine.

Get used to the weight of your testicles by holding your scrotum with your hands. One often hangs lower than the other so don't be concerned about this. Your testicles should feel smooth and you can roll them between your fingers and thumb. At the top and back of each testicle is a small tube - this feels like a small lump but it's meant to be there. This is the epididymis. You should be able to feel the smooth, firm tube of the spermatic cord that runs up from the epididymis.

Get to know what is normal for you and how each testicle feels. They may not be the same.

Visit your GP if you notice:

  • lumps
  • swelling or testicles that have got bigger
  • pain or discomfort
  • differences between testicles that seem unusual
  • increased firmness
  • an increase in fluid in the area
  • heaviness in your scrotum
  • aching in your abdomen (tummy), scrotum or groin
  • anything else that you think is unusual

If you visit your GP because you have noticed something, describe your symptoms as fully as possible.

Further information

Sources

  • How to perform a testicular self examination. everyman. www.everyman-campaign.org, accessed 31 March 2008
  • Testicular cancer: Spot the symptoms early. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 23 March 2009
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I think I might be depressed. What can I do?

Around twice as many women as men are diagnosed with depression. However, men are at least three times more likely to commit suicide. Depression can be treated and you can get confidential help from your GP and various voluntary organisations.

Explanation

Depression is a brain illness that affects your thinking and your body. If you're depressed, you may lose interest in things that you once found enjoyable. Other symptoms that you may have include:

  • feelings of hopelessness and guilt
  • finding it hard to concentrate
  • having low energy levels
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of interest in sex

As well as being more likely to commit suicide, there are some symptoms of depression that are particularly likely in men. Men are more likely to be irritable, with outbursts of anger or aggressiveness. They may throw themselves into work to escape difficult emotional issues. They are also more likely to take risks, including misusing drugs or alcohol.

Men may find it harder to ask for help than women. You might be proud of being a resilient and dependable man, and this can make it hard if you're also feeling vulnerable and in need of help.

If you think you might be depressed, try to tell someone about your feelings. You can help yourself by trying to stay active as regular physical activity can help to improve your mood. Try not to drink alcohol excessively as this may make you feel more depressed.

Make an appointment to see your GP. He or she will examine you and can give you confidential advice about treatment options. Although it may sometimes seem as if there is no way out of your problems, help is available.

Further information

Sources

  • Butler R, Carney S, Cipriani A, et al. Clinical evidence concise. London: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2004
  • Suicides. Office for National Statistics. www.statistics.gov.uk, accessed 19 April 2009
  • Men & depression. The Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk, accessed 19 April 2009
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: July 2009

Men's health factsheet

 

 

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