Men's Health
Men's health is often overlooked, and men can find it hard to come forward with problems. Seeking help sooner rather than later it is important as these issues can affect both your quality of life and that of your partner..
> Sexually Transmitted Infections
> Prostate Cancer
> Sexual Dysfunction
> Fertility
> Rape, Sexual Violence and Abuse
> Family Matters
Men's Health Forum
This website provides essential, accurate, easy to use information about the key health problems that affect men. Packed with tips, expert advice and details of how men can check their own health and use health professionals more effectively, male health provides the down-to-earth and practical resources men need to lead healthier, happier lives.You may find their A-Z of Health useful.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
STIs are one of the main causes of anxiety amongst men. Any sexual experience can put you at risk - whether or not you wear a condom. Different sexual practices; including anal, vaginal and oral sex bring with them differing risks. For more information see our infections page.
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is walnut-sized and lies at the base of the bladder. Tumours of the prostate can occur, constricting the urethra making it more difficult to urinate. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, mainly affecting older individuals, and can be detected by rectal examination or by a blood test (for PSA - prostate specific antigen). It is important to seek advice if you experience symptoms as the cancer is much more treatable (often by surgery/radiotherapy) if caught early before it has the chance to spread (metastasise). Consult your GP if you have any concerns about your prostate.
Cancer Backup
0808 800 1234 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm)
Leading national information and support services for people affected by cancer. They have a helpline, local drop-in centres, a website, booklets as well as fact sheets (which are sold through the website).
Patient UK
This website has a comprehensive section providing information on prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Charity
This website offers information on prostate cancer.
Prostate Research Campaign UK
Funding and supporting research into prostate cancer, this is another source of excellent information and advice.
Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile failure (ED or impotence) is very common and affects most men at some point in their lives, becoming more common with age. Sex drive is very often normal, yet there is an inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. 5% of men in at the age of 40 have complete impotence and by the age of 70 this has risen to 40%. There are three main groups of causes for erectile dysfunction.
Organic – furring of the arteries, neurological such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, and endocrine such as diabetes
Drugs – beta blockers, antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, hormone agents, anti epilepsy drugs, anti acid drugs such as cimetidine and ranitidine
Psychiatric Causes: psychosis, depression, alcoholism and general anxiety
In order to understand why you are having difficulty with erections your doctor will take a detailed history and then wish to examine you. Blood pressure is important, an examination of the testicles and then possibly further examinations of the heart and neurological systems, This is a condition which is treatable with certain drugs. Please see your GP to discuss some of the possibilities. Further information is available from Patient UK.
Institute of Psychosexual Medicine
This organisation trains doctors to help you look at the nature of your sexual probelms.
Relate 0121 643 1638 (Mon-Thurs 9:30AM-9:00PM Fri-Sat: 9:30AM-1:30PM)
Relate provide help for couples with difficulties, sex therapy and family/youth councilling. They do charge a fee for their services (income-assessed) and offer disabled access.
Sexual Dysfunction Association 0870 774 3571 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm)
The SDA help sufferers of impotence (erectile dysfunction) and their partners. It also works to raise awareness of the condition. Have information on website and offer helpline.
Fertility
Male infertility is a fairly common problem About one in six couples have problems getting pregnant, and male fertility is the reason in about 50% of cases. Around one man in twelve has some sort of fertility problem. Further information and advice is available here. There are also useful comments about semen and how it is analysed.
British Association for Adoption & Fostering 0207 421 2600 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
The BAAF promotes the interests of adopted and fostered children and will give advice to involved adults. They have a library in London (phone to arrange use) and are able to provide information on other agencies which offer parent tracing.
British Infertility Counselling Association 0174 475 0660 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
BICA helps put people in touch with their network of counsellors providing information on fertility and infertility services. They are also able to refer you to services in another country if you don't live in the UK.
Infertility Network 0870 188 088 (24/7)
This 24 hour helpline offers support and advice to those with infertility problems. They cannot offer treatment but are able to provide information about local groups.
Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
020 7291 8200 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5.30pm / Fri 9am-5pm)
This government-run body does not offer treatment, but can send out lists of licensed centres and their success rates. The HFEA sets various code of practice and can provide information on these.
Rape, Sexual Violence and Abuse
Within our society there is much ignorance, taboo and misinformation on the crime of male rape and sexual abuse. In order to help the many thousands of men who have suffered this terrible ordeal, we need to dispel the myths and break down the taboos of male sexual assault. For help and advice in this area contact Survivors UK.
West Midlands Police Domestic Violence Unit
0845 113 5000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) / 999 for emergencies (24/7)
Providing advice to men and women in domestic abuse cases.
Rape and Sexual Violence Project (Birmingham) 0121 233 3818 (call for hours)
Offering a telephone helpline and face-to-face counselling for female and male survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. They also offer support for friends, family and partners of survivors, and have disabled access.
Sandwell Victim Support Bham: 0121 569 7980 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) / National: 0845 30 30 900 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm)
This is a general helpline service for victims of any crime, whether it be reported or not.
Webwell Rape and Sexual Abuse
This offers advice to people who have been victims of rape, providing information on support services. Webwell also offer advice to clubbers who might be at risk of rape, or sexual violence.
Family Matters
The following resources may be of use in handling family matters.
Birmingham District Family Mediation 0121 233 1999 (Weekdays 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
A divorce-mediation charity for couples who have decided to divorce or separate, or couples who have already divorced. Interpreters are available with notice.
Relate 0121 643 1638 (Mon-Thurs 9:30AM-9:00PM Fri-Sat: 9:30AM-1:30PM)
Relate provide help for couples with difficulties, sex therapy and family/youth councilling. They do charge a fee for their services (income-assessed) and offer disabled access.
