Stronger Together – United We Stand

Category: Men’s Health

  • Sexual Health: Common Concerns, Testing and Talking About Symptoms Without Shame

    Sexual Health: Common Concerns, Testing and Talking About Symptoms Without Shame

    Sexual health is part of overall wellbeing. Concerns can involve sexual function, pain, infections, contraception, fertility, relationships or changes caused by illness and medication.

    Symptoms worth discussing

    Pain during sex, erectile difficulties, genital sores, unusual discharge, bleeding, persistent pelvic symptoms or other new changes deserve appropriate assessment.

    Sexually transmitted infections

    Some sexually transmitted infections cause few or no symptoms. Testing is therefore important when there has been possible exposure or when recommended according to individual risk.

    Chronic illness and medication

    Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal changes, neurological conditions, depression and many medicines can affect sexual function. These effects are legitimate healthcare concerns.

    Consent and communication

    Healthy sexual relationships require consent and respect. Healthcare discussions should also be confidential and non-judgmental.

    Ask rather than suffer silently

    Many sexual-health problems have treatable physical or psychological causes. A clinician can help identify appropriate testing or referral.

    This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical or sexual-health advice.

    What a sexual-health appointment can involve

    A clinician may ask about symptoms, partners, sexual practices, contraception and possible exposure. This helps select appropriate blood, urine or swab tests; one test does not detect every infection. Ask what will be examined, request an explanation before each step and discuss a chaperone if helpful. Test timing varies, so ask whether a repeat test is needed.

    Time-sensitive concerns

    Possible HIV exposure needs urgent PEP assessment, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. Sexual assault, severe pelvic or testicular pain, significant bleeding or possible pregnancy complications need prompt assessment. Do not wait for routine screening when you are unwell.

    Practical appointment checklist

    1. Note symptoms, dates and possible exposure without self-diagnosing.
    2. Bring medicine and contraception details.
    3. Ask which infections the tests cover and when to repeat them.
    4. Clarify treatment, partner testing and when sex is safe again.
    5. Discuss consent, comfort and concerns about confidentiality.

    Common question

    Can I have an STI without symptoms?

    Yes. Testing should reflect exposure and risk, not only visible changes or discomfort.

    Sources and further reading

    Related support

    Use our appointment preparation guide, resources and community support to plan your next step.

    Sources checked 22 September 2026. General education, not individual medical advice. International service arrangements may differ from South Africa. Featured artwork is illustrative, not a patient testimonial.

  • Fertility and Reproductive Health: When to Seek Advice and What Assessment Can Involve

    Fertility and Reproductive Health: When to Seek Advice and What Assessment Can Involve

    Fertility can be affected by age, reproductive health, sperm factors, medical conditions, medicines and other influences. Difficulty conceiving is common and should not automatically be attributed to one partner.

    When to seek advice

    The appropriate timing depends on age, medical history and circumstances. Earlier assessment may be appropriate when there are irregular or absent periods, known reproductive conditions, previous cancer treatment or other significant concerns.

    Assessment involves both partners where applicable

    Evaluation may include menstrual and medical history, assessment of ovulation, semen analysis and tests of reproductive anatomy. Not everyone needs the same investigations.

    Fertility and chronic illness

    Some health conditions and medicines can affect fertility or pregnancy planning. People with chronic illness should discuss pregnancy intentions with their healthcare team so treatment can be reviewed safely.

    The emotional impact

    Fertility difficulties can affect mental health, relationships and finances. Psychological support can be valuable alongside medical care.

    This article provides general information. Fertility assessment and treatment should be individualised.

    Ask early when there are known concerns

    Many services recommend an initial assessment after a year of regular unprotected sex without conception, with earlier advice when age or medical history raises concerns. Irregular or absent periods, known endometriosis, prior cancer treatment or a known sperm problem are reasons not to simply wait. Local referral and funding arrangements vary; ask the service what applies to you.

    Prepare for a shared assessment

    Where relevant, both partners should be assessed. A normal result in one area does not rule out all causes, and sometimes no clear explanation is found. Ask which test will change the next decision before paying for add-on investigations or treatments.

    Practical appointment checklist

    1. Record cycle patterns and how long you have been trying.
    2. List previous pregnancies, operations, infections and treatments.
    3. Bring all medicine and supplement details.
    4. Discuss pregnancy planning and chronic conditions before changing treatment.
    5. Ask about realistic outcomes, costs and emotional support.

    Common question

    Does a special diet guarantee pregnancy?

    No. No keto or carnivore plan guarantees conception or a live birth. Nutrition should support general health without delaying fertility assessment.

    Sources and further reading

    Related support

    Use our appointment preparation guide, resources and community support to plan your next step.

    Sources checked 22 September 2026. General education, not individual medical advice. International service arrangements may differ from South Africa. Featured artwork is illustrative, not a patient testimonial.

  • Men’s Health Checks: What to Discuss With Your Doctor and Why Prevention Matters

    Men’s Health Checks: What to Discuss With Your Doctor and Why Prevention Matters

    Many health problems are easier to manage when they are identified early. Preventive care is not a fixed checklist for every man: the right tests depend on age, family history, symptoms, medicines and individual risk.

    Start with cardiovascular health

    Blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes risk, activity and weight can all contribute to cardiovascular risk. Ask your clinician how often these should be assessed based on your circumstances.

    Cancer screening is individual

    Prostate screening is not simply a universal test at a particular birthday. PSA testing has potential benefits and limitations, so the decision should take account of age, family history, symptoms and personal preferences. Bowel-cancer screening also varies by country and age group. Report persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained bleeding or weight loss rather than waiting for routine screening.

    Sexual and urinary health

    Erectile difficulties, urinary changes, pain, lumps or other new symptoms deserve appropriate assessment. Erectile dysfunction can have physical, psychological or medication-related causes and may sometimes occur alongside cardiovascular risk factors.

    Mental health counts

    Depression and anxiety do not always look like persistent sadness. Irritability, withdrawal, sleep changes, increased alcohol or substance use and loss of interest can also be signs that someone is struggling. Seek professional help for persistent symptoms or thoughts of self-harm.

    Make the appointment useful

    Bring a medication list, relevant family history and a short list of concerns. Ask what screening is appropriate for you, what your blood pressure and laboratory results mean, and which changes would make the greatest difference to your health.

    This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.

    Understanding the benefits and harms of screening

    Screening means testing someone who does not have symptoms. Investigating new symptoms is different. For PSA testing, an abnormal result is not automatically cancer: further assessment may be needed. Screening can identify some cancers earlier, but can also lead to false alarms, biopsies and treatment of cancers that would never have caused harm. The National Cancer Institute’s PSA fact sheet explains this balance. Ask how the evidence applies to your age, family history, overall health and local services.

    A personal health-check checklist

    1. Write your three main concerns before the visit.
    2. Bring medicine and supplement names, including products bought online.
    3. Record close relatives’ major diagnoses and ages at diagnosis where known.
    4. Ask about blood pressure, diabetes risk, smoking, alcohol, sleep and activity.
    5. Discuss mental health, sexual concerns or urinary changes without embarrassment.
    6. Agree which tests are useful, how results will reach you and when to follow up.

    Do not wait for a screening appointment if you develop a new lump, visible blood in urine or stool, unexplained weight loss or persistent symptoms. Chest pain, stroke signs or severe breathing problems need emergency care. A restrictive diet does not replace screening, diagnosis or prescribed treatment.

    Reading the evidence

    Look for studies that measure meaningful outcomes, such as serious illness and quality of life, rather than treating a changed laboratory number as proof that a test or diet benefits everyone.

    Related support

    Explore our practical resources and community support. For nutrition questions, browse Keto & Metabolic Health.

    Sources checked 22 September 2026. General education; individual care should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

  • Prostate Cancer: PSA Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment Choices

    Prostate Cancer: PSA Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment Choices

    Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a gland below the bladder. Its behaviour varies: some cancers grow slowly, while others need prompt treatment. Decisions depend on the cancer’s characteristics, its extent, the person’s general health and their preferences.

    Early cancer may have no symptoms

    Possible symptoms include difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, increased frequency, or blood in urine or semen. Similar symptoms can occur with a non-cancerous enlarged prostate or other conditions. Symptoms alone cannot distinguish these possibilities.

    Arrange assessment for new, worsening or persistent urinary problems, or if you are worried about your risk. The NHS prostate-cancer symptoms guide explains why both symptomatic and symptom-free people may need a discussion about testing.

    A PSA result is not a cancer diagnosis

    Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is made by normal prostate cells as well as cancer cells. Prostate enlargement, inflammation and other factors can raise its level. There is no single PSA number that reliably separates everyone with cancer from everyone without it.

    Testing people without symptoms has potential benefits and harms, including detection of cancers that might never have caused illness. Discuss your age, family history and other risk factors with a clinician before choosing screening. Testing because of symptoms and monitoring an established cancer are different uses of PSA. The NCI PSA fact sheet explains these limitations. Overseas screening age ranges should not be treated as a universal South African schedule.

    How the diagnosis is investigated

    Assessment may include an examination, repeat or additional blood tests, MRI and, when indicated, a biopsy. A biopsy provides tissue for a pathologist to examine. Further imaging may be needed to determine the extent of a confirmed cancer. Not everyone needs every test. See the NHS diagnostic guide.

    Understanding stage, grade and monitoring

    Stage describes where the cancer is and whether it has spread. Grade, often expressed using a Gleason score or Grade Group, describes how the cancer looks under the microscope and helps estimate its behaviour.

    For selected lower-risk cancers, active surveillance uses planned tests and reviews, with treatment considered if the findings change. It is an organised care strategy. Watchful waiting generally focuses on treating symptoms if they develop and has a different purpose. Ask which approach is proposed and what would trigger a change. The NCI prostate-cancer treatment summary explains grading and these approaches.

    Treatment choices and trade-offs

    Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and, in some settings, chemotherapy or other medicines. The combination depends on the disease. Hormone therapy can reduce testosterone production or block its effects; its role depends on the wider treatment plan.

    Ask about the expected benefit and possible effects on urinary control, erections, fertility and daily life. Treatment may have lasting side effects, so a recommendation to monitor carefully can be appropriate for some people. The NHS treatment guide describes the main options. Confirm the follow-up timetable and whom to contact about changing symptoms.

    Practical appointment checklist

    1. Ask what your PSA result means in your circumstances.
    2. Request an explanation of stage and Grade Group if cancer is confirmed.
    3. Compare surveillance and treatment options, including urinary and sexual side effects.
    4. Write down the review schedule and the changes that should trigger contact.

    Keep your next steps together

    Use our appointment preparation guide and resources to organise questions and support. Ask the treating team to confirm the plan in writing.

    Support in South Africa

    CANSA’s care-centre directory lists regional contacts for cancer information and support. Contact the relevant centre to confirm services. Your treating team should explain referrals, treatment access and costs. Our appointment preparation guide can help you organise your questions.

    Sources checked on 17 September 2026. This is general educational information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. International guidance may describe tests, medicines or services that differ from those available in South Africa. Discuss your own care with a qualified healthcare professional. The featured image is an AI-generated illustration, not a photograph of a real patient.

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