Men’s health

Male pattern baldness

Key facts Male pattern baldness is hair loss and thinning of the hair that affects the hairline and top (crown) of the head. Male pattern baldness is a very common condition, affecting up to 1 in every 2 men over 40 years of age. Male pattern baldness is usually hereditary (genetic) and in most cases, it can’t be prevented. There are a few medical treatments that help to manage male pattern baldness and reduce hair loss. Your doctor can advise whether they are right for you. There are many advertisements for so-called ‘miracle cures’ for baldness. However, these are often

Cholesterol

Key facts Cholesterol is a type of fat needed to build and repair cells and to make hormones. Cholesterol is made in your liver but is also present in some foods. There are different types of cholesterol — including LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Over time, too much LDL cholesterol (or, ‘bad’) cholesterol in your blood can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. You can lower high cholesterol by making lifestyle changes and often through medicines. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of fat which is needed by your body to build and repair cells and to

Screening tests for men

Screening tests are health checks that aim to pick up health problems early in people who don’t have symptoms of disease. This page is about the types of screening tests men might need. Your doctor can advise you of the specific tests you should have and how often. Importance of screening tests Even if you feel healthy, you should see a doctor for regular checkups. Many conditions or diseases can develop slowly over a long period and may not cause any symptoms initially. Screening tests can pick up early signs of disease. For many diseases, early management is more effective

Prostate problems

Key facts The prostate is a gland that sits in the pelvis of males, just below the bladder and plays a role in semen production. Problems with the prostate include prostate enlargement, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. These problems cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating (weeing) and pain. If you experience symptoms of prostate problems, you should see your doctor. What is the prostate? The prostate is a gland found only in males. The main function of your prostate is to produce the major fluids that make up semen. The prostate sits in your pelvis, between your bladder and penis. The

Prostate cancer

Key facts   Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow inside the prostate, part of the male reproductive system. Some prostate cancers spread aggressively, but most grow slowly. Symptoms of prostate cancer include problems with urination, and pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips. Your chances of getting prostate cancer can be affected by your family history, ethnicity and age. Treatments for prostate cancer include regular monitoring, surgical removal, radiation therapy and androgen (hormone) deprivation therapy. Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells develop in the prostate, part of the male reproductive system.

Penis irritation

Key facts Penis irritation refers to itchiness, redness, swelling, pain and other symptoms on or around your penis. Many different conditions such as fungal infection, psoriasis, or certain sexually transmitted infections, can cause penis irritation. Penis irritation can also come from contact with household chemicals like soap, or latex in condoms. Treatment for penis irritation includes washing the foreskin and head properly with warm water, and may include applying medicated creams or ointments. While penis irritation may be a result of a simple condition that will pass with topical treatment, it may be a complication of another disease like diabetes,

Penis injury

Penis injury, swelling or pain What is penis injury, swelling or pain While it is quite normal for the penis to swell with blood during sexual arousal to form an erection, the soft tissues in the structure of the penis can become swollen and painful because of an injury. The foreskin and scrotum have very sensitive skin which can become swollen, inflamed and painful after an injury. More rarely, the shaft or head of the penis can appear swollen because of fluid tracking down from the abdomen due to gravity. Blood at the tip of the penis or in the

Penis care

Maintaining good hygiene and care of your genitals (private parts) reduces the chances of developing problems like skin irritations and some common infections. So it’s important to know how to wash your penis. The same basic principles apply whether you have a foreskin or have been circumcised. Gently wash your penis each day. Carefully pull back and clean underneath the foreskin, as well as the tip of your penis (the glans) using only water and a very gentle soap. Don’t scrub this sensitive area. It is fine to use soap, but using too much could irritate your penis. Make sure

Mental health resources

Key facts Your mental health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. You need good mental health to help you get through life’s challenges, to have healthy relationships with others and to enjoy life. Problems with mental health are common, and not a sign of weakness. It can take courage to admit there’s a problem and to reach out for help. Your mental health is like your physical health — the earlier you get onto it, the better. There are many practical things you can do to help support your mental health. Talk to people you trust,

Gynaecomastia

Key facts Gynaecomastia is an increase in breast tissue in males. It is caused by a hormone imbalance, medicines, or an underlying illness. If you have pain or tenderness or a lump see your doctor to find out the cause. What is gynaecomastia? Gynaecomastia (gynecomastia) is a swelling of the breast tissue in males. It’s also called ‘man-boobs’. It usually affects both breasts but can be one-sided. Gynaecomastia is very common. More than half of all young males develop the condition during puberty. It normally disappears as you grow older. As many as 2 out of 3 males aged over 50

Genital thrush in males

Key facts Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida. Candida infections can occur in many different parts of your body, including your genitals. If you have genital thrush you may have no symptoms or you may have symptoms including an uncomfortable rash on your penis and genital area. Treatments include creams and sometimes pills, depending how severe your symptoms are. You can prevent thrush by practicing good hygiene. What is thrush? Thrush is an infection with a fungus. It is also known as a yeast infection. The fungus, called candida, occurs naturally in your

Depression in men

What is depression in men? Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It can make you feel sad, irritable or empty and lose pleasure or interest in things you usually enjoy. While it is normal to feel down sometimes, if you feel this way for 2 weeks or more you may be experiencing depression. Social norms that define masculinity, like not talking about your feelings or not getting upset, can sometimes make it hard for men to acknowledge that they may be experiencing depression. This page is about depression in

Blood in semen

Finding blood in your semen (blood in sperm) can be alarming. However, in most cases blood in the semen (also called haematospermia) is not serious. Blood in the semen may make the semen appear brownish-red or red in colour. It is usually painless. Is blood in the semen normal? Blood in the semen is not normal, but it is reasonably common. Most men who have it, have repeated episodes. It can affect men at any age after puberty but is most common in men aged 30 to 40 years and in men over 50 years who have an enlarged prostate

Sexual harassment

Key facts Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or behaviour. If you are being sexually harassed, it can impact on your life mentally and physically. If you and another person consent to a sexual behaviour, including flirting, this is not sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is against the law in Australia, and it is everyone’s right to live free of harassment. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you can report it and get support. What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment covers a range of unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour. Sexual harassment is sexual behaviour that can make a person

Sexual assault and rape

Key facts Sexual assault is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable, scared or threatened. Anyone can experience sexual assault and most victims know the person who assaulted them — which can include a spouse. If you’ve been assaulted, you decide whether to report a sexual assault to the police or a support service. This can be done at any time. Avoid washing yourself or your clothes immediately after an assault, so physical evidence can be collected if you choose to report the assault. There are many sexual assault helplines and rape-crisis centres that can help

Domestic violence and abusive relationships

Key facts Domestic violence is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re close to. Anyone, regardless of their background, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence can include many different forms of abuse. These include physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse. Domestic violence is never your fault. If you think you are in an abusive relationship, get help now from your family, friends or GP. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence (also known as family violence) is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control