Men’s urological needs refer to the medical and surgical conditions that affect the male urinary tract system and reproductive organs. Some of the common men’s urological needs include:
- Prostate health: The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder and is important for male reproductive health. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer can affect prostate health.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are common in men and can cause pain and discomfort during urination. They are caused by bacterial infections in the urinary tract system.
- Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED can be caused by several factors such as nerve damage, psychological issues, or underlying medical conditions.
- Infertility: Infertility is the inability to conceive a child. Male infertility can be caused by several factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or genetic conditions.
- Testicular health: Testicles are important for male reproductive health. Conditions such as testicular cancer, torsion, or trauma can affect testicular health.
- Incontinence: Incontinence is the loss of bladder control and can be caused by several factors such as prostate surgery, nerve damage, or medication side effects.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and discomfort during urination.
- Urological cancers: Men can develop several types of urological cancers, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.
A urologist can address these concerns, however a pharmacy-led model of care developed by Brad Butt, called Mens Health Downunder has offered an alternative to certain urological needs of the male adult population over the past 10 years.
Initially commencing in Canberra and now in 9 locations across Australia, the operation is run by a group of Australian pharmacists that provide rehabilitation solutions and cost-effective endorsed medical grade treatments for men with urological health issues. Mens Health Downunder provides products that are medical grade and specifically tailored for individuals with urological or sexual health issues backed by evidence-based solutions and pharmaceutical advice.
Mens Health Downunder exists to address the growing need for men to access quality health advice, break the stigma around urological health and reduce the embarrassment so men openly ask questions and confidently address health concerns. No concern is off limits.
Australian Health Journal met with Brad to hear about his journey, Mens Health Downunder and the impact the pharmacy-led model of care has had on patient’s urological as well as mental health.
Brad’s mission is to also raise awareness for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia with expectations of aggressive diagnosis to double by 2028, overtaking breast cancer. Interestingly, media tends to focus on breast cancer more than prostate cancer. Often this is because of the stigma associated with prostate cancer. Men suffer in silence and are less likely to seek medical diagnosis and treatment. However, the stigma that surrounds prostate cancer and men’s health is a significant barrier that is being addressed, by Brad and his team of pharmacists.
-
The role of genomic screening in transforming public health
Dr Jane Tiller is a lawyer, genetic counsellor and public health researcher. She is Ethical, Legal & Social Adviser in Public Health Genomics at Monash University, and a National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant holder. Jane is passionate about the use of genomics to prevent disease, and in delivering equitable access to preventive genetic information at the population level. She is co-lead of DNA Screen, a world-first study piloting the offer of preventive DNA screening to the Australian adult population. DNA Screen has tested over 10,000 young people for genetic high risk of medically actionable conditions such as cancer and heart disease, finding about 2% of participants had genetic high risk. Jane is leading efforts to secure Commonwealth Government funding to expand the DNA Screen program, with the eventual goal of the development of a public health population screening program for disease prevention based on high genetic risk.
-
Dental and oral health care priorities for the elderly
In 2023, there are a number of changes occurring in dental services including the start of a new Senate inquiry and new registered nurses in residential aged care. Yet in the meantime there are gaps and delays in dental and oral health interventions for elderly Australians, unless training is more widely deployed.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Leonie Short, a dental therapist working for Seniors Dental Care Australia on what she considers are dental and oral health priorities for the elderly, based on her work in the aged, home and disability sectors.
-
New Generative AI and machine learning frontier on unused patient care data
Drawing from GE’s 125-year legacy in healthcare, Amit Yadav, CEO GE HealthCare ANZ is leading efforts to integrate AI into medical imaging devices and optimise workflow efficiencies. He stresses the importance of leveraging the vast amount of untapped healthcare data, with an emphasis on automating manual processes to enhance productivity. Additionally, his focus extends to utilising AI for workflow optimisation and ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards to prioritise safety.
