Men’s Health
The Doctors Queen St Medical Centre supports know that when it comes to men’s health, males approach health care differently to females and they may be hesitant to see the doctor for check-ups and screening. Regular appointments are essential to improving the health of men and we encourage you to attend the clinic in a relaxed and regular manner. If it is preferable to work with a male doctor, we have multiple male GPs consulting form our practice who can assist you. The doctors we support have experience with a range of medical issues such as heart disease, mental health, corporate wellness, diabetes and sexual/reproductive health.
Some of the more common men’s health issues your Doctor is experienced with include:
Heart Health
A heart health check will help you understand your calculated risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke etc.). Your GP will look at your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and perform a resting heart tracing (ECG), if indicated.
Increased cholesterol levels and high blood pressure can contribute significantly to heart disease and stroke. There are often no obvious symptoms, so a quick blood pressure check and routine blood test is essential to assessing your heart health.
Your doctor will also review your lifestyle (dietary intake, physical activity levels, alcohol intake and smoking status) and offer recommendations to improve your cardiovascular risk factors. Your doctor will work with you to help manage and improve your overall health.
Prostate Checks
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men, and the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, frequent / sudden urge to urinate or blood in urine or semen. If you are 50 years or older (40 years if you have family history of prostate cancer) it is important that you discuss your risk factors with your GP. Together you will make an informed decision regarding the testing options for prostate cancer.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Everyone can benefit from participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). The program starts from age 50 (or earlier if there is a family history of bowel cancer). Discuss the importance of bowel cancer screening with your GP. Your GP can also help arrange an at-home collection kit for screening and help you to navigate the national screening program.
Fertility
A GP is your first point of contact to discuss your fertility (reproductive health). If you have been trying to conceive without success, visit your doctor for a review and to work through any concerns. Infertility and reproductive health issues are more common than you may think. Your doctor can refer you to an appropriate specialist for managing reproductive health concerns (such as urologist, endocrinologist or fertility specialists).