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Just For Men

Cartoon Man 

Picture reproduced with kind permission of Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation

While many people think that FPWA is only for women, in fact we provide sexual health services for both sexes, including clinical, education, counselling and library services.

Sexual health issues for men
Resources for men
Useful links

Sexual health issues for men

Some health issues can impact on men’s sexual health and relationships.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men aged 18-39 years.

Symptoms can include:

  • A heavy or dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
  • A small painless lump in either testicle
  • Any enlargement of the testicle
  • A change in the way the testicle feels
  • Enlargement or tenderness of the nipples or surrounding chest area
  • Blood in the semen

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor.straight away.

Testicular cancer is curable if detected and treated early, so it is recommended that men conduct regular testicular examinations.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small walnut-sizes gland which is located just below the bladder, near the urethra. The prostate gland is only found in men.

The most common problem associated with the prostate is enlargement of the gland itself (usually in older men). If the prostate becomes so large it starts to press on the urethra, men can experience problems urinating, such as pain during urination and difficulty in starting the flow of urine. Symptoms such as these should always be discussed with a doctor.

While this growth is often benign (non-cancerous), sometimes it can be malignant (cancerous).

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but being older and having a family history are important factors.

For more information on any type of cancer, contact the Cancer Council Western Australia on 9212 4333.

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is when a person is unable to experience enjoyable sexual activity. It is a common condition in men and women of all ages.

Common sexual dysfunctions experienced by men include premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction (impotence). Men can also experience delayed ejaculation.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation occurs when a man experiences lack of control over his ejaculation, with it happening sooner than he or his partner wants.

While it is not known what causes premature ejaculation, it is thought that some factors include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety about sexual performance
  • Stress
  • Relationship problems

Treatments for premature ejaculation include medications, exercises and counselling.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse.

Some causes of erectile dysfunction include:

  • Medications, such as antidepressants and medications to control high blood pressure
  • Drugs, such as marijuana and excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
  • Diseases, such as heart or liver disease, diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis
  • Injuries, such as spinal cord damage, pelvic fracture, and after surgery or radiation treatment to the pelvic area.
  • Psychological problems, such as stress, depression, fatigue or anxiety
  • Relationship problems

Treatment for erectile dysfunction is usually in the form of drugs, hormonal treatments or counselling.

For more information on sexual dysfunction, speak with a doctor or FPWA clinician.

Resources for men

FPWA produces a range of information sheets on a variety of sexual health issues, including STIs and general safe sex, or check out Guys' Sex Stuff - what every guy needs to know.

The FPWA library also has a range of men's health books available for loan. Some titles include:

The Guy book: an owner's manual for teens / Jukes, Mavis.--New York, NY: Crown Publishers, 2002

Men after separation: surviving and growing when your relationship ends / MacDonald, Ian.--Sydney, NSW: Finch Publishing, 2005

Intimacy with impotence: the couple's guide to better sex after prostate disease / Alterowitz, Barbara & Paul.--Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2004

Testicular health: a focus on infertility & cancer [video] / 100 min.--Mawson, ACT: Rural Health Education Foundation, 2003

First-time father: pregnancy, birth and starting out as a dad / White, Tony; Russell, Graeme.--Lane Cove, NSW: Finch Publishing, 2005

Prostate cancer for dummies / Lange, Paul H.--New York, NY: Wiley Publishing, 2003

Man manual - 120,000 BC to present day: all models, shapes, sizes and colours / Banks, Ian.-- Somerset, UK: Haynes, 2003

The Irritable male syndrome: managing the four key causes of depression and aggression / Diamond, Jed.--London, UK: Rodale, 2004

Men inside out: a look at their hidden mental, emotional and physical lives / Cuthbertson, Ian; Callaghan, Greg.--Australia: Choice Books, 2003

Useful weblinks and contacts

Andrology Australia
Cancer Council WA
Men's Advisory Network (MAN)