How Can Urologists Better Spread Men's Health Awareness and Education?

Men’s health awareness has taken somewhat of a backseat to women’s issues.  Until more recently, when it comes to spreading the word, the noise for male medical concerns hasn’t been nearly as loud.  Certain campaigns, such as Movember, have managed to draw attention to the fact that men need to take care of specific very real health issues.  However, many people feel that a lot more could be done, and this can start with the experts: urologists.

Research into Spreading Men’s Health Awareness

Research has shown that urologists may be able to play an important role in spreading men’s health awareness and that technology can help. 

Everyone looks to the internet when it comes to informing themselves about various medical issues.  They also look there for advice and services regarding their health.  Therefore, Aaron Spitz, MD, of the Orange County Urology Associates in California has recommended that urologists open their minds to reaching patients through telemedicine.  This way, they can communicate with patients no matter where those individuals may be – at home or at work, for instance.

Why Urologists?

The internet is filled with rumors and myths that can derail efforts for accurate men’s health awareness.  Urologists using telemedicine tech can help to set the record straight by giving men the facts and recommending reliable sources, said the University of Virginia’s Ryan P. Smith.

“Part of our job is to educate them that it’s not safe to self-prescribe and self-treat,” explained Dr. Smith.

What Men’s Health Awareness Resources Do Experts Recommend?

Dr. Goldstein recommends some credible men’s health awareness resources online including:

• The Urology Care Foundation’s official website
• The Sexual Medicine Society of North America’s public resource

As experts in this specific field, urologists are in a unique position to be able to deliver credible online men’s health information.  They can provide it through their social media, websites, and other online channels, according to Adithya Balasubramanian, a researcher and medical student from Baylor College of Medicine.

This way, health care providers can share men’s health awareness information with patients who may never have known about the types of issues that can affect them and the many solutions to struggles such as dysfunction or hypogonadism.

“Many of these conditions are still associated with considerable stigma and shame. The growing online presence of urology practices can help reduce such negative views and help men access care in a more discreet fashion,” explained Balasubramanian.