Men's Health
One of the easiest ways you can proactively take care of your health is by having a Men’s Health check-up once a year. Think of it like a Warrant of Fitness for your body. Your GP at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei will check for all age-appropriate health risks, answer any questions you may have about your health, and explain what steps you can take to stay healthy in the future.
Cardiovascular Disease
Being a man makes you more likely to get heart disease at a younger age. That’s why regular cardiovascular check-ups are so important for men’s health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for males, often showing no symptoms until it’s too late. It’s the single biggest killer in New Zealand, accounting for one third of all deaths each year. Māori, Pacific and South-Asian men are even more at risk.
By staying on top of routine screenings, like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks, you can catch potential issues early and take action to protect your heart and arteries. Small changes like improving your diet, exercising regularly and managing stress, can make a big difference. Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Get serious about your heart health now!
Men’s Sexual Health
Male sexual health is about your overall wellbeing when it comes to sexual function, performance and satisfaction. It covers everything from libido and erectile function to ejaculation and reproductive health.
Keeping on top of your sexual health isn’t just about the physical side. It’s key to your emotional wellbeing, too. By taking care of yourself, you can enjoy a healthy, fulfilling sex life at any stage of life.
Sexual health issues can affect men of all ages, but the good news is that most of them are treatable. Problems like erectile dysfunction, low libido, premature ejaculation and infertility are more common than you may think, and there is no need to be embarrassed about it. Whether it’s due to stress, aging, or underlying health conditions, these issues don’t have to be permanent.
Treatments range from lifestyle changes and counselling to medication and alternative therapies. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, talk to us. Without judgement and in a safe and comfortable space, we will help you find a solution.
Prostate Checks
Prostate checks are an essential part of men’s health, especially as you age. The prostate, a small gland responsible for producing some of the fluid in semen, can develop issues like enlargement or cancer, particularly in men over 50. Regular prostate screenings help catch problems early, even before symptoms appear. Early detection of conditions like prostate cancer can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment.
The most common screening methods are a blood test known as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE). While this might sound uncomfortable, it is quickly done and can give you peace of mind. If detected early, many prostate issues are manageable with lifestyle changes, medication, or further treatment.
Men over 50 (and those over 40 with known family history) should be tested at least every one to two years using both the PSA and DRE tests. If the check shows there is possibility you have prostate cancer, a biopsy is the only way to find out for sure. For this, you would be referred to a urologist.
Men’s Mental Health
Everyone experiences feelings of tension, fear or sadness from time to time. But when these emotions become so intense and overwhelming that they interfere with daily life, making it hard to manage work, enjoy free time or maintain healthy relationships, it could be a sign of a mental health issue.
Mental health is something that Kiwi men are getting better at talking about, but the pressure to “harden up” or “tough it out” still exists. Seeking help if you feel depressed or anxious is important, as there are effective treatments that can help restore the balance. It is nothing to feel ashamed of.
Recognising the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting the right help and treatment. The earlier someone receives treatment, the more effective it can be. There are effective treatments for mental health disorders. Asking for help may be difficult, but going without treatment may only make the situation worse. If you are worried, come see us. Bush Road Medical Centre is a safe space where you will be respected, heard and understood.
If you need to talk to someone now about any difficulties that you or someone close to you might be having in their life, you can contact LIFELINE on 0800 543 354 or visit lifeline.co.nz. You can also call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor.
Well Man Check in Whangarei
The Well Man Check is a 45-minute detailed health review that’s designed to specifically address men’s health concerns. We’ll look at any health risks, especially risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, skin, lung, bowel and prostate cancers, and we’ll review lifestyle factors as well. If there are any areas of concern, our GP and nurse will work with you on a personalised plan to address and monitor the issues.
Well-Men’s Checks at Bush Road Medical Centre include:
- Pulse and blood pressure
- Weight and body-mass index
- ECG, eyesight test and audiology test
- Heart check and cardiovascular risk assessment
- Prostate check & testicular examination
- Testicular examination
- Urine test for diabetes and kidney disease
- Targeted skin examination for specific skin concerns, may need a follow up appointment
The blood tests including a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, blood glucose, cholesterol, thyroid function and PSA (prostate specific antigen), under 50 years old if family history.
We can also offer advice on:
- Depression and other mental health issues (MCA will screen)
- Alcohol use and smoking (MCA will screen)
- Sexual health
Our team is trained to provide you with the resources and support you need to take care of your physical and mental health and improve your overall wellbeing.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy, is a simple surgical procedure performed here at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei. Straightforward and highly effective, a vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. It’s a solution for men who are done having kids or know for sure they do not want to father any children.
Any man may have a vasectomy, regardless of age, marital status or how many children they already have, even if that’s none. You do not require anyone else’s consent. Getting a vasectomy usually isn’t painful and there isn’t much downtime afterwards either.
As with any medical procedure, some side effects and discomfort may occur, and you will be given comprehensive information about this and your aftercare before your procedure. The most common feedback our Dr gets from men after the procedure is: “I thought it was going to be a lot worse than that.”