Help to raise awareness for male health issues during 'Movember'

This may come as a shock, but men live on average 3-6 years less than women, but by helping to raise awareness of male related illnesses with your male loved ones, you could well help to save or prolong their lives.

We understand that it’s not always easy to have these discussions with your loved ones as some of the content matter can be somewhat sensitive for you both to talk about especially if it’s your Dad or Brother. So at Bella Vou we have written this blog containing all the information they may need so that you can send it on to your loved ones and ask them to take the time to read it, check themselves and follow it up with an appointment with their general practitioner if they have any concerns.

What exactly is ‘Movember’ and how can I get involved?

Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, founders of Movember

Movember is a month of raising awareness and raising funds for male health orientated charities by men leaving their moustaches to grow throughout the month and gaining sponsorship whilst doing the challenge. The idea was originally conceived in 2003 by two friends (Travis Garone and Luke Slattery) living in Melbourne Australia and only had 30 men sign up to the challenge.

Movember is now supported by over 5 million people worldwide with various different fund raising events to help raise money by both male and female participants.

But what if you can’t grow a moustache due to inadequate facial hair? Bella Vou can help!

Some men may be affected by inadequate growth on their facial area and an event like this could leave you feeling insecure and unable to feel a part of the event. A full beard is very much a statement look, and it goes in and out of fashion, since the increase of this event more men have been affected and wanted to have hair transplanted to be able to grow a full beard or
alternative fill in any gaps that might have occurred in the area.

If you are one of those men and want to know more about hair transplant treatment, contact the clinic for a discreet
consultation with our transplant surgeons.

So what are the key issues that men should be looking out for?

Testicular Cancer

Almost half (47%) of testicular cancer diagnosis cases are made each year to men under the age of 35. Those most at risk are men with undescended testes at birth, or who have had a family
history of a close family member who has had testicular cancer.

With 70% of men either never or not regularly checking their testicles for lumps it’s no surprise that the mortality rate for testicular cancer is rising. Checking your testicles should be a regular occurrence. Get into the habit of checking them daily in the shower. It could save your life.

To learn how to check your testicles for lumps watch this video:

Prostate Cancer

Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate gland is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra,
which is the tube men urinate and ejaculate through. Its main job is to help make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.

When prostate cancer is detected early survival rates are better than 98%, but when it is left undiagnosed and found later the survival rates drop to just 26%. If you’re 50 or over and have not had a PSA test (blood test), make an appointment with your general practitioner and request one as soon as possible. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, then you should be
having this conversation at 45.

What are the symptoms and signs of prostate cancer?

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

So how can I get involved in raising awareness?

For more information about Movember, and how to get involved, visit the Movember website.