"British men are paying the price for neglecting their health: more than 100,000 men a year die prematurely.

On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. It's important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that's not right." Find out more

It’s estimated that one man in 10 has a problem related to having sex, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. Dr John Tomlinson of The Sexual Advice Association explains some of the causes, and where to seek help.

Ejaculation problems - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The PSA test (prostate specific antigen) is a blood test to see if you might have prostate cancer and to monitor treatment for prostate cancer.  You may be offered this if you are considered high risk or have symptoms

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is produced by healthy cells in teh prostate, so it's normal to have a small amoutn of PSA in your blood.  The amount rises as you get older because your prostate gets bigger.

Prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis or prostate cancer, can cause your PSA level to rise – but lots of other things can affect your PSA level too, including the following.

• A urine infection – You may have a test for a urine infection as this can raise your PSA level. If you have an infection, you’ll be given treatment for this. You’ll need to wait until the infection has gone – around six weeks – before you have a PSA test.
• Vigorous exercise – You might be asked not to do any vigorous exercise in the 48 hours before a PSA test.
• Ejaculation – You may be asked to avoid any sexual activity that leads to ejaculation in the 48 hours before a PSA test.

• Anal sex and prostate stimulation – Receiving anal sex, or having your prostate stimulated during sex, might raise your PSA level for a while. It might be worth avoiding this for a week before a PSA test.
• Prostate biopsy – If you’ve had a biopsy in the six weeks before a PSA test, this could raise your PSA level.
• Medicines – Let your GP or practice nurse know if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, as some might affect your PSA level. For example, some medicines used to treat an enlarged prostate, known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride (Proscar^®) or dutasteride (Avodart^®), can reduce your PSA level and give a false test result.
• Other tests or surgery – If you've had any tests or surgery on your bladder or prostate, you may need to wait up to six weeks before having a PSA test.
• Urinary catheters – If you have a catheter to drain urine from your bladder, you may need to wait up to six weeks after it has been put in before having a PSA test.

Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, it is still quite rare. With 2000 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15 - 35-year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone.

What to Look Out For

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms.

• A dull ache, or sharp pain, in your testicles, or scrotum, which may come and go
• A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
• A dull ache in your lower abdomen
• A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
• Fatigue and generally feeling unwell.

NHS - Information on Testicular Cancer

See the NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.

Crisis Care | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)

Prostate Cancer UK's top priority is funding research to stop prostate cancer killing men. We’re investing millions to find better treatments and better tests that can spot fast-growing cancers early, and could be used in a screening programme to save thousands of lives.

Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

MANUP? | MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

Dad Matters in Salford exists to support dads to have the best possible relationship with their children. We work closely with other professionals within Salford, Greater Manchester and nationally to better support dads in the first 1001 days of their parenting journey.

We offer Outreach services/drop-ins at maternity centres, and community venues, Provide 1:1 peer support to dads, Signpost and support dads to access services and information to help make sense of being a dad and supporting dads with anxiety, stress and mental health awareness

Salford – Dad Matters