PPRM has a long history of offering men’s health care services such as physical exams, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, testicular and colon cancer screenings, and cholesterol and high blood pressure tests. The Men’s Sexual Health Program will include specialized care for the evaluation and treatment of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
The debut of these new services coincides with National Men’s Health Week, June 14-20. PPRM is recognizing Men’s Health Week by encouraging men to visit their health care provider for regular checkups, preventive screenings, or any health issue.
“Our new services will enable us to provide a greater continuum of care for men. We know people, including men, depend on us to meet all their reproductive and basic primary health care needs,” said Amy Dickson, vice president of clinical operations for PPRM. “Because men often are less likely than women to seek health care, it is our goal to help men access the care they need in an environment they feel welcomed.”
Clients interested in the Men’s Sexual Health Program are welcome to make an appointment or walk in.
“Men’s Health Week is the perfect time for men to remind themselves that preventive care is important to remaining healthy and reproductive health should not be overlooked,” said Dickson.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 8,400 new cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in 2009.[1] Up to 10 percent of men of all ages experience ongoing problems with erectile dysfunction[2] and an estimated 30 to 70 percent of men experience premature or rapid ejaculation, a condition that is reported most commonly in men aged 18 to 30 years old.[3] In addition, STDs continue to pose a serious public health threat in this country and affect both sexes. In 2007, 74 percent of HIV/AIDS diagnosis among adolescents and adults were males.[4]
Planned Parenthood is committed to providing access to basic and reproductive health care for men. In 2009 PPRM saw 8,620 male clients, which represents 7 percent of its total client base. From 2008 to 2009, PPRM saw a 16 percent increase in male clients throughout its region of Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico. During Men’s Health Week, PPRM will be conducting community outreach activities to raise awareness for men’s health and JR’s in Denver will host a men’s health trivia night on June 14.
