Male sexual health symptom checker

Starting today, men who may feel reluctant to visit their GP about sexual health issues, can use the new NHS on-line symptom checker.

The symptom checker is suitable for all males over the age of 12, and covers health problems relating to the penis, testicles and genital area. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, injury and infection are all covered on the site.

Other topics which men may feel difficulty in approaching their GP about include sexual assault or abuse and sexual dysfunction.

The online symptom checker works by asking the user a series of questions. Depending of the answers given, it may suggest a number of options - e.g a visit to a GP, (routinely or urgently), A&E or a sexual health (GUM) clinic, or to seek more advice from a pharmacist.

In some cases, it may suggest a further assessment, with a call back from an NHS Direct nurse advisor.  The user can choose to remain anonymous for the call back.

Users may be given advice that allows them to treat themselves at home. In these cases, instructions are always given explaining what to do if the problem persists or worsens.

The symptom checker is run by NHS Direct , a partner in National Men’s Health Week (commencing 15 June). One of the objectives of National Men's Health Week which is on improving men’s access to health services.

It's hoped that the male sexual health symptom checker will enable NHS Direct to reach men who may be less comfortable using the telephone or talking about sensitive issues face-to-face.

Helen Young, NHS Direct Clinical Director and Chief Nurse, commented: 

"NHS Direct is delighted to be partnering Men’s Health Week, helping to raise the level of awareness amongst men about the range of health services available. NHS Direct is for everyone and it’s important that our services are easily accessible and appealing to a male audience too.”

She also added:

“It’s vitally important that anyone with a concern about their sexual health seeks advice at the earliest opportunity. Often problems can be dealt with easily if picked up early but the longer something is left the more chance there is of further complications."

Currently, forty per cent of callers to NHS Direct are male. Around 20 percent of calls about sexual health issues are from men.

The most common enquiries received from men: dental, abdominal pain and rashes.

Common subjects of enquiry specifically relating to sexual health include rectal bleeding, urinary retention and penile pain or swelling.

The new symptom checker has been developed to reflect the same protocols as NHS Direct’s telephone advisors, making it much more effective than other self help guides and symptom checkers that are not integrated with NHS Direct.

More information:

To use the male sexual health symptom checker:  www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

This article was published on Mon 15 June 2009