At Syrona Health, we understand that men's health needs evolve throughout their lives, and it's crucial for employers to provide comprehensive support to address these changing concerns. By offering targeted benefits and resources, companies can not only improve the physical and mental well-being of their male employees but also foster a more inclusive and caring work environment.

Men's Health Needs Across Life Stages

1. Sexual Health Disorders Many men face sexual health issues at some point in their lives, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, or low libido. These conditions can have a significant impact on their quality of life and relationships [1]. Employers can support their male employees by providing access to specialist care, counselling, and prescription medication coverage for these disorders.
2. Male Fertility Infertility affects approximately 1 in 7 couples in the UK, and male factors contribute to about half of these cases [2]. Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and hormonal imbalances are common causes of male infertility. Companies can assist their employees by offering fertility assessments, access to reproductive specialists, and coverage for fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI.
3. Andropause Andropause, or male menopause, is a condition characterised by a gradual decline in testosterone levels as men age. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, and mood changes [3]. Employers can help by providing education on lifestyle modifications, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, and mental health support to manage the psychological impact of andropause.
4. Prostate and Urological Issues Prostate problems become increasingly common as men age, with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer affecting a significant proportion of the male population [4]. Companies can support their employees by offering regular prostate screenings, access to urologists, and coverage for treatments like medications, surgeries, or radiation therapy.

Key Areas of Focus for Men's Health

1. Heart Health
2. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death among men in the UK, with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity disproportionately affecting the male population [5]. Employers can help reduce this risk by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, offering gym memberships or on-site fitness classes, and providing access to preventive care like cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.
3. Mental Health
4. Men are often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues due to social stigma and traditional gender roles. However, conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among the male workforce [6]. Companies can support their employees by providing access to mental health professionals, employee assistance programmes (EAPs), and creating a work culture that encourages open conversations about mental well-being.
5. Cancer Screening
6. Regular cancer screenings are essential for early detection and improved treatment outcomes. Prostate cancer, in particular, is a significant concern for men, with 1 in 8 men in the UK being diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime [7]. Employers can help by offering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, as well as screenings for other common cancers like testicular, colorectal, and skin cancer.

Implementing a Comprehensive Men's Health Programme

To effectively support the diverse health needs of their male employees, companies should consider implementing a multi-faceted men's health programme that includes:

1. Education and awareness campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage early detection of potential health issues
2. Access to specialist care for conditions like sexual health disorders, infertility, and prostate problems
3. Mental health support through EAPs, counselling services, and stress management resources
4. Preventive care, including regular health check-ups, cancer screenings, and vaccinations
5. Coverage for prescription medications and treatments related to men's health conditions
6. Fitness and nutrition initiatives to promote physical well-being

By investing in a comprehensive men's health programme, companies can demonstrate their commitment to the overall well-being of their male employees, leading to improved job satisfaction, productivity, and retention. At Syrona Health, we are dedicated to helping organisations implement effective and tailored men's health solutions to support their workforce throughout every stage of life through men's health benefits.

References:

1. Yafi, F. A., Jenkins, L., Albersen, M., Corona, G., Isidori, A. M., Goldfarb, S., ... & Hellstrom, W. J. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. Nature reviews Disease primers, 2(1), 1-20.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). Fertility problems: assessment and treatment. NICE guideline [CG156]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156
3. Saad, F., Röhrig, G., von Haehling, S., & Traish, A. (2017). Testosterone deficiency and testosterone treatment in older men. Gerontology, 63(2), 144-156.
4. Rees, J., Bultitude, M., & Challacombe, B. (2014). The management of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. BMJ, 348, g3861.
5. British Heart Foundation. (2021). Heart & Circulatory Disease Statistics 2021. https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics/heart-statistics-publications/cardiovascular-disease-statistics-2021
6. Mental Health Foundation. (2016). Fundamental Facts About Mental Health 2016. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/fundamental-facts-about-mental-health-2016
7. Cancer Research UK. (2021). Prostate cancer statistics. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer