Men’s Health and Fertility Clinic Harley Street
25 Harley Street is home to one of London’s leading men’s clinics. Offering a comprehensive range of services provided by the top consultants in urological and sexual health, the clinic provides a level of expertise to meet every concern and need. Appointments are available on issues such as general sexual well-being, impotence and prostate investigations.
Our Men’s Clinic is based on a foundation of comprehensive health screening and examination. After thorough review our consultants are then best placed to advise on the best course of action for you and your health. The following gives an overview of some of the most common concerns we address in our clinic.
Fertility
Whilst the discussion surrounding fertility often focuses on women, our clinic regularly performs male fertility tests for those men who are either looking to conceive or simply have concerns regarding their own reproductive health.
Vasectomy, and its reversal, are the choice for many men who wish to make a definite decision regarding their ability to conceive. It is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic and seals (or unseals during reversal) the tube which carries sperm from a man’s testicles to his penis. The procedure is 99% effective, which is higher than the majority of contraception available. After a few days discomfort dies down and you can return to work and an active sex life after a couple of days.
Fertility is also based upon circulating testosterone levels in a man. Low testosterone causes sperm production to slow and indirectly affects fertility by reducing sex drive or increasing issues with erectile dysfunction.
It is normal for testosterone to fall after the age of 30 but sharp drops can produce more noticeable symptoms. Testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism can happen at any age, although in the later years it is more commonly referred to as the male menopause. Aside from the impact on fertility it can also impact libido, self-esteem and can lead to depression if left untreated. Patients also report fatigue and difficulty concentrating and well as a loss of body hair and muscle mass. If you feel that you suffer a similar range of symptoms our fertility consultants can review your whole physical, mental and sexual health to provide a bespoke plan that can support both your testosterone levels and wider general health.
Erectile Function
Good erectile function is at the core of a man’s sexual health. Although grounded in a man’s physiology, many external competing factors play a part. Erectile dysfunction or impotence is actually an umbrella term for a wide range of mental and physical conditions that can result in men finding difficulty in gaining or maintaining an erection.
The negative consequence of this is of course is that sex can be found to be unsatisfactory for one or both partners. This is a distinct diagnosis separate from premature ejaculation where an erection and orgasm does occur from arousal.
Not only does the condition affect sex directly, it can put a strain on relationships and damage a man’s self-confidence. Some men find it hard to talk about erectile health with their partner, further exacerbating the problem and placing further stress on the men involved.
Whilst many lifestyle factors including stress, smoking and diet can affect erectile health, erection problems should not be ignored or investigation put off. In some cases, difficulties with erections can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease.
Our consultants recognise the often multifactorial reasons behind erectile dysfunction and work carefully to discern which medical and psychological causes require attention and treatment. This could mean that treatment including medication such as sildenafil (Viagra), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or talking therapies such as CBT.
Surgery
There are numerous reasons why our specialist team may advise or recommend surgical intervention. This could range from minor operations such as circumcision or frenuloplasty, to more serious concerns such as sarcomas or penile cancer.
Your consultation with us includes a focussed examination to review any lumps or bumps you may have noticed in the genital area. If pain or discomfort seems to be persistent, we fully investigate using scans, ultrasound or biopsy as required to deliver a prompt diagnosis and resolution.
Please be aware that while it is important for every man to self-check regularly, many lumps and bumps found are benign and no intervention is required. In the minority of cases however it could point to a serious condition such as penile or testicular cancer.
Any lumps and bumps therefore are best suited to be examined by a specialist who sees them every day. Some testicular conditions do not require surgery but would still benefit from review and interventions such as antibiotics. We strongly advise that appointments are arranged promptly so that any treatment can be given in a timely fashion.
Other treatments such as surgery of Peyronie’s disease and the use of penile prostheses in patients with refractory erectile dysfunction are also available.
Prostate
Changes in the prostate are becoming an issue for men worldwide as we each live longer and longer. For those moving through middle age and onto later life, the prostate gland can be responsible for a variety of urological, sexual or general health concerns.
This is a result of the position and function of the prostate. It is a small, walnut sized gland which sits around the urethra (tube) that carries urine from your bladder to your penis. During sexual excitation and intercourse the gland provides nutrients to the sperm in your semen, allowing for better chances of conceiving.
Changes to this gland, especially concerning swelling, impinge on the urethra and urinary problems therefore can be the first sign you notice.
Simple inflammation of the gland is called prostatitis, whilst non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is called BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Prostate cancer is also known to produce urological issues similar to BPH.
Our urology consultants have cared for hundreds of men and their prostate health. Their experience is invaluable in the prompt diagnosis of any prostate issue. As well as examination and urological assessment, your consultant will send a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test to check when assessing for BPH or prostate cancer.
Further, more specific tests may be advised if deemed appropriate at consultation. Our team follows the latest Royal College protocols and where necessary utlise cutting edge surgical techniques to promote quick recovery and restoration of normal function.
If you have any concerns about your health please call us to book an appointment with a specialist on 0207 079 2102 or email us on [email protected]