COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1 – Penile conditions and fertility check
This module focuses on the steps in examining the male external genital organs to diagnose and manage benign and pre-malignant penile lesions and then moves into diagnosing and managing penile cancer. Images illustrate how these conditions may appear in the clinical setting. It then explains Peyronie’s disease and outlines the phases, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and management options for this condition. Male infertility is the final unit in this module. It describes the causes and how to prepare for diagnosis. This includes history, examination and investigation. The module concludes with outlining the management options for male infertility.
Module 2 – Testicular cancer and male breast cancer
This module focuses on diagnosing and managing testicular cancer and then moves into male breast cancer. Unit one on testicular cancer details how to complete an examination, what to look for and how to assess a scrotal mass. Prognosis pathology, fertility and metastatic disease symptoms are discussed including longer term effects. Unit two focuses on male breast cancer and outlines the steps for examination including the lymph nodes and what to look for. Possible symptoms are described and causes discussed. Diagnostic tests and treatment options are outlined. Unit two concludes with information on genetic testing, survival rates and recurrent breast cancer management.
Module 3 – Male hair loss and genital inflammatory dermatoses
Unit one of this module focusses on male hair loss. It discusses how to diagnose and manage hair loss in men including the two main types – androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Other types of hair loss such as telogen effluvium, anagen hair loss, inflammatory skin disease, infections and systemic disease are also included in this unit. Hair anatomy and clinical images support the learning. Treatment options and management are outlined including possible complications for some treatments.
Unit two is about genital inflammatory dermatoses and guides the diagnosis, treatment and management of genital inflammatory skin diseases in men including genital psoriasis, eczema, balanitis, lichen sclerosus and lichen planus. Clinical images are part of this unit to assist with identification of these dermatoses.
Module 4 – Androgen deficiency
This module focuses on the screening and diagnosis of androgen deficiency and then outlines managing patients with this condition and determining whether to refer to a specialist. It explains the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, adrenal androgens and testosterone action. Androgen deficiency is described as well as the classification and causes of male hypogonadism. The diagnostic approach including signs and symptoms of androgen deficiency are detailed. Diagrams and clinical images are featured. Functional and late onset hypogonadism management options are outlined including lifestyle measures and pharmacology options. Pharmacology information includes benefits and risks.
Module 5 – Dementia in men
This module focusses on screening for dementia in men within the context of a mental health assessment and diagnosing and managing dementia including knowing when to refer to a specialist.
Unit one introduces an overview of male mental health issues and stresses the importance of mental health screening and lists possible disorders and comorbidities. Cognitive decline and depression are discussed and that dementia may be worsened by other psychiatric conditions. Unit two lists the risk factors for dementia and test options to rule out other causes. Subsyndromal depression and cognitive plasticity are discussed together with dementia risk factors and the impact of dementia. Unit three outlines assessment options and screening guidelines including the limitations of screening. Suggested screening for possible cognitive impairment and dementia and diagnosing and referral options are covered.
Unit four addresses the multiple contributors to dementia. Common behaviours and other dementia causes are included as well as Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia. The approach, diagnosis and monitoring are included. Treatment options are outlined in Unit five for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. It discusses neuropsychiatric symptoms and recognises agitation as one of the challenging behaviours. Dementia management, referral options, screening tools and training complete this module.
Module 6 – Cardiovascular health and weight control in men
This module looks at ways to maintain cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease. It also outlines ways to maintain weight control and prevent obesity. Graphs and charts are used to demonstrate the effects of exercise on men. The relationship between obesity in Australia and chronic conditions is outlined including metabolic syndrome. Treatment options for obesity include lifestyle, medications, surgery and counselling. Assessment of a patient’s symptoms, recognising and managing behavioural change techniques, recognising masculinity and motivating patients are a feature of unit two. The impact of age-related sarcopenia is discussed in unit three and the challenges this presents for the obese male. Information and statistics about the effects of exercise and nutrition complete this module.
Module 7 – Male anatomy and clinical problems part 2
This module focuses on the anatomy of the testes, scrotum and inguinal region. Clinical problems including benign swellings, cancer, pain and impaired supply to male anatomy are outlined. Anatomical images of each area are a feature to reinforce learning. Unit 1 focuses on testes and associated clinical problems. Unit 2 focuses on the scrotum anatomy and associated clinical problems including lymph spread from scrotum to penis, hydrocoele and varicocele. Unit 3 is about the spermatic cord and clinical problems and includes vasectomy information and potential hazards. Unit 4 explains the abdominal apertures, inguinal and femoral rings, inguinal canal and triangle and looks at patent processus vaginalis hernia risk. This leads into unit five and covers various hernias including abdominal hernias, groin and scrotal swellings and strangulated hernias. Referred pain is also addressed in unit five.
Module 8 – GP cases in men's health
This module outlines the role of the medical practitioner in the management of conditions that commonly affect men including diabetes and myocardial infarcts, hypertension and strokes and more generally, in the prevention of disease, minimising suicide risk and optimising good health. It commences with cardiovascular, diabetes, strokes and hypertension statistics and the impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes. Unit two considers three patient case approaches including history, priorities, what matters most to the patient, risk factors, information gathering, next steps, motivation for lifestyle changes and ongoing management. Unit three refers to data on suicide risk in Australia and why these statistics may continue to rise. The role of the GP is discussed and encourages GPs to engage with male patients for better outcomes, together with advising the GP to prioritise their own health.