COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Prostate conditions and prostate check
This module focuses on prostate conditions and prostate checks. The role of the prostate is outlined and what may happen when it is not functioning normally including symptoms, underlying problems and other common features. It covers benign prostatic enlargement and associated urinary incontinence in men. Conditions that are best referred to a urologist are covered including what treatment options may be considered by the urologist. This is helpful information for the treating medical practitioner to know for continuing patient care. The module includes guides to conducting an initial assessment for various prostate conditions. Unit two content includes planning a prostate check by digital palpation, what to look for and how to interpret the pathology results. Charts, graphs, studies and diagrams assist with determining the appropriate management.
Module 2: Prostate cancer
Topics include symptoms for prostate cancer, diagnosis tools including PSA and digital examination, when to refer and what information to include when referring. Understanding the function and levels of PSA testing is a feature of unit one in addition to outlining prevention studies and men at higher risk. Management of localised prostate cancer including surveillance versus surgery is discussed. Unit two includes information and studies on radiation, neoadjuvant and adjuvant RT therapies, medications, post treatment surveillance and biochemical recurrence after treatment. Unit three discusses metastatic prostate cancer and androgen deprivation therapy, androgen resistance and treatment options. Rare subtypes are covered in addition to bone health and the effects of treatment on the skeleton.
Module 3: 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. It then moves into diagnosing and managing penile cancer. Images illustrate how these conditions may appear in the clinical setting. Content 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 course and describes the causes and how to prepare for diagnosis including history, examination and investigation. The module concludes with outlining the management options for male infertility.
Module 4: 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. The unit concludes with information on genetic testing, survival rates and recurrent breast cancer management.
Module 5: Sexually transmitted infections in men
This module focuses on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for men commencing with symptoms, screening, diagnosis and management of these infections in men. Infections include herpes simplex (primary and recurrent), human papillomavirus, epidermodysplasia verruciformis, molluscum contagiosum, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, chancroid, granuloma inguinale (donovanosis) and HIV. It incorporates the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention options for STIs. First and second line treatment therapies and complications of some STIs are mentioned. Pathology images of different STIs provide references for the clinical setting. HIV, the connection with AIDS, symptoms and how it affects the body and skin, including investigation options, management and prevention strategies (PrEP) are discussed.
Module 6: Androgen deficiency
This module focuses on the screening, diagnosis and management of androgen deficiency. Content includes management strategies for 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 supported by diagrams and clinical images. Functional and late onset hypogonadism management options are outlined including lifestyle measures and the benefits and risks of pharmacology.
Module 7: Male sexual dysfunction
This module describes how to distinguish between the types of erectile and ejaculation dysfunctions and how to diagnose and manage these conditions. It also suggests techniques to encourage discussion about sensitive topics such as sexual problems and considers barriers and society norms. The relationship between erectile function/dysfunction and metabolic and vascular health is explored. Tools to assist with diagnosis and clinical management are provided. The content includes what to look for when making a physical evaluation and possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Penile erection aids including injections, oral medications, vacuum devices, prostheses and shockwave therapy are listed including options, contraindications and possible side effects. The third unit focuses on ejaculation physiology and disorders and explores the psychological contributors and treatment options for premature ejaculation.
Module 8: Male anatomy and clinical problems, Part 1 and 2
The first part of this module focuses on the male genital anatomy and how these organs work together. Clinical presentations include benign swellings, cancer, pain and impaired vascular supply. Unit one focuses on the urethra including constrictions, obstructions, micturition, incontinence and visceral pain. Unit two focuses on the prostate gland and explains the zones and glands, benign hypertrophy and prostate cancer, hazards of prostatectomy and referred pain. Unit three is about the penis, its anatomy, the prepuce issues, circumcision and peyronie’s disease. Unit four explains erectile tissue and mechanism, erectile dysfunction including priapism and end artery considerations. This includes venous drainage, nerves, lymph vessels and erectile dysfunction. Unit five covers the ejaculatory pathway and clinical problems including deferent duct, seminal vessels and the ejaculation function. The anatomy of each organ is examined in detail to enhance the understanding of clinical problems and symptoms to assist with diagnosis.
The second part of this module focuses on the anatomy of the testes, scrotum and inguinal region. Content includes clinical problems of benign swellings, cancer, pain and impaired supply to male anatomy. Anatomical images of each area are a feature to reinforce learning. The module describes the anatomy of the testes and possible clinical problems and moves to the scrotum anatomy and associated clinical problems including lymph spread from scrotum to penis, hydrocoele and varicocele. The spermatic cord and possible clinical problems are outlined including vasectomy information and potential hazards. Content covers abdominal apertures, inguinal and femoral rings, inguinal canal and inguinal triangle, and looks at patent processus vaginalis (and hernia risk). Various hernias including abdominal hernias, groin and scrotal swellings, strangulated hernias and referred pain are outlined.