Much attention has been paid recently to the area of men's health. Magazines such as GQ, and Men's Health routinely include articles addressing issues that range from fitness to prostate cancer.

What are we doing at University Health Services to address these issues, and why are these issues important?

For the past four years, male physicians in the General Medicine Department at UHS have conducted Men's Preventive Health appointments. Although most men seen in our clinic are heterosexual, we are seeing more gay and bisexual men in recent years.

Male patients calling the Health Service for sexual health concerns or for routine physical exams are given such an appointment. During the visit, the clinician addresses both the patient's concerns and other important preventive health issues such as immunizations, safety, tobacco and alcohol.

As in the case of women's health, sexual health issues top the list of concerns for men. Patients often seek appointments with questions about sexually transmitted diseases, genital rashes or pain, lumps in the testicles, and for physical exams.

The most common history obtained involves a sexually active man who has not always used condoms and, although he has no symptoms, wants to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases.

Most men opt to be tested for chlamydia and HIV. Recent advances in laboratory testing procedures allow such tests to be obtained on urine specimens and oral swabs, with no pain involved.

Some patients describe symptoms of active infection (burning on urination, penile discharge, testicular pain, or genital rashes). Once again, the history and physical dictate what tests or treatment would be necessary.

During the physical, all men are taught about testicular exams and self-examination. Unfortunately, too many men still don't know that testicular cancer, although very rare, is a disease of young adult males. Routine self-examinations are important to early detection.

Other important health concerns for young adult males are addressed during the preventive health visit. Smoking and smokeless tobacco continue to be health issues for many students. Mental health, such as stress, anxiety and depression, safety (seat belts, bicycle helmets, etc), and drug and alcohol issues may be addressed.

Finally, we are talking more to young men about body building supplements such as creatine, and rosteindione and steroids, in addition to asking about concerns of excess gambling and gun safety.

To obtain a Men's Health Clinic appointment, call the General Medicine appointment phone line at 863-0774 and ask for a men's health appointment.

Consistent condom use does not always stop infection of genital wart virus

Can you tell me if working out and smoking can go together? I smoke about 10 cigarettes a day, but I am pretty active and do strength training in the gym three to four times a week.

Unfortunately one of the benefits of working out is not that it will negate the health effects of smoking. And the longer you smoke, the tougher it gets to quit. Your strength training routine will help maintain bone health and lean muscle tissue, but give your lungs a break and think about quitting. If you need some extra incentive, think about joining the "Who Wants to be a Survivor: Quit and Win Challenge" that starts in February. Check it out on-line at www.psu.edu/UHS/survivorchallenge.html.

How reliable are condoms in preventing me from acquiring HPV from my infected girlfriend if I decide to have sex with her?

The consistent and correct use of latex condoms with intercourse can be effective in reducing the risk of most STDs. HPV (human papillomavirus, the virus that causes genital warts) can be tricky though, since it is spread by skin-to-skin contact — not necessarily by intercourse — and can be on areas not covered or protected by a condom, for instance the scrotum or the vulva.

If your girlfriend's infection is on her cervix, then condoms should provide good protection. If it is external, you may be taking some risk even with the use of condoms. In this case, it's best to avoid skin-to-skin contact when there is an active outbreak, so monitoring her health status is important.

It's also important that you continue to communicate and be supportive with each other.

This is a virus that stays around for life, though the outbreaks may come and go, or possibly never appear again after the first one.

If your girlfriend has HPV on her cervix, it may require additional treatment, occasionally involving surgery. If left untreated, HPV of the cervix can potentially lead to cervical cancer. This is most often eliminated if found early, treated and monitored medically.

You may want to check out the American Social Health Association Web site (www.ashastd.org). The association is an expert on all kinds of STDs.