Genital diseases awareness in young male students: Is information necessary to protect them?

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies on the prevalence of male sexual diseases are currently available due to difficult application of observational studies or andrological disease prevention campaigns on large series of apparently healthy subjects. The medical check-up linked to compulsory military service represented in Italy a valid tool for epidemiological and observational study for 18 year old boys from 1861 to 2004. The stopping of compulsory military service and its related medical check-up could have determined an important social impact in terms of a lower level of attention and care on male genital/sexual diseases. The aim of the present observational study was to check the prevalence of genital/sexual diseases among young male high-school students and promote an alternative campaign of information among young students. Methods: A prospective observational analytical study on young male students was conducted by 6 urological centres. Genital and sexually transmitted diseases were presented with slides to students in a general assembly. Some students were then counselled and filled out a short questionnaire on their lifestyle. Results: 12,535 students (10,432 males-83.6%) followed the presentation. and 4,897 males (46.7%) decided to be checked-up by the urologist and out of them 1554 (31.7%) presented relevant andrological diseases. Five-hundred students completed the questionnaire concerning their lifestyle. Many of them had not yet experienced condom use during sexual intercourse (27.8%). Drug abuse was reported by 39.6% of subjects and alcohol consumption in 80.8% of them. Conclusions: These data suggest the need for a national information campaign on male sexual disorders to promote sexual health. Summary more accurate and diligent than in men (1). The excess of reporting minor physical morbidity and affective disorders is probably related to specific subjective behaviours but

Adolescence and andrologist: An imperfect couple

“…In conclusion, in Italy, the prevalence of adolescents among the males referred to an Andrology Unit for assessment is very low. This may be due to the fact that here the professional figure of the andrologist is little known among young males and it is therefore essential to promote awareness of andrological examinations through mass media and school campaigns for prevention (2,5,12). Early diagnosis of andrological diseases is crucial so as to prevent later problems in reproductive function.…”

“…In addition, studies show that only 13% of the age group in question are aware of the professional role that andrologists play (2). Screening for teenage pathologies should be an important part of general health management.…”

Prevalence of phimosis and foreskin sliding abnormalities in male adolescents and their correlation with later onset of first sexual intercourse

“…This study underlines the importance of offering an andrological screening to all the family in order to prevent and treat andrological disease and promote male sexual health. This is also a way to promote and raise awareness of the importance among adolescents of andrological prevention, and to reduce the social embarrassment that late diagnosis can involve, as well as to explain to young men that there is a dedicated place to discuss sexual issues (9). Another good point is to create a network between the General Practitioner and the specialist consultant.…”