Ailments that were associated with women are now finding ground in the male anatomy. Malini Banerjee offers a quick medical guide on what the guys should watch out for

Andropause (Male Menopause)

What it means for the patient: Andropause is a clinical syndrome, so named, because of the physical changes that take place due to declining androgenic hormone levels, mainly testosterone. "Unlike menopause, it can't be pin-pointed to an exact date or month.


It's a gradual process," says Dr Dilip Raja, consultant urologist and andrologist with Lilavati Hospital and Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. Like menopause, a fall in testosterone levels can also result in osteoporosis.
Warning signs: The first signs, points out Dr Raja, are often external. Watch out for the inability to sustain and erection.
What's the cure? Generally, testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed but that may have
contra-indications.
The stats: By the age of 50, andropause is said to affect 30% of men. But there are enough exceptions too. "Charlie Chaplin fathered a child at 83!" smiles Dr Raja.
Celebrity connect: Hollywood star Mel Gibson (below) has admitted that his career has slowed down
substantially over the past few years. He attributes it to andropause, or as he called it, "the male menopause."

Urinary incontinence

What it means for the patient: It refers to loss of urine control. "It occurs due to ageing, prostrate surgery or constipation. Men can become incontinent from neurological injury, birth defects, strokes or multiple
sclerosis," says Dr Raja.
There are three types of male urinary incontinence: Urge incontinence: This is when the patient cannot hold on long enough to make it to the men's room.
Stress incontinence: Urine can leak with simple actions like sneezing, lifting heavy objects or even laughing.
Overflow incontinence: When the quantity of urine exceeds the capacity of the bladder to hold it.
Warning signs: Difficulty andunpredictability in passing urine, or leaking bladder.
What's the cure? Depends on the underlying cause. It is treated with pelvic muscle exercises, bladder
training, implants and catheterisation. It is important to consult a doctor.
The stats: While 2 out of 3 women suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 1 in 10 men suffer from the condition too.
Celebrity connect: David Hasselhoff of Baywatch fame (below) is said to have had a little urinary accident in his trousers at London's Heathrow Airport.



Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan developed severe migraine pain while shooting for My Name Is Khan (MNIK), and had to consult a neurosurgeon. The role of Rizwan Khan, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, required him to tilt his head forward and focus his vision in a particular direction, causing migraine and neck pain.

Migraine