The question of whether men suffer illness worse than women has long been a source of hot debate.
Only last week, Canadian researchers published a study suggesting that so-called ‘man-flu’ does exist and men have a higher risk of hospital admissions and death after catching the virus.
However, the findings were dismissed by Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, who countered that evidence shows flu is not ‘sexist’.
But there’s no doubt that certain ailments such as baldness and hernias are more common in men. And there is an array of products to deal with them.
But do they work? Here, leading experts assessed a selection — we then rated them. Unless otherwise stated, products are available in High Street pharmacies or online.
SELFCheck prostate health test, £14.99
FOR PROSTATE PROBLEMS
SELFCheck prostate health test, £14.99
CLAIM: This is a simple, finger-prick blood test to detect the presence of a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA), which is produced in the prostate. Raised levels can be an early indicator of prostate cancer. It gives results — as lines on a screen a bit like a pregnancy test: two lines indicates your level is higher than normal — in ten minutes.
VERDICT: A normal PSA level is 4ng/ml of blood, says Professor Christopher Eden, a consultant urologist at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. ‘It is not clear what the threshold is for their test to give a “positive” result. Also a raised PSA level can point to a number of prostate issues, including prostate enlargement, infection, inflammation — not just cancer — and this test does not give this detailed information and so it may cause false alarms or reassurances,’ he says.
‘This also isn’t as accurate as a laboratory test, which is what happens when your GP does a PSA test, but it is better than not checking your PSA at all, particularly if you are aged 40 to 70 or have a family history of prostate cancer.’ Men over the age of 50 can ask to have a PSA test at their GP.
2/5
Regaine for men extra strength scalp solution, 60ml, £35.74
FOR HAIR LOSS
Regaine for men extra strength scalp solution, 60ml, £35.74
CLAIM: ‘Clinically proven’ to help hair regrow. It contains 5 per cent minoxidil, a drug shown in studies to help with hair loss. It works by boosting blood flow to the hair follicles and increasing follicle size. You apply 1ml to the affected area twice a day — results are ‘noticeable in eight weeks’.
VERDICT: About 40 per cent of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35 — the most common cause is male-pattern baldness, which is believed to be due to a combination of genetics and the male hormone dihydrotestosterone, says Iain Sallis, a consultant trichologist at The Hair Medic Clinic.
‘There’s a mountain of research behind the active ingredient — minoxidil — showing an influence on hair growth. It blocks the action of potassium in the hair follicle, which prevents testosterone from turning into the more potent dihydrotestosterone form that delays hair growth. It is one of my go-to products. Side-effects, though rare, can include itching, redness or irritation.
‘The effects are seen after six months — not eight weeks — but it is not a cure, so if you stop using it, the effects disappear.’
4/5
Urostemol Men capsules, 60 capsules, £9.99
FOR INCONTINENCE
Urostemol Men capsules, 60 capsules, £9.99
CLAIM: These contain pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto fruit, which have been used traditionally and are said to relieve weak and overactive bladders. Take one tablet three times a day.
VERDICT: Incontinence in men can be caused by urinary tract infections and an enlarged prostate, which can also block the natural flow of urine, says Professor Eden. ‘Pumpkin seeds have been shown to reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate in a well-conducted scientific trial of 1,431 men in 2015.
‘Also, saw palmetto is thought to have effects similar to the female hormone oestrogen, which shrinks the prostate and may reduce symptoms. However, no studies have yet proven this product can specifically treat incontinence. It would be reasonable to try it for a couple of weeks before seeing your GP.
3/5
Seven Potions beard shampoo woodland harmony, £17.97
FOR A CLEAN BEARD
Seven Potions beard shampoo woodland harmony, £17.97
CLAIM: This special shampoo is designed to clean facial hair. It contains essential oils to replace natural oils in skin and hair — use is said to eliminate dandruff, split ends and itch.
VERDICT: ‘Men should wash their beards daily so hair doesn’t become greasy and unpleasant, says Iain Sallis. ‘It can also gather food and waste, which may smell and harbour bacteria.
‘However, you can wash a beard in normal shampoo, you don’t need this product. It contains more essential oils than a normal shampoo but it is the other ingredients — detergents, foaming agents and glycerin — that are useful in cleaning hair and making it soft.’
2/5
Snowballs underpants, £44.31 ($59), snowballsunderwear.com
FOR INFERTILITY
Snowballs underpants, £44.31 ($59), snowballsunderwear.com
CLAIM: Includes two pairs of cotton briefs and three reuseable cooling gel packs. You cool the gel packs in your freezer and slip them inside the pocket at the front of the briefs. This is said to chill the testicles to enhance testosterone production and boost fertility. Each pack keeps cool for 30 minutes.
VERDICT: ‘We know tight underwear is a risk factor for poor sperm quality, possibly because it inadvertently heats up the testicles,’ says Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield.
‘The reason the testicles hang outside the body is to try to keep them cool. Therefore, the best advice to maximise sperm production is to wear loose underwear.
‘However, whether wearing boxers with cooling pads is of any additional benefit has never been tested. My concern would be if men have to be changing the cooling pads every 30 minutes, it’s going to be a full-time job.’
1/5
Below the Belt fresh & dry balls active, 75ml, £5.95
FOR HYGIENE
Below the Belt fresh & dry balls active, 75ml, £5.95
CLAIM: This gel dries to a powdery layer and keeps users ‘dry for up to eight hours’. It contains citrus fruits and black pepper for fragrance.
VERDICT: ‘It’s very important to keep the groin area dry since warm and damp conditions can be the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to flourish, which can lead to infections,’ explains Andrew Wright, professor of dermatology at the University of Bradford. ‘The fine powder may do this by absorbing moisture, but equally, loose boxer shorts will help too, by keeping the area well ventilated. But as the skin around the groin area is sensitive, it’s best to avoid fragranced products.’
2/5
FOR INGROWN HAIR
Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment, 90ml, £34.67
CLAIM: This gel contains glycolic, salicylic and phytic acids, which prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin and freeing trapped hair, says the manufacturer. Apply daily until skin is clear. Then use every other day to prevent recurrence.
VERDICT: Ingrown hairs are not exclusive to men but can look unattractive on their faces. They happen when the hair curls round and grows back into the skin, says Iain Sallis. ‘They sometimes occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells. This forces the hair to grow sideways, which is more likely if it is already curly, coarse or shaved — which is why men get them on their faces.
‘This product contains acids that can dissolve dead skin and free ingrown hairs. It’s a good option if you have constant, low-level in-growing hairs but is unlikely to be sufficient for severe cases.’
3/5
Canesten derma-tological spray, 40ml, £8.97
FOR ITCHING
Canesten derma-tological spray, 40ml, £8.97
CLAIM: Contains anti-fungal ingredient clotrimazole to treat and relieve symptoms of tinea cruris, a fungal infection in the groin more common in men. It is characterised by irritated skin and a burning sensation. Apply two to three times a day for at least two weeks.
VERDICT: This condition is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which also cause athlete’s foot, says Professor Wright. ‘Canesten is a broad spectrum anti-fungal and would be effective for anyone who had this infection,’ he says.
‘However, not all groin itch would respond as it can also be caused by bacteria. As a spray, it’s an excellent way to access hard-to-reach areas, so it is worth trying.’
4.5/5
Kegel8 V pelvic toner for men, £149.99, kegel8.co.uk
FOR INCONTINENCE
Kegel8 V pelvic toner for men, £149.99, kegel8.co.uk
CLAIM: This helps exercise men’s pelvic floor, the sling-like muscles that support the bladder and internal organs. It fires electrical impulses to make the muscles contract, either through a probe or skin pads. According to the manufacturer, the device has programmes that have been clinically proven to stop leaks and help men achieve a better erection.
VERDICT: ‘Strong pelvic floor muscles can help with incontinence and prolapse,’ says Professor Eden. ‘This device stimulates the pelvic floor muscles in a similar way to pelvic floor exercises, but it is better to learn how to do the exercises if you need to strengthen these muscles. The device could be useful for men who suffer leakages as that can occur after prostate surgery, but it is not necessary to exercise the male pelvic floor routinely. This has no effect on erections.’
3/5