Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the USANZ/ANZUNS Urology Conference in Perth. The event was a fantastic opportunity to gain fresh insights into clinical practices, particularly in areas that directly impact women’s health. The conference reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to health and provided valuable updates on topics like sexual dysfunction, menopause, and prostate cancer.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the conference that I believe are important for both women and men’s health:

1. Female Sexual Dysfunction

Over 43% of women aged 18 and older experience some form of sexual dysfunction. This condition was explored in depth, with a focus on evidence-based treatment options. Importantly, sexual dysfunction is considered a ‘couples’ disease’, meaning both partners should be involved when starting medical therapy.

2. Perimenopause and Menopause

Lifestyle changes were highlighted as a way to not only improve a woman’s ‘sexspan’ but also enhance her healthspan and lifespan, showing the holistic benefits of proactive health measures. Lots of positive talk on improving perimenopause and menopause treatment.

3. Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

This emerging treatment approach was a key topic of discussion, offering targeted options for managing localized prostate cancer. Watch this space.

4. Prostate Cancer Statistics

Prostate cancer remains the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, emphasising the ongoing need for advancements in treatment and early detection.

5. Erectile Function Recovery After Radical Treatment

The likelihood of recovery depends on factors, including:

• Preoperative erectile function and overall fitness.

• Surgical experience and technique.

• Penile Rehabilitation: This was highlighted as an essential part of post-treatment care to retain penile length, girth and regaining of erectile function. A clinical study of interest on this topic can be found here.

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The USANZ/ANZUNS Urology Conference underscored the importance of addressing sexual health and urology issues from a holistic perspective. Whether it’s improving the quality of life during perimenopause and menopause or supporting recovery after prostate cancer treatment, proactive health measures are key.

This conference reinforced that both partners in a relationship should be part of the conversation, whether it’s about sexual dysfunction or lifestyle changes. The insights gained will certainly be valuable in guiding clinical practice and improving patient care moving forward.

For further reading on the clinical study of penile rehabilitation, you can find more details here.