Survey reveals 30% of men interviewed are worried about how they look and perform in the bedroom

Survey reveals 30% of men interviewed are worried about how they look and perform in the bedroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 September 2024

When it comes to urology concerns, a new survey about men’s urology health commissioned by The Urology Foundation reveals that 30% of men interviewed were either worried about how they look and / or perform in the bedroom.

1 in 5 admitted that erectile dysfunction/impotence was one of the things they worried most about in terms of their urology health while 1 in 10 worried about changes to the look and function of their penis, testicles and prostate. Almost half of men (47%) also revealed one of their biggest urology health concerns was cancer. It’s long been known that men often feel pressure to perform and The Urology Foundation’s latest data reveals that this remains a key concern for many men interviewed.

Despite this, the survey of 2,000 men in the UK also found that whilst body image and sexual performance were key concerns, many men remain reluctant to speak to healthcare professionals about their urology health and many men (52% of 18-24 year olds) feel ‘less of a man’ for doing so.

Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of The Urology Foundation stated: “It’s so important that men reach out to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t seem right ‘below the belt’. Men need to be health aware, understand their urology health and be on the lookout for any changes. It’s so important that men talk openly about their urology health. Understanding their own risks and knowing what to look for in terms of signs and symptoms can empower men to reach out to a healthcare professional when they have any concerns. This Urology Awareness Month we’re encouraging all men to speak out about their urology health.”

Key findings from the survey, which was conducted by One Poll, include:

• Over half of men interviewed aged 25-34 were most concerned about either erectile dysfunction and/or changes to the look and function of their reproductive organs and prostate (52%).
• Londoners were the most likely to be concerned about either erectile dysfunction or changes to the look and function of their reproductive organs and prostate (44%).
• Nearly half of men said that one of their biggest urology health concerns was cancer (47%), whilst more than 37% of those interviewed were concerned about bladder health (incontinence and/or catheter use).
• Of those men who were hesitant about talking to healthcare professional about their prostate, penis or testicles, just under two thirds (65%) would let this put them off booking an appointment to see them.
• More than half of 18-24 year olds (52%) agreed that they would feel ‘less of a man’ if they spoke to a healthcare professional about their prostate, penis or testicles and any symptoms associated with them. This compares to only 5% of men over 65 years who agreed with the statement.
• Men in London and Northern Ireland were most likely to agree that they would feel ‘less of a man’ if they spoke to a healthcare professional about their prostate, penis or testicles and any symptoms associated with them, with over 1 in 4 men in each area agreeing (27%).
• Men in Yorkshire and the Humber were least likely to feel ‘less of a man’ if they spoke to a healthcare professional about their prostate, penis or testicles and any symptoms associated with them with just 6% agreeing.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Laura Thorne (lthorne@theurologyfoundation.org / 07725031880)

Notes for Editors.

About The Urology Foundation

As the UK’s only charity representing all urology diseases including prostate, bladder kidney, penile and testicular cancers and non-malignant conditions such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, our vision is for everyone to benefit from excellent urology health. We are revolutionising urology care for the benefit of those living with a urology condition and their families. We do this in three ways:

• We are investing in cutting edge research and funding more research into urology conditions and cancers.
• We are advancing urology skills through providing and supporting education and training programmes for all urology healthcare professionals.
• We are achieving impact through raising awareness, improving understanding, providing patient information and driving change through policy and campaigns.

The Urology Foundation can offer journalists:

• Expert views and opinions
• Urology health information
• Interviews and photo opportunities
• Case studies
• Campaign information

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theurologyfoundation.org