Every November, Movember puts men's health in the spotlight, encouraging conversations that go far beyond growing a moustache. Dr Ali Thwaini, Consultant Urologist and Andrology Specialist at Bourn Hall Fertility Clinics in the UAE, highlights the importance of proactive healthcare, from prostate and testicular awareness to fertility assessments and personalised prevention.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men worldwide, making awareness and timely medical conversations particularly important.
According to Dr Thwaini, age, family history, ancestry and individual medical circumstances can influence prostate cancer risk. Rather than following a universal screening schedule, men should discuss their personal risk factors with a urologist to determine when screening may be appropriate.
Testicular health also deserves attention. Changes such as unusual lumps, swelling, persistent discomfort or differences in testicular size should prompt medical advice.
Recognising these warning signs is not about creating unnecessary anxiety. Instead, it encourages men to approach their health with the same attention they give to fitness, physical performance and overall wellbeing.
Male fertility is often overlooked in conversations about conception, despite male factors contributing to approximately half of infertility cases, either independently or alongside female factors.
Dr Thwaini encourages couples experiencing difficulties conceiving to undergo assessments together rather than focusing exclusively on the female partner.
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinics, male fertility evaluations may include medical history reviews, physical examinations and semen analysis to assess sperm concentration, movement and shape.
Depending on the findings, specialists may recommend hormonal testing, genetic investigations or medical imaging.
Importantly, fertility assessments can sometimes reveal underlying health conditions beyond reproductive concerns, making them a valuable part of a broader healthcare conversation.
Modern healthcare increasingly recognises that men with similar symptoms may have different medical needs and risk profiles.
Through its connection with Mediclinic Middle East, Bourn Hall provides access to specialist services spanning urology, reproductive medicine, oncology and genetics.
The group's Mediclinic Precise programme incorporates genetic information, family history, lifestyle and environmental factors to support more personalised approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Genetic investigations can also help specialists understand certain causes of male infertility, particularly in cases involving severely reduced or absent sperm production.
For Dr Thwaini, however, the most meaningful change begins before advanced testing: men must become more comfortable seeking medical advice.
Whether discussing prostate screening, investigating fertility concerns or noticing an unfamiliar physical change, taking action early can support better-informed healthcare decisions.
Ultimately, Movember serves as a reminder that looking after men's health should extend well beyond November. Prioritising preventive conversations and appropriate medical assessments can help men take greater control of their long-term wellbeing.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.