Latest news with #menHealth
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acesis Biomed Secures Patents Advancing Testosterone-Inducing Drug Development
Company milestone aligns with June's Men's Health Month and ongoing capital raising initiative Centennial, Colorado, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acesis Holdings Corporation ('Acesis Biomed'), a pre-clinical stage biomedical company pioneering oral treatments for metabolic and endocrine disorders linked to low testosterone, today announced a meaningful expansion of its intellectual property portfolio with the granting of two patents supporting the development of its novel treatment for low testosterone. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 12324839, effective June 10, 2025, with a notable 380-day term extension. Additionally, Chinese Patent No. ZL2019800872788 was granted on June 6, 2025, strengthening Acesis's global presence and international protection for its novel drug candidates. The milestone coincides with Men's Health Month, underscoring the company's focus on advancing solutions for hormone-related health conditions. Testosterone deficiency, or low T, affects millions of men globally and is increasingly recognized not only for its impact on energy and libido, but also for its role in serious chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and diminished quality of life. Despite its prevalence, current treatments often rely on hormone replacement therapies, which may not be suitable for all patients and can carry risks such as infertility. Acesis Biomed is developing a potentially first-in-class platform of oral, mechanism-based treatment designed to stimulate the body's own production of natural testosterone. This approach is designed to address a critical unmet need by potentially offering an alternative to traditional therapies. 'This patent milestone highlights our continued progress and commitment to scientific innovation and strengthens the value of our emerging therapeutic pipeline,' said Costas Karatzas, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of Acesis Biomed. 'Testosterone deficiency remains widely underdiagnosed and an undertreated condition in men. Furthermore, this achievement, especially during Men's Health Month, reaffirms our mission to provide safe, effective novel treatments that improve health outcomes for men worldwide with low T.' With a growing awareness of the risks associated with untreated low T, Acesis Biomed offers both patients and investors a compelling opportunity at the forefront of men's health innovation. Acesis is currently raising capital through a Regulation CF Crowdfunding (RegCF) campaign to support the advancement of its proprietary oral drug candidates. For more details and to join the campaign, visit: About Acesis Biomed Acesis Holdings Corporation ('Acesis Biomed' or the 'Company') is a pre-clinical biomedical company developing a pipeline of oral drug candidates targeting metabolic and endocrine disorders associated with testosterone deficiency (low T). With an initial focus on male hypogonadism, Acesis is committed to improving outcomes across multiple co-morbidities of low-T, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Find out more at Costas N. Karatzas, Ph.D. information(at) in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Erectile Dysfunction Is Rising, And It's More Than Just Blood Flow
Extra strong pills for sale at an adult sex shop in Soho, central London, United Kingdom. Photo by ... More Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer merely a symptom of aging but a physiologic and psychological signal that something more profound in the system is out of sync. And clinicians are sounding the alarm: ED is one of the earliest warning signs of cardiometabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance and emotional strain. More than half of men over 40 will experience some degree of ED, and younger men are increasingly reporting symptoms, too. Yet silence persists. Industry surveys show that only about half of men experiencing ED speak to a doctor, and even fewer discuss it with their partners. Despite its prevalence, however, stigma and misinformation continue to prevent early intervention. Medical experts across disciplines now treat ED not as a standalone urological issue but as a red flag for a broader health dysfunction. The condition is progressively linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hormone imbalances and chronic stress. But as public awareness grows, more men are being encouraged to shift their view of ED from a source of taboo to a clinical signpost pointing toward deeper recalibration. At its core, ED reflects impaired blood flow, a vascular issue often rooted in endothelial dysfunction. Erections rely on the bioavailability of nitric oxide and the ability of blood vessels to dilate efficiently. When that vascular responsiveness is compromised, often by conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, smoking or chronic inflammation, erectile function suffers. Recent studies confirm what clinicians have long suspected: ED frequently precedes overt cardiovascular disease by several years. It can function as a quiet biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation, a literal early warning from the circulatory system. Testosterone levels also play a pivotal role. Low testosterone can disrupt libido, increase abdominal fat, dampen nitric oxide production and impact mood, all of which contribute to diminished erectile function. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies and sedentary lifestyles exacerbate the body's ability to maintain healthy vascular tone, sexual response and beyond. The emotional and neurological dimensions of ED are equally paramount to understanding its complex, often multifaceted root cause entirely. Chronic psychological stress activates the body's stress-response system, elevating cortisol levels that interfere with testosterone production and dampen sexual desire. In parallel, persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system blunts the parasympathetic response required for arousal. Research now links high perceived stress and lack of sleep with significantly higher rates of psychogenic ED, particularly in men under 40. Still, cognitive and behavioral interventions have been shown to improve erectile outcomes by reducing performance anxiety and promoting nervous system balance. Meanwhile, digital behaviors, particularly habitual pornography consumption, can also be a source of impact on arousal pathways. Regular solo porn use may desensitize dopamine receptors and condition the brain toward artificial stimulation, which can dull responsiveness in real-life intimacy. For some men, this contributes to delayed arousal, a disconnect in partnered sex and increasing sexual dissatisfaction. Pharmacological factors add another layer. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are known to contribute to sexual side effects in a large percentage of users, including reduced libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. Navigating these effects often requires an integrative approach, blending psychosexual therapy, medication review and lifestyle interventions. While PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil remain first-line interventions, today's most effective ED treatment protocols go far more in-depth. Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity. Structured lifestyle changes are among the most impactful. Mediterranean-style nutrition, weight loss, improved glycemic control and physical activity have been shown to restore erectile function in the majority of men with mild to moderate ED. These interventions not only enhance sexual health but also reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mental clarity. Pelvic floor physical therapy is also acquiring clinical relevance, especially for men with postural imbalances, chronic pelvic tension or post-surgical complications. Strengthening pelvic musculature directly supports erection maintenance and ejaculatory control. In cases of clinically low testosterone, hormone replacement therapy may be introduced with careful monitoring for potential risks. When used appropriately, testosterone therapy can improve energy, mood, libido and sexual function. Moreover, some functional medicine protocols also include micronutrient optimization, mitochondrial support (CoQ10 and NAD+ precursors) and targeted vascular support via L-citrulline, beetroot extract or nitric oxide boosters. These therapies strive to restore endothelial function from the inside out. The long-term risks associated with untreated ED are substantial. The condition is strongly related to early-stage diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease, among others. In fact, ED often surfaces years before more serious cardiac events, offering an opportunity for early intervention that could extend both the quality and duration of life. Sleep disorders are particularly relevant. Obstructive sleep apnea, common in men with ED, contributes to intermittent hypoxia, which impairs endothelial health and suppresses testosterone. Men who address their sleep disorders often see similar improvements in sexual function and energy levels alike. Beyond the physical implications, ED also impacts relational and emotional well-being. The shame and mysteriousness surrounding the condition often lead to isolation, decreased self-esteem and avoidance of intimacy. By normalizing the conversation, clinicians and partners can help men move from denial to diagnosis and from symptom management to systemic healing. ED is no longer a mysterious or isolated condition. It is a window into the body's overall health, often the first manifestation that metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal or emotional systems are under strain. Hence, treating ED means going far beyond the prescription pad to investigate upstream imbalances, restore physiological integrity and support the nervous system from within. Because when men listen and react, they gain agency, insight, and, frequently, a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The state of men's health in Canada is a crisis we can no longer ignore
Mark Holland is Canada's former minister of health, the former leader of the government in the House of Commons, the former chief government whip and the former executive director of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Ontario Mission. The trend in men's health is moving in the wrong direction, and the cost is staggering. It's not just the lives of the people we love that are at risk; it's also draining our economy and overwhelming our health care system. The conditions and outcomes driving this crisis are largely preventable, yet we continue to treat the symptoms rather than confront the root causes. We cannot build enough hospitals or hire enough doctors and nurses to keep pace with the rising tide of chronic illness and mental health issues. Our most powerful tool is prevention, and too often it is our least considered one. Nowhere is this more evident – or alarming – than when it comes to the health of Canadian men. A new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health reveals that more than two in five Canadian men will die prematurely – before the age of 75 – from largely preventable causes. While a portion of these deaths are attributable to conditions like cancer and heart disease, there is a growing, disconcerting trend in Canada that chronic illness isn't the only battle men are facing with their health. Between January and June of 2024 alone, men accounted for 72 per cent of deaths caused by accidental opioid toxicity, and 64 per cent of opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada. Suicide remains the fourth-leading cause of death among men and occurs at three times the rate seen in women. This crisis isn't only about biology; it's deeply cultural. Sixty-one per cent of men report feeling pressure to 'tough it out' or hide their pain. Harmful social norms continue to equate masculinity with stoicism – defining strength as the ability to silently endure, to shoulder hurt invisibly, or to numb pain altogether. International clinical trial shows exercise improves survival for colon cancer patients This resonates personally. In the lead-up to the 2011 federal election and the aftermath of losing my seat, I wanted to appear strong. I feared that speaking about the mental-health challenges I was experiencing would make me appear weak or frail. I wanted my family, friends and especially potential employers to see me as strong, so I suffered alone. I didn't seek help, and it almost cost me my life. Outdated ideas of strength are not making us more resilient – they're fuelling a health crisis. If we want to stop unnecessarily losing the men we love, we need a cultural shift. That means reframing how we talk about men's health and how we design our health policies. In 1999, Canada introduced a national women's health strategy, which served as a catalyst for advancements in women's health. While there is still more work to do, the strategy helped align health system stakeholders and signalled the importance of gender-responsive care. Canada would similarly benefit from the development of a national men's health strategy – one that prioritizes improving mental-health literacy, equips health care workers to better engage men, advances targeted research and scales gender-informed programs through a Canada-wide Men's Health Centre. Together, these efforts would help the health care system listen more closely to men, support them without judgment and address the unique barriers they face. These are clear, actionable steps that would lead to measurable improvements. Other countries have demonstrated what is possible. Ireland launched the world's first National Men's Health Strategy in 2008. Since then, Irish men's life expectancy has increased by nearly three years – from 76.8 in 2008 to 79.6 in 2022 – and male suicide rates have declined. These outcomes weren't driven by breakthrough technologies, but by targeted strategies focused on prevention, outreach and cultural change. If you give a dad a pickleball: Why what men need most this Father's Day is a connection to other dads At the core of a national strategy is the imperative to invest in prevention. Our health care system is under strain. If we continue to respond only to illness instead of preventing it, we will remain trapped in a cycle we cannot afford. In 2024, Canada spent an estimated $12.4-billion treating avoidable cases of just five major health issues disproportionately affecting men: coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and suicide. The only sustainable path is upstream – stopping illness before it begins. The solutions to save countless lives and billions of dollars are within our grasp. There's no ribbon to cut or monument to point to. It will take time, and it will initially be invisible. But we know what works. We can create a future with fewer preventable deaths, lower health care costs and vastly increased productivity. Canada has the knowledge, tools and capacity to lead this transformation. What we need now is the public will to act. We must start a national conversation – one that places prevention at the foundation of our health care system and reimagines what it means to care for men's health.
Health Line
06-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Causes Penile Swelling, and How Can I Treat It?
Some causes of a swollen penis include balanitis, contact dermatitis, urethritis, and priapism. Treatment may include home remedies, topical ointments, medications, and surgery. Penile swelling is usually a symptom of a health condition rather than a condition itself. It may show up with other symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. If you have penile swelling, your penis may also look discolored and the area might feel sore or itchy. The swelling can occur with or without unusual discharge, foul odor, or bumps. These symptoms can make it difficult to urinate or have sexual intercourse. In rare cases, a swollen penis may be a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Read on to learn the common causes of penile swelling and what to do to treat it. You'll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of 'male' and 'female' or 'men' and 'women.' While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings. Balanitis Balanitis is a common cause of penile swelling. It occurs when the glans (head) penis is inflamed. About 3% to 11% of people with a penis will experience balanitis in their lifetime, and it's more common in uncircumcised penises. Balanitis usually results from improper penile hygiene, which causes an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that naturally occurs on the body. The second most common cause is due to the bacteria Streptococcus. Recurring balanitis is associated with unmanaged diabetes and immunodeficiency. Common symptoms of balanitis may include: skin discoloration shiny, thick skin itching foul odor painful urination sores swollen lymph nodes in the groin smegma (thick white discharge under the foreskin) While the condition isn't a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the microorganisms that cause it can be physically transferred. Treatment Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but may include topical medications or oral antibiotics. Regularly cleaning the penis area with warm water and a gentle soap is important to help prevent fungal or bacterial growth. Allergic or irritant reaction Contact dermatitis involves an allergic or nonallergic reaction to an irritant, which may cause penile swelling. Some common irritants of penile contact dermatitis may include: latex condoms silicone-based lubricants spermicides chemicals in soaps or lotions chlorine certain clothing fabrics In addition to swelling, symptoms of contact dermatitis may include: skin discoloration itching dryness bumps blisters burning Treatment The best treatment for penile contact dermatitis is to avoid the irritant or allergen altogether. As such, you might consider: wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear using fragrance-free soaps and detergents wearing latex-free condoms during sexual activities A healthcare professional can help you identify possible irritants and allergens. Urethritis Inflammation of the urethra, known as urethritis, may cause swelling of the penile urinary meatus (external urinary opening), but not the entire penis. The urethra carries urine from your bladder to your penis. In the United States, urethritis affects 4 million people every year. Urethritis is typically the result of an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcal urethritis), but nongonococcal bacteria can also cause it. Less common causes include irritating chemicals or injury from a urinary catheter. Other symptoms of urethritis may include: pain or burning during urination irritated glans penis whitish-yellow penile discharge Treatment Urethritis is usually treated with a course of antibiotics. Symptoms usually go away after 1 to 2 weeks. Peyronie's disease Peyronie's disease happens when plaque builds up in the corpora spongiosa of the penis, below the skin. Blood can't fill the areas where the plaque is located so the penis bends at that point during an erection. Experts estimate that 4 in 100 males between 40 and 70 years old have Peyronie's disease. In rare cases, younger people may be affected. Most Peyronie's is first noticed as a bend or curvature with no other symptoms. Over time, the swelling may turn into a hard scar. Other symptoms of Peyronie's disease may include: inflammation with swelling painful erections soft erections lumps painful sexual intercourse erectile dysfunction The cause of Peyronie's disease isn't clear. However, it's associated with: penis injury autoimmune disease connective tissue disorder aging Treatment Treatment for Peyronie's disease will depend on the severity of the condition. A doctor may prescribe drugs to be administered orally or by injection. In more severe cases, you may need surgery to help shorten or lengthen a side of the penis, or to have a prostethic device implace. »More on this: How is Peyronie's disease treated? Posthitis If only your foreskin is swollen, you might have posthitis. This is inflammation of the foreskin. An overgrowth of fungus often causes it. Posthitis often develops with balanitis, a condition known as balanoposthitis. Foreskin symptoms may include: soreness discoloration tightness smegma buildup Treatment Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include oral or topical medications and maintaining proper penile hygiene. Balanoposthitis Typically, balanitis and posthitis occur together, a condition known as balanoposthitis. It's inflammation of both the glans and foreskin. Compared to balanitis, balanoposthitis is less common and only affects uncircumcised penises. It affects up to 1 in 5 people with an uncircumcised penis. Balanoposthitis may cause penile swelling along with: discoloration pain smelly discharge itching Treatment Treatment for balanoposthitis may include a combination of: maintaining proper penile hygiene avoiding possible irritants and allergens taking oral medications or applying topical creams Paraphimosis Paraphimosis is another cause of penile swelling that only affects people with an uncircumcised penis. It happens when the foreskin is stuck just behind the glans, causing constriction. This may be a medical emergency. If the foreskin can't be pulled back, it can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death in the glans. Additional symptoms of paraphimosis may include: pain discomfort discoloration tenderness difficulty urinating Paraphimosis may result from: forgetting to pull the foreskin back down infection injury incorrect circumcision diabetes-related inflammation Paraphimosis affects about 1 in 100 people over 16 years old who aren't circumcised. Treatment Treatment for paraphimosis will depend on the severity of the condition. A doctor may use compression techniques like ice, elastic bands, aspiration, or surgery to relieve tension. Penile cancer Penile swelling might indicate penile cancer, but this is extremely rare. In North America and Europe, fewer than 1 in 100,000 men are diagnosed with penile cancer. Typically, skin changes are the first sign of penile cancer. Other symptoms may include: skin thickening discoloration lump or ulcer flat, blue-brown bumps foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin bleeding under the foreskin You're more likely to develop penile cancer if you: are age 60 years or older have difficulty managing personal hygiene have phimosis use tobacco products have human papillomavirus (HPV) Treatment Treatment for penile cancer will depend on the stage and severity of your cancer. It may include: medications, such as chemotherapy radiation therapy surgery Home remedies for a swollen penis If you have minor penile swelling, home remedies might provide relief. These include: soaking in a warm bath applying gentle pressure to your penis applying a cold compress to your penis It's also best to avoid harsh soaps, lotions, and other potentially irritating substances. When to see a doctor If you have penile swelling that worsens, doesn't go away, or occurs after injury, connect with a doctor. A doctor may perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. They may also request other tests, depending on your symptoms, including: swab test urine test blood tests imagining tests, such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI biopsy This could help them determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. In some cases, a doctor might refer you to a urologist. The bottom line Penile swelling is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause, you might also have skin discoloration, itchiness, unusual discharge, or bumps. There are many causes of penile swelling, so see a doctor if it gets worse or doesn't go away. Many conditions can be diagnosed with a basic physical exam.
