Men’s health in community pharmacy

This module focuses on lower urinary tract symptoms in men, possible causes and red flags for referral. It covers the use and interpretation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and key features of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and prostate cancer.

The clinical issues surrounding testosterone levels, symptoms of low testosterone and implications for treatment are considered, and effective ways of engaging men in community pharmacy settings are suggested. 

Key facts

• Pharmacists should be alert to overlapping urinary and sexual symptoms that may indicate prostate problems
• PSA testing can help to detect prostate abnormalities early but results must be interpreted carefully due to the risk of false positives, false negatives and overdiagnosis
• Treatment for BPH requires a tailored approach, with pharmacists playing a key role in patient education and safety monitoring
• Fluoroquinolones are effective for acute bacterial prostatitis but require careful monitoring due to serious risks like tendon damage and QT prolongation
• Testosterone deficiency should be assessed using symptoms and biochemical markers, with pharmacists supporting safe prescribing and monitoring in shared care
• Weight reduction, lifestyle modification and effective management of comorbidities can increase testosterone levels and reduce associated risks of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Contributing author: Jane Portlock, Professor of Interprofessional Postgraduate Education & Training, University of Reading