Movember for Men ‘s health

As we close out the month of November, now recognized worldwide as Movember, dedicated to men’s health, I found myself reflecting on a recent encounter that shook me more than I expected. It reminded me just how deeply society has conditioned men to equate strength with silence, endurance with masculinity, and suffering with pride. So I realized we urgently need to have a conversation.

November is a month dedicated to raising awareness of men's physical, mental, and emotional health. Yet despite this global emphasis, many men continue to carry unspoken burdens shaped by cultural expectations. Our society holds on to certain “principles” that quietly dictate what a man should be: strong, silent, and able to tolerate pain without seeking help.

Another damaging belief is tied to sexuality, the idea that a man’s worth is measured by sexual performance, and that any medical condition affecting this aspect of life somehow diminishes his masculinity. These narratives influence how men respond to illness, treatment, and even life-saving medical interventions.

Recently, in practice, I encountered a patient who made this painfully clear. He had a clinical condition requiring catheterization, but he refused firmly and emotionally. He said, word for word: “mukandiisa tube yeweti handisisiri murume,” meaning “if you insert that catheter, I am no longer a man.”

Dr. G. Dzimiri

Despite explaining the medical necessity and the dangers of refusing treatment, the fear of “losing his manhood” overshadowed the need to protect his health. His response reflects the very problem we are fighting during Movember: the harmful stereotypes that stop men from seeking timely care.

Catheter

One of the conditions that may require catheterization is bladder outlet obstruction. Today, let’s talk briefly about one of the most common causes of such obstruction in men: prostate enlargement, as that occurs in prostate cancer. Which is what we are discussing today.

The prostate sits just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra (the tube through which urine flows). When the prostate enlarges, whether benignly as in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or malignantly as in prostate cancer, it can compress the urethra, blocking urine flow and sometimes resulting in complete urinary retention. In such cases, catheterization may be necessary to relieve pressure and prevent complications.

Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

Men may experience what are known as lower urinary tract symptoms, including:

• Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy)

• A weak or reduced urinary stream

• Dribbling after urination

• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Overflow incontinence

• Blood in the urine (in some cases)

In more advanced cases of prostate cancer, symptoms may also include:

• Unintentional weight loss

• Decreased appetite

• Persistent back pain

• Bone pain

• Fatigue

These symptoms should never be ignored or dismissed as “normal ageing.”

The relationship of the prostate to the bladder is such that any overgrowth of the prostate can obstruct urinary flow and result in urinary retention. The overgrowth can be benign, which results in Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which in simple terms is non-cancerous, or it can be malignant, which results in Prostate cancer. Some signs and symptoms include lower urinary tract symptoms such as hesitancy, a poor stream, post-voiding dribbling, and overflow incontinence. There may be blood in the urine in some cases. Other symptoms may include unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, and backache, depending on the stage of the disease.

So what do we do?

The solution remains simple and consistent:

Early detection saves lives.

Men, especially those over age 45, should prioritize:

• Annual Digital Rectal Examinations (DRE)

• PSA blood tests (Prostate-Specific Antigen levels)

• Ultrasound scans to evaluate prostate size and detect abnormalities

These screenings are not a threat to your masculinity; they are a sign of strength and a safeguard for your future.

It is time we challenge and redefine what strength truly means. Strength is not suffering in silence. It is not refusing treatment that could save your life. Real strength is choosing to stay alive.

Real strength is taking responsibility for your health.

Real strength is understanding that your body deserves care and attention.

As we close Movember, consider talking openly with your family or doctor about your health. Taking that first step can be a powerful act of strength and responsibility.