The UK government has made a big step by announcing plans for a national men's health strategy that would address some of the most important health problems that men of all ages confront. The policy would include mental health, heart disease, prostate cancer, and suicide prevention—issues that have long been disregarded in the larger public health discourse, according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

A Men's Health Emergency

At a men's health summit organized by the Movember Foundation, Arsenal Football Club, and the Premier League, Streeting presented the plan. He emphasized the alarming fact that suicide is the top cause of mortality for men under 50, as well as the rising prevalence of mental illness. "We’re seeing mental ill health on the rise and the shocking fact that suicide is the biggest killer for men under the age of 50," Streeting said. "Preventable killers like heart disease and prostate cancer are being caught far too late."

In the UK, males often die over four years before women do, and they are disproportionately impacted by diseases including type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and heart disease. In addition, men are less likely than women to seek mental health treatment, which adds to the high suicide rates.

Streeting also recognized the social pressures men encounter, specifically the effect of social media on body image and self-esteem, which he said are problems that men and women experience in a comparable way.

Reducing the Health Disparity

The government is tackling gender-specific health inequities at the same time as the new approach. Streeting emphasized that women's health and men's health should not be seen as mutually exclusive. "Nothing frustrates me more than when men’s health and women’s health are somehow pitted in opposition to each other," he said. "By focusing on a men’s health strategy, we are not detracting from the important work that has been done on women’s health."

This revelation comes after the UK's women's health strategy was released in 2022, acknowledging that although women live longer than men, they also experience more health problems for a larger percentage of their lives.

Streeting aims to provide a method that tackles gendered health disparities without undervaluing women's health by concentrating on the unique health issues that men confront.

Strategy Development and Public Consultation

In the upcoming months, the government will issue a call for evidence, asking organizations to share their perspectives on what more can be done to enhance the health of males. Through the Change NHS website, men are also invited to express their ideas about how the NHS may be enhanced to better meet their needs.

Michelle Terry, CEO of the Movember Foundation, welcomed the government’s commitment, calling it "a significant step forward." She highlighted the potential long-term benefits of improving men’s health, saying that it could positively affect families, communities, and even the economy. "When we improve men’s health, we know that the benefits can ripple through families, communities, societies, and the economy," Terry said. "This will transform the lives of men but also their wives, mothers, sisters, partners, mates, neighbors, children, teachers, and doctors."

A Step Toward Preventative Care

Addressing avoidable illnesses like prostate cancer, for which there is currently no nationwide screening program in the UK, is a crucial component of the new approach. A PSA test is not commonly provided, despite the fact that males over 50 can request one. In an effort to detect prostate cancer early and save lives, the government is looking at the idea of implementing targeted screening for individuals who are more susceptible, such as men with a family history of the disease.

This tactic is a component of the government's larger goal to enhance healthcare results and close the gender gap in life expectancy. It is a component of a larger effort to address important public health concerns and guarantee that the health of both men and women receives the consideration they deserve.

If you are on social media, you may have come across posts telling you that sunscreens are actually toxic, or videos of influencers making ‘home-made natural’ sunscreen. These have caused many people to wonder whether they are actually putting themselves more at risk by using sunscreen. Social media is filled with misinformation and to put these rumors to rest, Ashani Weeraratna, chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, spoke about sunscreen and the myths around it, answering the nagging questions in people’s head.

Everyone, no matter their skin type, needs to be concerned about skin cancer. It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for a yearly check-up to have your skin checked. A medical expert from Johns Hopkins points out that skin cancer can even show up in places you might not expect, like on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or in your nail beds. This is especially true for people with darker skin, though anyone can get these types of cancers.

Is Sunscreen Toxic?

No, it's not. Despite what some people say online, there is no real proof that sunscreen is more dangerous than the sun’s UV rays. In fact, it’s much safer. If you are worried about the ingredients in chemical sunscreens, you can choose a mineral-based one that contains zinc oxide. Another option is to wear clothing with a special UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is designed to block the sun.

Common Sunscreen Questions Answered

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, it does. Just like food or medicine, sunscreen has a shelf life. It’s important to always check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure it will be effective.

Is SPF in makeup enough?

No. While some makeup products have SPF, they don't provide the same level of protection as a dedicated sunscreen. You should always use a separate sunscreen on its own to get the full benefits.

Are all sunscreens the same?

No, they are not. When you buy sunscreen, look for one that is "broad-spectrum." This means it protects your skin from both types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. You should also choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Does bug spray affect sunscreen?

Yes. If you use bug spray that contains an ingredient called DEET, it can make your sunscreen up to 33% less effective. So, if you're using both, make sure to put on more sunscreen more often to stay protected.

Should you reapply after swimming?

Yes. You should reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially after you've been in the water. Even if a product claims to be "water-resistant," water can still wash it away. Plus, water reflects sunlight, which actually increases your exposure to UV rays.

Are tanning beds safe?

No, they are not. Tanning beds are even more harmful than getting a natural tan from the sun. Think of it this way: a doctor once compared using a tanning bed to smoking cigarettes to prevent lung cancer—it just doesn't make sense and is a very bad idea for your health.

Becoming a parent is usually thought of as a natural part of life, yet for many couples, the process isn't that easy. You might have taken every test, monitored every cycle, and done every doctor's recommendation—only to be informed that everything is normal. And yet, conception still doesn't occur. This infuriating and most of the time perplexing experience has a name: unexplained infertility. In contrast to conditions in which the etiology is obvious, unexplained infertility puts couples hunting for answers in reproductive medicine's gray areas. Diagnosis is often both a blessing and a reversal—relief that nothing appears "wrong," but distress that no obvious solution exists.

For most couples, parenthood is a journey of anticipation, planning, and hope. But what is a couple to do when there are normal test results, no medical red flags found by doctors, and yet no pregnancy? This is the frustrating, emotionally draining experience of unexplained infertility—a condition which brings couples more questions than answers.

During an interview with Dr. R. Suchindra, Senior Consultant – Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru, he states, "Unexplained infertility is when a couple fulfills all the clinical criteria for natural conception—normal ovulation, normal sperm, patent fallopian tubes, and harmonious hormones—still does not conceive after more than one year of attempting to conceive under age 35, or six months above."

This paradox, too often underemphasized in the discussion of fertility, plagues couples around the globe and is becoming a growing public health issue. Infertility itself affects approximately 10–15% of married couples in India, yet as much as 30% of those cases qualify as unexplained. And although the term may sound final, doctors point out it is really more a matter of limitations in testing than an absolute lack of causes.

Why "Unexplained" Infertility Doesn't Mean "Hopeless"?

The phrase "unexplained infertility" may sound daunting, but it's worth recognizing that it doesn't equal a guarantee of impossibility. Rather, it denotes the realm of reproductive science as of today. Physicians claim that the condition is undeservedly named. What appears to be unexplained now can, in the course of time, turn out to be due to minute hormonal variations, egg or sperm quality problems, or even molecular immune responses that current testing cannot possibly measure.

Dr. Suchindra adds that medical technology is a large contributor: "The more sophisticated the diagnostic equipment, the fewer couples are in the unexplained category. Sometimes the cause is just concealed, not missing."

This is an important point because it reinterprets unexplained infertility as an obstacle to overcome—not an impossible one.

Hidden Causes Behind Unexplained Infertility

Though there is no one explanation, studies propose a cluster of underlying factors that could be responsible:

Latent Tuberculosis (Genital TB): Especially in South Asian nations, this latent infection can destroy the endometrium or fallopian tubes without overt symptoms.

Endometriosis and Muted Hormonal Disturbances: Disorders such as endometriosis, insulin resistance, or thyroid disease are not necessarily detected through regular checks but are able to interfere with ovulation and implantation.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Autoimmune Conditions: Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals, celiac disease, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases like lupus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) may interfere with reproductive processes.

Cervical Mucus and Immunological Factors: In certain instances, cervical mucus has antibodies that destroy sperm, a condition referred to as immunological infertility.

Egg and Sperm Quality: Counts of eggs and sperm motility can be measured, but quality is more difficult to quantify. Unhealthy eggs or undetectable sperm defects might be undetectable in routine reports but affect conception.

All of this serves to explain why unexplained infertility is still such a difficult diagnosis—because the causes are usually hidden beneath the surface.

The Emotional Burden of an Invisible Diagnosis

For couples, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is more than a medical diagnosis—it's a psychological odyssey. A lack of obvious explanation can be followed by cycles of self-blame, anxiety, and uncertainty. There is no one to draw a roadmap for treatment in this situation, as there might be for other conditions, and so patients can feel helpless.

Dr. Suchindra stresses, "This is usually the most difficult aspect for couples. With no cause found, they are left stuck. But here's what to understand: Many couples with unexplained infertility do end up conceiving naturally or with some assisted help."

Support, counseling, and honest communication with the healthcare providers become as crucial as treatments.

Approaches That Can Improve Chances of Conception

The lack of a definite cause doesn't imply there's no hope. Indeed, a combination of lifestyle changes, medical surveillance, and new reproductive technologies usually enhances the chances considerably.

1. The Importance of Time and Patience

On occasion, physicians will suggest a "watchful waiting" plan. Couples who are less than 35 years old can be told to keep trying naturally for several more months and monitor ovulation carefully. Research indicates that spontaneous conception is possible in a high percentage of situations once tension is minimized and timing is refined.

2. Lifestyle Changes That Enhance Fertility

Having a healthy weight, consuming a healthy diet, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol, reducing caffeine intake, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or mindfulness can provide a conducive environment for conception. While these measures don't "treat" infertility, they improve overall reproductive health.

3. Medical Treatments and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

When waiting and lifestyle modifications are not sufficient, physicians might prescribe treatments like:

Ovulation stimulation with medication to control or enhance egg release.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), wherein thawed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus when timed properly.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which circumvents most natural obstacles by fertilizing eggs externally and transferring embryos.

All of them have varying success rates based on the couple's age, health, and duration of trying.

Reproductive medicine is developing fast. Genetic testing, artificial intelligence for embryo choice, and better understanding of immunological and metabolic causes of infertility will soon render the "unexplained" status much less frequent.

"Each year we find new layers of how the body prepares for pregnancy," Dr. Suchindra explains. "Our challenge as clinicians is to bridge that gap between what we know and what remains unknown, so couples can find clarity and hope."

Unexplained infertility can be a disquieting diagnosis, but it is not an impasse. Many couples still conceive naturally after a few months of waiting, while others succeed by adjusting their lifestyle and by using ART. What this process requires most is resilience, honest communication with the medical team, and the knowledge that reproductive science is continuously evolving.

As Dr. Suchindra stresses, "The lack of an answer today does not equate to the lack of a solution tomorrow." To couples on this journey, that message can convert doubt into potential.

‘Birds of a feather stick together’ is often used to define people who share similar traits. It is human nature to find comfort with someone who is more similar to you in certain ways like your preference of socializing, shared hobbies as well as temperaments. Having a partner who gels with you because you both are similar can be a blessing, however could it also be a set back? You may have also heard ‘we attract people who are similar to us’ however, did you know this could also apply to what mental health conditions you may suffer with?

A massive study published in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, looked at the health records of over 14.8 million people and found a clear trend: people with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to marry someone who also has a similar condition. This isn't just a recent trend; it's a pattern that has been growing for decades and is seen in different cultures, from Taiwan to Nordic countries.

Do We Attract People Similar To Ourselves?

The study, which analyzed the health records of over 14.8 million people in Taiwan, Denmark, and Sweden, found that people with a mental health diagnosis are much more likely to marry someone with a similar condition. The pattern has become more common over the last several decades. The researchers have a few ideas why this happens:

Shared Understanding

It's possible that people who have gone through similar mental health challenges feel a special connection. They might feel more understood and accepted by a partner who knows firsthand what they're dealing with. This shared experience can build a strong bond.

Growing More Alike

Sometimes, partners in a long-term relationship start to become more similar over time. Because they live together and face similar challenges, their behaviors and experiences can begin to match up, a process researchers call "convergence."

Social Stigma

Unfortunately, there's still a lot of social judgment around mental illness. This can make dating and finding a partner more difficult. This reality might lead people with mental health conditions to have a smaller group of potential partners, making it more likely they'll end up with someone who also has a similar background.

Do Our Mental Health Conditions Affect Our Families?

This study also uncovered some important findings about how this trend can affect families and overall health.

Passing on Conditions

When both parents have the same mental health disorder, their children are twice as likely to develop the condition themselves. This risk is highest for conditions that are known to have a strong genetic link, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Physical Health Risks

Mental health issues don't just affect the mind; they can also impact the body. For example, people with depression are at a 40% higher risk of developing heart and metabolic diseases.

Strained Relationships

Previous studies have already shown that marriages where one partner has a mental health condition have a higher chance of divorce. These new findings add to that by showing that the marriage itself is often formed between two people who are already facing similar mental health challenges.