Men’s Health Care

Statistically, college men visit health centers less frequently than college women. College men are also more likely to binge drink, are at a greater risk for STDs, have a higher injury rate, are more likely to be hospitalized, and have higher rates of depression and suicide. However, most of men’s major health risks are preventable and treatable with early diagnosis.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Learn all about STDs—the symptoms, how they are spread and the treatments using this great resource: American Social Health Association's Facts & Answers About STDs

For testing, use the following resources:

• Student Health Center, University of Richmond
• MCV (Medical College of Virginia) (804) 828-2210
• City of Richmond Health Department (804) 646-6855
• County of Henrico Health Department (804) 652-3190,
• CDC HIV and STD Hotlines (800) 342-2437, (800) 227-8922, (800) 533-4148

Important Health Screenings and Examinations for Men

• Routine physician exam, including blood and urine tests: Annually age 18 and over or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Testicular exam: Monthly self-exams age 15 and over; professionally during physical exams or upon detection of lumps.
• STD screening: If sexually active, request during physical exams.
• Blood pressure check: Every one to two years after age 21, more often if BP is 140/90 or higher.
• Cholesterol test: Every five years or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Every three to five years over age 50 or over age 30 if at high risk for heart attacks.
• Rectal exam: annually over age 40.
• PSA blood test: Annually over age 50, or over age 40 if at high risk for prostate cancer.

Links of Interest

• How to do a testicular self-exam
• Pilonidal Cyst
• Melanoma Information
• Mens Health
• Men's Health Issues - The Merck Manual
• Skin Disease Finder
• Virginia Urology

Sexual Assault or Rape: No One is Immune

Rape is defined as sexual intercourse with a person against their will, by force, threat and/or intimidation. Any situation in which an individual does not provide consent for a sexual act is considered a sexual assault. It is an assertion of power over another; anyone can be a victim. Below are some commonly held mythical beliefs and the real facts.

Myth: It is impossible to sexually assault a man.
Fact: Men are often victims for the same reasons as women. They are overwhelmed by threats or acts of physical and emotional violence.

Myth: Persons who are drunk are willing to engage in any kind of sexual activity.
Fact: The fact that someone has been drinking does not imply consent. Alcohol and drugs can render a person incapable of consent. In Virginia, state law recognizes that when someone is drunk, she or he is unable to give consent. If you have sex with someone who is passed out or incapable of giving consent, it will be considered sexual assault.

Myth: The majority of rapes are committed by strangers.
Fact: Especially on college campuses, the majority of rapes and sexual assaults are committed in a “date” situation.

Myth: It wasn’t rape because the victim did not resist.
Fact: Rape survivors commonly report fearing for their lives and being immobilized by that fear.