Written by Dr. Sam Ward
In January 2026, I will participatein the UC Irvine Advanced International Men’s Health Course, a fully online program dedicated to men's health and sexual medicine.
This course brings together international experts in the fields of urology, andrology, and sexual medicine with a clear goal: to offer concrete, up-to-date, and directly applicable training in clinical practice.
On January 24, 2026, I will lead a practical session on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men. This is a topic that I encounter very often during consultations, but which is still surrounded by taboos, prejudices, and delays in diagnosis.
A session focused on real cases and often overlooked symptoms
In this session, I will propose a highly clinical and pragmatic approach based on situations we all encounter in practice. We will focus in particular on:
– specific cases that illustrate the diversity of STI presentations
– discrete or atypical symptoms that sometimes go unnoticed
– situations in which STIs are not the first diagnosis that comes to mind
– how sexually transmitted infections can be integrated into a general vision of sexual health
I want to emphasize what we can improve on a daily basis:
– asking the right questions more effectively
– examining and interpreting symptoms more effectively
– recognizing risk factors more effectively
– collaborating more effectively with other disciplines when necessary
Improving communication with patients
Sexually transmitted diseases are not just a matter of diagnosis and treatment. They are also a matter of communication. In this session, we will look at how to:
– approach STDs without prejudice, using clear and respectful language
– adapt our discourseto the age, context, and experiences of the patient
– talk concretely about partners, screening, and prevention
– reduceshame and guilt, which often delay consultation
My goal is to show that a few adjustments in the way we communicate can significantly change trustand improveadherence and follow-up.
An international course, available online
The UC Irvine Advanced International Men’s Health Course is:
– 100% online, so accessible anywhere
– focused on clinical practice, with a strong interactive dimension
– focused on men’s health and sexual medicine in a broad sense
By participating in this course, you will have the opportunity to:
–update your knowledge ofmen's health
– gain inspiration from colleagues from different healthcare systems
– askquestions and discuss complex clinical cases
Interested in men's health and STIs in clinical practice
If you work in urology, andrology, general medicine, sexual medicine, or public health, this training can help you:
– Better integrate STIs into your approach to men's health
– Strengthen your confidence in dealing with these sometimes sensitive situations
– Provide your patients with more comprehensive, humane, and informed care
🔗 You can register via the registration link: lastlink.us/registration/uci2026