Embarrassing Bodies

Episode 4: Men

May 1, 2008 • 30 min

Having waged war on the Vagina yesterday, the EI Docs turn their attention to the GP surgery’s most elusive creature – the ‘MAN’. From baldness to man boobs, and troublesome testicles to problem penises, the Docs are hitting the streets of Gloucester, searching for men who are in desperate need of a health MOT… In the climax to our week of specials, the Embarrassing Bodies clinic sets up camp at Gloucester Rugby Club. And it’s not long before they’ve got their first eye-watering case: a man whose manhood has been mangled by a piercing. Fortunately, Dr Harper is on hand to give some advice on how to keep it clean, before she heads out to a local pub to quiz the locals on how much they know about their health – with predictably poor results… Back at the club, the next patient who appears is suffering from the classic symptoms of an enlarged prostate. With 1 in 4 men over the age of 60 suffering in this way, Dr Jessen heads out to talk to pathologist Dr Jarmulowicz about how it affects men, and why so few know about it. This is all brought into sharp focus by 53-year-old Barry, who was struck down by Prostate Cancer 3 years ago. With his symptoms worsening, Barry comes along to the clinic to see Dr Jessen about the options open to him, including surgical removal, which carries with it the risks of incontinence and impotence. Most men would like to laugh off their illnesses, but the Docs have discovered that going bald can be no laughing matter. They’ve brought four balding blokes together to test out the latest hair loss products, including light technology; natural trichology, minoxydil lotion and even a full 6-hour hair transplant operation! Dr Jessen also gets to grips with a case of gynecomastia (man-boobs to most of us), when we catch up with 33-year-old Abdul from Tuesday’s programme, who’s looking to put 17 years of discomfort behind him. After a two hour operation (and the removal of three pints of fat!) Abdul’s very happy to show off his manly new chest. With surgery nearly over, Christopher drops in with a problem penis. The Docs decide that a chemically induced erection is the only way to find out if the problem will require a circumcision… As last orders are called at the Embarrassing Bodies bar, there’s a final patient to be seen. John’s acne had given his confidence a massive knock – but with the aid of dermatologist Dr Chopra, John was able to avoid plastic surgery and get on the road to recovery. And don’t forget – you can watch our self-check guide to how to check your testicles by clicking here, or you can get the guide on your mobile phone by texting BALLS to 84444…