Faculty Collaboration Database

An Online Investigation Into Direct-to-Consumer Men's Health Clinics: The Who, What, and Where. Urology 2023 Apr;174:135-140

Date

02/04/2023

Pubmed ID

36736913

DOI

10.1016/j.urology.2023.01.026

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85149889483 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize direct-to-consumer (DTC) men's health clinics by reviewing their online content. Increasing numbers of patients are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism from DTC "men's health" clinics. Treatments are often used off-label, with lack of transparency of provider credentials and qualifications.

METHODS: We identified DTC Men's Health Clinics in the United States by internet search by state using the terms, "Men's Health Clinic," and "Low T Center." All stand-alone clinics were reviewed.

RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-three clinics were reviewed, with 147 (65.9%) offered ED treatments and 196 (87.9%) offering testosterone replacement, and 120 (53.8%) offering both ED treatment and testosterone replacement. Of those clinics offering ED treatments, 93 (63.3%) advertised shockwave therapy and 84 (57.1%) PRP therapy. There were 56 (38%) who offered shockwave therapy and PRP. ICI was significantly more likely to be offered if there was a urologist on staff (p <.001). Clinic providers represented 20 different medical and alternative medicine specialties. Internal medicine was most common (17.4%), followed by family medicine (11.1%). A nonphysician (nurse practitioner or physician assistant) was listed as the primary provider in 10 clinics (4.5%) and 45 clinics (20.1%) did not list their providers. Urologists were listed as the primary provider in 10.3% of clinics. A naturopathic provider was listed as a staff member in 22 (11.6%) of clinics.

CONCLUSION: There is significant heterogeneity and misinformation available to the public regarding men's health. Familiarity with and insight into practice patterns of "men's health" clinics will help provide informed patient care and counseling.

Author List

Dietrich PN, Doolittle J, Brink S, Hanna D, Fitzgerald J, Dadhich P, Sandlow JI, Kansal J, Bajic P

Author

Jay I. Sandlow MD Chair, Professor in the Urologic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Erectile Dysfunction
Humans
Hypogonadism
Male
Men's Health
Testosterone
United States