A MEN’S health talk aiming to remove the embarrassment associated with talking about erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer is taking place at Great Western Hospital tonight.

The free lecture, called Prostates, Bladders and Willies, will start at 6.30pm and covers early symptoms of prostate cancer as well as providing advice about treating erectile dysfunction.

Rupert Beck, consultant urologist, is hosting the event and encouraging as many people as possible to attend to get a better understanding of the conditions.

He said: “There is a lot of uncertainty out there about prostate cancer and I will be talking about the advancements being made in screening and treatments for it. In general the evening will be focusing on men’s health and reducing the stigma associated with talking about the problems that they’re experiencing.

“The event wants to raise awareness of the conditions and take away any embarrassment associated with talking about them. There has been a lot of publicity about prostate cancer in recent years and I do think men are becoming more open about talking about it. As they are to some degree with talking about erectile dysfunction.

“We are trying to emphasise that this is a medical condition rather than it being psychological.”

During the talk, there will be a question and answer session for visitors to raise any concerns to Rupert.

He said: “There has been a lot of publicity in the press over the last few years about prostate and bladder issues, especially cancer. This talk will cover what people should be looking out for and the types of tests we do here at GWH to see what, if anything, is wrong in these areas.

“I would encourage anyone who has any questions or concerns about either their or their partner’s bladder, prostate or willy to come along.

“It will be everything you need to know about the bits you never talk about.”

About one in ten men will develop some form of prostate cancer with a quarter of these cases leading to a serious condition.

Simon Denning, the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s governance and membership officer, said: “Our trust is full of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are experts on specific health conditions.

“The aim of our health talks is to share this wealth of knowledge so local people can learn more about various conditions and how to manage them.”