A review of the evolving landscape between the consumer Internet and men’s health

Abstract

Internet adoption continues to increase as broadband access and mobile connectivity penetrate developing global markets. Alongside increasing adoption, the Internet continues to evolve and usher in new modes of user interaction. Social media and search engines have facilitated the emergence of the participatory web, in which users are able to contribute content, form online communities, and disseminate information. This participatory web is reshaping the patient-physician relationship as patients are able to search for medical information, directly engage with healthcare practitioners through social media, and make therapeutic decisions via online marketplaces. The ability for patients to self-diagnose and self-treat is highly relevant to andrology, given that men have a baseline reluctance to visit healthcare providers. Furthermore, men's health issues such as erectile dysfunction and male infertility are stigmatized, with men turning to the Internet for guidance. The focus of this review is to survey the academic literature that evaluates the quality of online content for four common men's health conditions: hypogonadism, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie's disease.

Analysis of quality information provided by “Dr. YouTubeTM” on Phimosis

“…The surgical procedure used to treat phimosis is circumcision [1]. In the general population, a reluctance to visit a urologist/andrologist regarding genital issues has been noted [5]. As a consequence, patients prefer to get information on their condition through the Internet [6].…”

Significant Geographic Variation in Access to Certified Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Injectors for Peyronie’s Disease Throughout the United States

“…14 This may be due to greater patient and clinician awareness through marketing campaigns by CCH's manufacturer. 15 Patient knowledge has also expanded with access to information via the Internet. 16 Clinicians may be more comfortable offering non-invasive treatments due to the (perceived) more favorable side effect profile compared with surgery, and many patients prefer non-surgical treatments if possible.…”