A Holistic Approach to Men’s Health

This month, November, is Men’s Health Awareness Month, focusing attention on the poor state of physical and emotional health of many men. One woman who is helping to address men’s health, using a holistic approach, is Helen L. Bernie, the only fellowship-trained academic urologist specializing in male sexual and reproductive medicine in Indiana.

Dr. Bernie, assistant professor of urology and director of sexual and reproductive medicine for Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Urology, says her holistic approach improves the quality of life of her patients.   

Her practice includes diagnosis and treatment of issues like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, infertility, and Peyronie’s disease. Diagnosis entails a complete medical history, during which she asks not just about reproductive health, but about things like blood pressure, sleep habits, chest pain. “Oftentimes, the sexual dysfunction or infertility may be the reason that brings them into the office to see me, but then I can actually diagnose underlying conditions that can greatly improve their overall health,” she says.

Dr. Bernie works to make her patients as comfortable as possible, encouraging them to include their partner, if they have one, in the treatment. Ongoing research studies she is involved in include evaluating testosterone therapy in prostate cancer patients and surgical therapies for male infertility.