To characterize direct-to-consumer men's health clinics by reviewing their online content. Increasing numbers of patients are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism from direct-to-consumer "men's health" clinics. Treatments are often used off-label, with lack of transparency of provider credentials and qualifications.
We identified direct-to-consumer 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.
223 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 SWT and 84 (57.1%) PRP therapy. There were 56 (38%) who offered SWT and PRP. ICI was significantly more likely to be offered if there was a urologist on staff (p<0.001). Clinic providers represented 20 different medical and alternative medicine specialties. Internal medicine was most common (17.4%), followed by family medicine (11.1%). A non-physician (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.
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.
Urology. 2023 Feb 01 [Epub ahead of print]
Peter N Dietrich, Johnathan Doolittle, Sarah Brink, Daniel Hanna, John Fitzgerald, Pranav Dadhich, Jay I Sandlow, Jagan Kansal, Petar Bajic
Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Urology, Milwaukee, WI. Electronic address: ., University of Oklahoma, Department of Urology, Oklahoma City, OK., Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Urology, Milwaukee, WI., Center for Men's Health, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.