Brovage Clinic, a new men’s health clinic in Metro Manila, is striving to put an end to the notion that sexual health is a taboo topic, especially for men.
The clinic, located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, has been operating on a soft opening for the past couple of months now, making its grand opening as September draws to a close.
Minimally Invasive Urologist Frederick Mendiola owns and heads the clinic, aided by two Singaporean doctors, Alan Tan and Aivee Clinic’s Z’Shen Teo, and a number of specialists in different fields.
In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Dr. Mendiola explained that the clinic specializes in mostly sexual dysfunction in men.
Erectile dysfunction is the main issue under this topic, but other focuses are premature ejaculation, problems with desire and libido, and mismatched testosterone levels.
“It’s actually a one-stop shop for men,” the doctor summarized briefly, adding the clinic also offers longevity and lifestyle medicine, all of them certified by country’s Food and Drug Administration and health department.
As an urologist, Dr. Mendiola is very much aware that many people suffer from sexual dysfunction, and most men do not seek consultation because sexual health remains taboo in Philippine society.
“85% of men who suffers from erectile dysfunction will not seek consult. Maybe because of shyness, machismo, and it’s sort of a stigma,” the doctor said. “We still have the stigma because of society natin, traditions, and our Roman Catholic belief.”
That is why architectural designer JJ Acuña designed the clinic to appear spa-like, complete with a bar near the corner, so that patients will feel relaxed in a safe space.
“We would like them to feel that it’s a discreet institution that they can go to anytime, na hindi sila mahihiya,” Dr. Mendiola added.
Dr. Mendiola acknowledged that another reason why men do not address sexual health is the lack of spaces to do so, reiterating that many want to preserve this macho image they have of themselves.
With the help of media platforms, social media and other health advocates, the clinic wants to educate the public about sex and it’s importance in people’s lives.
The doctor pointed out that sex gives longevity as it prevents long-lasting or long-term illnesses, on top of it being made pleasurable for human beings thus adding to quality of life.
“This is the best place to go. Kasi kita mo naman, tahimik, tago, maraming alak!” Dr. Mendiola quipped. “So we want it to be relaxed, unlike other clinics.”
He did explain choosing a BGC location since his partner Dr. Teo has numerous clinics in the area, and they want to target first the A Market.
This as the machines and treatment options needed for sexual health can be costly, although the doctor did express hopes more people would be able to access such remedies.
“Eventually, pag dumami na nang dumami ang ganitong clinics, and then of course by law of supply and demand, bababa na rin yung pricing ng gamot at machines, and hopefully maging available to the mass market,” Dr. Mendiola ended.