The opening ceremony having the theme "Sex Matters" offered the first highlights: M. Grumbach (U.S.A). presented "Understanding the biology of sex and gender differences", I. Svab (Slovenia) & B. Sparks (SA) presented "Men's Health: a view from general practice" and F. Debruyne (Netherlands) "Men's Health: the view from Urology".
track A: The session "Urology, Prostate Cancer" (chair: P. Scardino, U.S.A) resulted in a very animated, controversial debate about screening for prostate cancer. P. Teillac from Paris spoke about new markers for prostate cancer and C. Schulman (Belgium) spoke about chemoprevention.

The sessions about erectile dysfunction (chair: F. Montorsi, Italy) were particularly well attended. Of the many exciting lectures on this 'hot topic' the contributions of C. Schulmann, who spoke about "ED as a symptom of more trouble to come?" of E. Meuleman (Netherlands) and of J. Heaton (Canada) were particularly noteworthy.

In the session about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (chair: C. Roehrborn, USA), the paper on adrenoceptor-induced apoptosis by J. Fitzpatrick (Ireland) represented the highlight. The "Hot Topic Debate" about male hormonal replacement therapy was as enthralling as controversial. In the following "Andrology"- session, I. Huhtaniemi (UK) presented the latest findings on hormonal changes throughout the life cycle.

The aging male was another highly popular topic that was discussed in a number of sessions from various points of view. A great deal of new data were presented concerning osteoporosis in men. Fractures are a serious problem in men as well as in women. By the year 2025, the incidence of hip fractures in men will be equal to that seen in women now and will be compounded by the increasing number of hip fractures in women.

E. Orwoll (U.S.A), a highly acclaimed expert, spoke about the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in men.

In the subject area "cardiovascular disease in men", we must make mention of the outstanding presentation by P. Björntorp (Sweden): "Obesity: hits or myths, fat or fiction"

In the session "Communication with the male patient/E-Health" this exciting topic was discussed for the first time by the world's leading experts. A. Jadad (Canada) spoke about e-Health innovations and men's health, B. Coolsaet (Belgium) spoke about the important role of men's partners. As part of the congress the 1st Symposium on Boy's Health ever was held and raised enormous interest among its attendees. One of the contributions came from I. Khalaf (Egypt), who spoke about the pros and cons of male circumcision.

The 2nd World Congress on men's health was a further milestone in establishing men's health as a subject worthy of attention.