Men are prone to many of the same health problems that affect people worldwide. They can minimize these risks by exercising regularly, eating well and staying current with recommended screenings and vaccinations.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Learn more about the most common men?s health issues to take control of your health today.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is a term that refers to problems with your heart and blood vessels. These problems are caused by narrowing of the blood vessels due to buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque, on your blood vessel walls. These narrowings can be located in the heart, blood vessels that supply other organs and the body, or your arteries.
Men are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases because of lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet choices, which can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Men are also at higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases because of their genetics.
Cardiovascular disease can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue. However, the disease can progress to a point where you may not experience any symptoms.
Heart attacks and strokes are caused by blockages in the arteries that supply your heart or brain. These blockages can be caused by the rupture of a blood clot or because of a fatty deposit on the wall of an artery. Other problems that can be associated with cardiovascular disease are pericardial disease (inflammation of the thin tissue sac that surrounds your heart), heart valve disease, rheumatic heart disease (damage to the hearts valves and heart muscle from streptococcal bacteria) and peripheral arterial disease.
Men can take steps to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and practicing safe sexual practices. They should also avoid alcohol and tobacco and get recommended health screenings. When cardiovascular disease does occur, treatment can include medications, procedures or surgeries. If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider frequently.
2. Prostate Cancer
Men can prevent prostate cancer by staying informed, getting regular screenings and addressing any troubling symptoms. This disease is second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death for American men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The prostate is a gland in the pelvis that produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. It is about the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder and in front of the urethra. It is important for reproduction and can become enlarged in some men as they age, which causes symptoms like urinating frequently or having trouble with bowel movements. Prostate cancer occurs when cells develop mutated DNA, which alters the way cells grow and die at a normal rate. The abnormal cells monopolize the resources used by healthy cells, and they can spread throughout the body.
Doctors use physical exams, blood work and scans to diagnose prostate cancer. The stage of the cancer (I through IV) is also a factor; the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread.
Some men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer because of family history or genetics. A father or brother with the disease more than doubles a man’s chance of having it himself, and the risk is even greater for men with several affected relatives.
Race or ethnicity can also increase a person’s risk for prostate cancer. It is more common in white men and less likely to occur in Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino or African American men. Researchers believe that the differences may be due to lifestyle factors, such as diet. A high-fat diet and a lack of fruits and vegetables are thought to increase the risk, while diets rich in calcium, vitamin E and folic acid appear to decrease it.
3. Diabetes
Men suffer from the same diseases as anyone else, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. They also have unique concerns like prostate enlargement and infertility. Most of these issues can be prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking and limiting alcohol use, stress reduction, and health screenings.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how the body handles glucose (sugar) in the blood. Left untreated, high blood sugar can cause many different problems. Men with diabetes are more likely to develop complications from the disease.
These can include cardiovascular problems — ischaemic heart disease (mini-stroke or TIA, stroke, heart attack), vascular diseases of the legs and feet – peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy; kidney problems — nephropathy, and polycystic kidney disease; and lower leg and foot problems such as ulcers, cellulitis, diabetic gangrene and minor and major amputation. Men are also at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, because high blood sugar affects nerves and blood vessels that can impact the ability to have an erection. The disease can also increase the risk of genital thrush, which is caused by yeast that thrives on sugar.
In addition, high blood sugar can cause gout, which is an attack of pain in the big toe, ankles or knees, and occurs when the body cannot eliminate excess uric acid. Men are more likely to have gout than women, which is partly due to the fact that men tend to eat higher-protein and saltier foods, which can lead to dehydration and increased levels of uric acid in the body. Gout can be treated by medication and lifestyle changes. Men with diabetes are also more likely to have low testosterone, which is a problem for men and their sexual health.
4. Mental Health Disorders
Men can suffer from mental health issues just as easily as they can suffer from high blood pressure or a sprained ankle. Depression and anxiety affect people of all ages and can have a severe impact on a person?s daily life, relationships and career.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already serious problem of depression among men, whose rates are higher than women?s. Uncertainty, financial stress, social distancing and relationship challenges contributed to heightened feelings of despair and an increased risk of suicide.
Unlike women, many men feel uncomfortable discussing their emotional struggles. They may be under pressure to be the primary breadwinner, maintain a strong sense of masculinity in their relationships and feel compelled to compete with peers at work. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of support.
Additionally, some men may have traumatic past experiences, including physical assault, wartime experience and witnessing the violence of others. These events can have lasting effects, including depression and PTSD.
Men may also struggle to express emotions, as they are often taught that certain feelings are “unmasculine.” This can result in emotional repression and an inability to connect with other people. Therapy can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore and express emotions in a healthy way.
It is vital for men to seek help if they are struggling with mental illness. Despite stigma and stereotypes, there are many resources available for men who need help. Educating ourselves about the symptoms of mental health disorders and breaking free from gender-based stereotypes can help us to recognize when someone needs professional care. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health is key to improving overall well-being and preventing long-term health problems.
5. Obesity
Men and women alike face health challenges that are related to obesity, including high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia (cholesterol) and type-2 diabetes. The extra weight can also increase your risk of heart disease, pulmonary edema and arthritis, which can contribute to a reduced quality of life.
A major concern is that excess weight can affect your reproductive hormones and fertility. For men, this can result in low testosterone levels and a decrease in sperm count. These conditions can lead to poor erections and decreased sexual performance. In addition, research has shown that obese men are more likely to develop a prostate cancer. Being overweight and having a large waistline can also increase your risk of developing kidney stones because the extra body fat dumps more calcium into your urine.
Often, men who have obesity are missing out on regular exercise and healthy eating. They tend to eat a lot of high-fat, sugary foods that activate the pleasure centers in their brain and can lead to impulsive eating. Men who are obese may also suffer from sleep apnea, which makes it difficult to get enough oxygen during sleep.
Studies have shown that being overly fat increases the risk for certain types of cancer — particularly, those involving the colon, esophagus and prostate. It can also make it more difficult to recover from prostate surgery and can cause urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
As a man, it is important to prioritize prevention and schedule regular visits to your doctor. This is especially important for those over age 50, who can benefit from regular screenings and health checks to monitor their progress toward reaching a healthy BMI. Men who do not take care of their health are more likely to miss out on important health benefits — such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure, a healthier heart and improved erectile function — that can add up to a longer, happier life.
