For much of your 20s you partied like there was no tomorrow. But now, as you get older, you realise the need to take care of your health just a little bit better. Men’s health issues are on the increase. Sadly, though, there still seems to be a stigma around confronting these issues. Men tend to be less open about their health issues. When they struggle, it often becomes a case of: “out of sight, out of mind.”
In the spirit of Movember, we look at three common illnesses men face, and how you can do your best to prevent it.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
We get it, guys: you don’t really want to talk about it. You might feel like you’re not a “real man”, or that there is “something wrong with you”. But this is simply not true.
ED can be caused by a number of different things, but your lifestyle plays an integral part in your overall performance. Factors that influence erectile dysfunction include
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Not enough exercise
- Rest
- Drug use
- Sexual activity
ED symptoms include:
- An inability to have an erection
- Unable to keep an erection until orgasm
- Not being able to reach an orgasm or ejaculation
Face the challenge!
We know it’s hard to talk to a doctor about private issues (no pun intended). But, in the spirit of Movember – and for the sake of getting your intimate life back – why not pay your urologist a visit. He’ll perform routine checks on everything to check out the condition of your penis. Even if you don’t suffer from erectile dysfunction, it’s good to just get that reassuring pat on the back that your health is in a good place. If you’re still not convinced, why not chat to one of our doctors first? You can have a private, text-message conversation to answer your most pressing (and private) questions.
Prostate cancer
Located between the bladder and the rectum, the prostate gland plays a role in reproduction. So it’s rather important. Sometimes, without warning, the prostate can develop problems and if not detected early, even cancer. The problem though, is that men often disregard the importance of having their prostate checked. In most cases, a tumour takes years to be detected or become visible and problematic. By that time, it’s often too late to reverse the cancer.
Face the challenge!
Yes, we know the physical exam is a bit uncomfortable, but what’s a little discomfort compared to cancer?! By having your prostate checked on a regular basis you can prevent and minimise the risk of developing cancer. Regular check-ups; even when there are no health concerns can be the key to continuing the lifestyle you have become accustomed to. The older you are, the more susceptible you are to prostate cancer. But early prevention is crucial.
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular health problems are not just limited to the heart; they affect the brain as well. The two most known cardiovascular problems are heart attacks and strokes, but the real concern is that men are vulnerable to both. When either a heart attack or stroke hit, it restricts the blood flow to the brain; which in turn deprives the brain from oxygen.
Factors that increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases include:
- unhealthy diets
- physical inactivity
- stress
- smoking
- excessive alcohol usage
Unfortunately, some men are also genetically at higher risk of developing cardiovascular health issues, but a few lifestyle changes can drastically improve this. By simply altering your diet, increasing your daily water intake, brisk walking or jogging, you’re already taking steps in the right direction!
Face the challenge!
Pop in to your doctor for a visit and have a cardiovascular check done. Follow this up by exercising with friends regularly or by yourself, i.e. running, cycling, swimming, etc. In addition, quit smoking and eat healthier. This will help you to lose weight, which in turn will lessen the strain on the heart. No man is immune to cardiovascular diseases, but with the right attitude, you can hold off the risk.
References:
http://www.health24.com/Medical/Erectile-dysfunction/Overview/Diagnosis-of-ED-20140513
http://www.health24.com/Medical/Prostate/Overview/Symptoms-of-prostate-cancer-20120721
http://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/News/Cardiovascular-risk-factors-20140829