Mens Issues

Even as the life expectancy gap between men and women is decreasing, men are still not paying enough attention to their health.

There are several things that men do which go against their health and add to the top ten health issues for men. For instance, men smoke and drink more than women and men don’t seek medical attention as often as women. In fact, men are defined by their work. In addition, there are health conditions like prostate cancer and low testosterone that affect only men. Many of the health risks men face are preventable and can be treated easily if diagnosed early. However, it is clear that men are great caretakers but do not take care of their own health issues.

Men’s issues such as heart attacks and coronary heart diseases are common in men. Other conditions too that afflict men’s health include testicular problems, prostate disorders and erectile dysfunction. Despite the high rise of such diseases, men are less likely to see a doctor than women.

Cardiovascular diseases – Diseases of the heart and circulation include strokes and heart attacks. They are the major causes of death in men. Some of the ways you can prevent these cardiovascular diseases include:

§ Stop smoking

§ Reduce the consumption of alcohol

§ Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

§ Maintain a healthy weight

§ Regular blood pressure and cholesterol level checkups and get immediate treatment if necessary

§ Regular physical activities

§ Keep your blood sugar levels stable

Another health issue in men is Prostate health – This is a gland located below the bladder and it surrounds the urethra. It produces semen that is mixed with sperms during ejaculation. Prostatic hyperplasia is a condition when the gland tends to get bigger as you grow old. This pushes the urethra hence interfering with the flow of urine. The symptoms include difficulty in urinating, weak flow of urine, dribbling of urine or frequent need to pass urine. Depending on the severity of the condition, preventive options which include change of lifestyle such as cutting down on caffeine and alcohol are recommended. However, treatment should be considered in severe cases.

Prostate cancer – one’s risk of acquiring prostate cancer is higher if a close relative has or had it. It presses on the urethra and blocks the flow of urine. Its treatment depends on factors like age, general health and its detection stage. The best treatment is monitoring and waiting. However, alternatives like surgery, hormonal therapy and radiotherapy may be helpful with this men’s issue.

Erectile dysfunction – this is also called impotence. It is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual arousal. The likelihood of this condition increases as one gets older. There are different causes which include:

§ Surgery that can affect blood vessels supplying the penis

§ Psychological problems like depression and anxiety

§ Illness, tiredness or stress

§ Diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure that narrows the veins

§ Too much alcohol and smoking

§ Certain medicines like antidepressants

Erectile dysfunction can be treated by the changes of lifestyle like losing weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking and decreasing alcohol consumption. ED is a common men’s issue and many men get around it by taking oral drugs like sildenafil which are highly effective and help with an erection when required.