Most Common Health Conditions in Men
Men who take their health seriously can make significant strides toward improving their lives, from eating well and exercising regularly, to cutting out unhealthy habits like smoking.
Men should also be proactive about inspecting their bodies for abnormal moles and getting checked out for symptoms of cardiovascular disease; males are more prone to cardiovascular ailments.
1. High Blood Pressure
Men are less likely than women to seek medical help when needed, which can result in serious health complications in later life. Failing to visit regular health checkups and receive all recommended screenings increases their risk for certain health issues such as heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries – although most major men’s health threats can often be avoided through preventative care such as getting regular medical checkups, eating well and exercising regularly.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a prevalent condition wherein an abnormally high rate of blood circulation flows throughout the body. Over time, this can damage blood vessels in kidneys, brain and heart and produce various symptoms in its wake.
Untreated high blood pressure can have serious repercussions for men’s health. Therefore, it’s vital that they understand its signs and symptoms, as well as take measures to maintain healthy levels.
Men over 50 often suffer from prostate issues, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) when their prostate gland becomes larger than usual and prostate cancer. Men under 50 should get tested using a simple urine sample that detects prostate-specific antigens (PSA).
Bladder cancer affects the inner lining of the bladder and can occur both among younger and older men. Smoking and working with chemicals used in industries like dyeing, leather making or rubber production increases chances of this form of cancer, while symptoms may include pain when urinating, blood in the urine or frequent need to urinate.
Erectile Dysfunction, more commonly referred to as impotence, is a prevalent problem among men of all ages, often related to stress or poor health habits such as smoking or excessive drinking. Treatment typically includes oral medications; therefore it’s crucial that men consult their physician about any sexual problems they might be having.
Mental health often receives much less consideration than physical wellbeing, yet is just as essential to overall well-being. Luckily, many mental health disorders can be treated through medication or therapy.
2. Lung Cancer
Men tend to live longer than women, yet can suffer from various health problems as they get older. Many of these can be avoided by regular checkups and early diagnosis.
Cancer is one of the primary causes of male death worldwide, particularly lung cancer. There are two main types of lung cancer – non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Men who smoke have an increased risk for both types, and non-small cell lung cancer most often forms along air passageways in the lungs; small cell lung cancer occurs within individual air sacs (alveoli).
Prostate cancer is the second-most prevalent form of male cancer and often difficult to detect early, as its symptoms may not show immediately. Men should talk with their healthcare provider about screening regularly.
Liver disease is another serious ailment more likely to strike men than women. Older individuals, those with family histories of liver disease, or those living with high blood pressure or diabetes are at an increased risk of liver disease – symptoms include an enlarged abdomen, yellowing skin and reduced appetite.
Men often delay seeing a doctor until they’re sick, which can be problematic as many diseases and illnesses can be easier to treat if detected early. Men can help themselves by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and following a healthy diet; as well as getting all recommended vaccinations (e.g. influenza and pneumococcal). Furthermore, they should engage in regular physical activity and visit healthcare providers regularly for screenings.
3. Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of male mortality worldwide, caused when a blood clot or plaque forms in an artery and blocks oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain. High blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, heart disease, diabetes and family history all increase your risk. You can lower it by following a heart-healthy diet, regularly exercising and getting regular checkups.
Hemorrhagic stroke, although less prevalent, occurs when a weak blood vessel ruptures or leaks near the brain (Fig. 2C). This may be caused by ruptured aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations or head trauma as well as extreme hypertension; moreover, any amount of bleeding could also trigger hemorrhagic migraine with similar symptoms to stroke.
Unintentional injury, such as falls, is another leading cause of male deaths across all age groups and can be avoided through using safety ladders, wearing seat belts and taking common sense precautions. Men whose family history includes unintentional injuries could benefit from knowing more about this area of health history.
Men have several health concerns beyond those listed above, such as insufficient exercise and an unhealthy diet. Men who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking tobacco products increases stroke risks significantly while family histories of heart disease or cancer increase these chances.
Men should schedule regular doctor visits and follow health recommendations such as eating healthily, engaging in physical activity and quitting smoking. Screening for sexually transmitted infections should also take place regularly – those who avoid going can miss important health issues that need treating, leading to serious consequences down the line; so it’s crucial that men schedule visits and seek treatment if needed.
4. Erectile Dysfunction
Men with erectile dysfunction cannot achieve and maintain an erection strong enough for sexual activity, leading them to avoid sexual contact as a result of ED. Not only is this embarrassing but it may interfere with relationships as well as cause emotional stress; thus it is vital that they talk about these problems with their doctor so he/she can identify and treat the source.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by many different health conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, nerve damage caused by surgery or injury in the pelvic region as well as certain medications – these may include antidepressants, certain blood thinners, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives and even eye drops for glaucoma eyedrops; in addition, radiation or chemotherapy drugs prescribed to treat prostate and bladder cancer may cause ED too.
Erectile dysfunction could also be caused by emotional or psychological issues such as stress and depression, but many men remain embarrassed about seeking medical help – delaying diagnosis and allowing their health condition to progress over time.
Though many doctors used to attribute erectile dysfunction (ED) solely to psychological causes, recent evidence shows that most long-term cases are actually caused by physical health conditions like narrowing of arteries (known as atherosclerosis). A healthy diet and regular physical exercise that strengthens pelvic muscles can help prevent or treat ED.
Reduce the risk of health issues by eating a balanced diet, participating in physical activity regularly and not smoking. You can further lower your risks by seeing your doctor regularly for checkups, screenings and immunizations; and being honest about any mental health conditions you are suffering from (depression or anxiety). Being open with him also allows him to provide the most appropriate care; similarly speaking openly about any health concerns or symptoms you are experiencing can help him make an accurate diagnosis and find effective treatments.
