From an early age, men are taught to be strong, sit with their discomfort, and power through anything and everything. Typically they are not quick to see their healthcare providers, and when you couple that with a few sensitive men’s health issues—which only add to the delays in seeking help, you have a recipe for disaster. This reluctance to seek help is so problematic that the CDC estimates that, on average, men are dying up to 5 years earlier than women.
The medical gender gap may be real, but ignoring early symptoms is never a good thing. It delays help, it delays treatment, and it delays healing. Ahead we take a look at four men’s health issues that you may not like talking about, but you should—for your health’s sake.
4 Men’s Health Issues You Should Talk To Your Doctor About
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common men’s health issue, affecting approximately 30 million men in the U.S., and contrary to popular belief, it is not par for the course of aging.
ED can be caused by:
- A disease or broader medical condition
- The use of certain medications
- Psychological or emotional issues
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking or being overweight
While most men may shy away from talking to their doctor about erectile dysfunction, it’s important to know that ED can be an indicator of a more serious health issue such as diabetes or high blood pressure. So, If you’re noticing a change in your ability to get or keep an erection, it’s crucial that you speak with your healthcare provider.
Hair Loss And Weight Gain
Hair loss and weight gain are two more men’s health issues that many mistakenly believe are just a part of the aging process. On the contrary, these two issues are not supposed to be a fact of life. When they occur simultaneously, that could be a good indicator that you’re dealing with a hormonal imbalance, specifically, low testosterone. Also referred to as Low-T, this imbalance occurs when your testosterone drops below your normal levels.
Testosterone levels typically begin to drop in your 30’s. For some men, however, outward symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, low sex drive, or cognitive issues like brain fog or trouble concentrating may accompany that drop in testosterone. The good news is there is something you can do about it—if you talk to your doctor. Not only can your doctor identify and diagnose any underlying issues that may be cause for concern, but they can also discuss options like testosterone replacement therapy to get you back on track.
Your Mental Health
Almost two years into a global pandemic and it’s no secret that stress and anxiety have reached a fever pitch. Since March 2020, every aspect of our lives has been affected with no stone left unturned. Where we work, how we play, and how we interact with those around us have all been upended. And while most news reports focused on how the pandemic disproportionately affected women, a recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinic showed that it was certainly taking a physical and emotional toll on men as well.
According to this study:
- 77% of men said their stress level has increased since 2020
- 45% of men said their overall emotional/mental health has worsened since the start of the pandemic
Not only did the study show how the pandemic is affecting men, but it was also an eye-opener as to how they were handling it, with 66% of men saying they rarely talked about the impact the pandemic has had on their mental health.
Now, the news wasn’t entirely bleak as the survey also showed that the pandemic spurred some men into making healthier lifestyle choices, but still, not surprisingly, it highlighted the fact men are far less likely to voice their concerns with their loved ones or healthcare providers.
All of this to say that men are not immune to depression and anxiety—no one is. Please reach for a lifeline and speak with your doctor if you’re noticing or feeling any of the following symptoms:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Problems with sexual desire and performance
- Fatigue, not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
- Physical aches or pains, headaches, or digestive problems
When it comes to your mental health, you do not have to go it alone.
Urinary Issues
If you’re going to the bathroom too frequently or find that you’re having trouble urinating when you do, that might be a sign of an enlarged prostate which is certainly worth an appointment with your doctor.
Your prostate is a golf-ball-sized gland, its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, and it continues to grow throughout your life. For some men, the prostate gland and its perpetual growth may never present an issue, but an enlarged prostate can be troublesome for others.
Otherwise known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate often presses on the bladder, causing a host of issues, including:
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent urination
- Weak urine flow
- Stop-start peeing
- Difficulty initiating urine flow
- Not being able to void your bladder fully
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes such as cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and exercising regularly. More severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate can lead to further complications and then require medical intervention —speaking to your doctor early can cut severe symptoms off at the pass.
Tips For Talking To Your Doctor About Your Specific Men’s Health Issues
While discussing issues like erectile dysfunction, hair loss, or stress and anxiety may be difficult; it is important that you move past your embarrassment and speak with your doctor. These men’s health issues, and what may feel like a mild symptom to you, may be a sign of something bigger on the horizon. Early detection and early intervention is the first key to recovery.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips for keeping the lines of communication open with your doctor.
Research The Topic
When a new men’s health issue presents itself, you don’t know what you don’t know. Not only can researching the topic arm you with enough information to allay your fears, but it also gives you a jumping-off point for starting a conversation with your doctor.
Write Down Your Questions
While you’re doing your research, you’ll likely end up with plenty of questions about your specific health care concerns. Be sure to write down your questions so that you walk away with all the information you need when your appointment rolls around.
Keep Notes And Be Specific
In the days and weeks leading up to your appointment with your doctor, try to keep notes on the nuances of your symptoms, like when they happen, what they feel like, the time of day, etc.
It’s very likely that during your appointment, with all the information that’s being thrown at you, you could forget to mention important details or clearly communicate how and what you’re feeling; notes are always a good reference.
Lean On Your Support System
Discussing sensitive topics might be a bit easier when you have a good support system to lean on. When your appointment with your provider rolls around, don’t be afraid to bring a spouse, partner, or sibling along. Not only can they be a source of support, but they also serve as a second set of ears when there’s a lot of information coming at you. Additionally, someone on the outside looking in might be able to notice things you don’t and communicate that to your doctor as well.
