There are some health problems that men need to watch out for and we are going to talk about them in this article. Some men struggle to maintain their mental and physical health, which may lead them to skip checkups and tests that might help them live longer, healthier lives. Men who do not take their mental and physical health seriously may acquire major health problems. According to the CDC, the “medical gender gap” and its repercussions are genuine, with males dying five years earlier on average than women.
The good news is that you can take a lot of steps to improve your health, starting with putting prevention first. There are various steps you can take to avoid common men’s health problems at any age, from eating better to eliminating unhealthy habits like smoking and getting regular checkups.
ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Increase Men’s Health
Risky Health Problems in Men
Here are the risky health problems men are likely to encounter, visit your doctor when you notice any of these:
1. Coronary artery disease
Heart disease kills more men than any other cause of mortality. By addressing their individual risk factors, men can take an active part in their heart health. This should include eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, being active, lowering stress, and according to your healthcare provider’s prescriptions.
Also, make sure to visit your doctor on a regular basis. These visits provide an opportunity to receive screenings or tests (such as blood pressure or cholesterol) that may aid in the early detection of heart problems.
2. Cancer (Carcinoma)
According to the CDC, cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality among men, after heart disease. Skin, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers are among the most common cancers found in men. To keep these cancers at bay, doctors recommend a mix of a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups. Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, limiting processed or red meat, stopping smoking, and speaking with your doctor about testing can all help to lower your cancer risk.
3. Liver Disease
The size of your liver is comparable to that of a football. It aids in the digestion of meals and the absorption of nutrients. It also eliminates toxins from your body. The term “liver disease” refers to a variety of illnesses that affect the liver which results to health problems, this including:
- cirrhosis
- viral hepatitis
- autoimmune or genetic liver diseases
- bile duct cancer
- liver cancer
- alcoholic liver disease
4. Diabetes
Men have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. This is largely due to the fact that men’s bodies contain higher abdominal fat, which increases the likelihood of developing this chronic disease. This risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight and increasing your physical activity. It’s also beneficial to understand your risk of developing prediabetes so that you can take action as soon as possible. To get started, take the CDC’s prediabetes risk test.
5. Depression and suicide
Men could go undiagnosed for depression since the symptoms may not always align with what they expect. Men’s depression might manifest as rage or irritability rather than sadness. They’re also more prone to brush their feelings aside and this is one of the health problems that need serious attention
If you feel you’re depressed, the first step :
- Is to speak with your healthcare professional. Remember that providers are trained to assist, not to pass judgment.
- getting regular exercise, even just going for routine walks around your neighborhood
- journaling or writing down your thoughts
- communicating openly with friends and family
6. COPD and other respiratory diseases
Many respiratory disorders begin innocently enough with a “smoker’s cough.” Coughing can develop into life-threatening illnesses including lung cancer, emphysema, or COPD over time. All of these health problems make it difficult for you to breathe.
According to the American Lung Association, more men are diagnosed with lung cancer and develop it each year than in previous years. In comparison to other racial or ethnic groups, African-American men have a higher risk of dying from the disease. While occupational dangers such as asbestos raise your chance of lung cancer, smoking remains the biggest cause.
If you’ve been a smoker for more than 30 years, a low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer may be necessary.
7. Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels begin to diminish when a man is in his thirties, but if unpleasant symptoms like poor sex desire or difficulty concentrating arise, ask your doctor if a blood test to check your hormone levels is necessary. Your doctor can help you figure out what’s causing your “low-T” and talk about treatment choices including testosterone replacement therapy.
8. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is common in men over the age of 75, but that doesn’t mean it has to affect your sexual life. Treatments such as medicines can assist, as can lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or restricting alcohol consumption. In any case, it’s a good idea to have any symptoms checked out by your doctor, as this could be a sign of a more serious health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
9. HPV and other STIs
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and it usually disappears on its own. Even yet, some men with HPV can develop health problems like penile cancer or genital warts as a result of the infection. HPV vaccines can help prevent infection, although they are most effective before a person reaches the age of 26. Condoms are an important preventative measure for HPV and other STIs.
