Men’s health is a topic that is often overlooked or underestimated. Many men avoid visits to the doctor and treat regular preventive examinations as a waste of time. Meanwhile, typically male diseases, as well as those that men suffer from more often, pose a serious threat to their health and life.
Table of contents
Cardiovascular disease – the biggest threat to men
The statistics are alarming: cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death among men in Poland and in the world. Heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis – these are diseases that affect men more often and at a younger age than women.
Risk factors:
- Smoking: Nicotine damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots.
- Hypertension: Uncontrolled blood pressure is a “silent killer” that leads to damage to the heart and blood vessels.
- High cholesterol: Increased cholesterol levels in the blood promote the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.
- Obesity and physical inactivity: Being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
- Stress: Long-term stress has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system.
- Genetic factors: A family predisposition to heart disease increases the risk of heart disease.
How to protect yourself?
- Quit smoking: It is the best investment in your health.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Regular examinations will help detect possible problems.
- Take care of a healthy diet: Limit your intake of saturated fats, salt and sugar. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Be physically active: Regular exercise is the key to heart health.
- Learn to cope with stress: Find relaxation techniques that work for you.
Cancer – a silent killer
Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer – these are cancers that mainly affect men. Early detection of the disease significantly increases the chances of cure.
Prostate cancer
Risk factors:
- Age: The risk of developing the disease increases after the age of 50.
- Genetic factors: A family history of prostate cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
- Diet rich in animal fats: It can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prevention:
- Regular PSA tests: After the age of 50, and earlier in the case of risk factors, the level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood should be regularly tested.
- Rectal examination: The doctor can examine the prostate with a finger through the anus, which allows you to detect any abnormalities.
Testicular cancer
Risk factors:
- Cryptorchidism: Failure of the testicle to descend into the scrotum in the prenatal period.
- Genetic factors: The occurrence of testicular cancer in the family increases the risk of developing the disease.
Prevention:
- Testicular self-examination: Regular palpation of the testicles allows you to detect possible nodules or changes.
Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers, and smoking is the main risk factor.
Prevention:
- Do not smoke: Quitting smoking is the best prevention of lung cancer.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke is also harmful to non-smokers.
Depression and mental health problems – men also get sick
Men are less likely than women to seek help from mental health professionals. Meanwhile, depression, anxiety and other mental disorders also affect men.
Symptoms of depression in men:
- Sadness, depression, loss of interest
- Sleep problems, fatigue
- Irritability, aggression
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of appetite or binge eating
- Suicidal
How to help yourself?
- Talk to someone close to you: Open up to family or friends.
- Contact a specialist: A psychologist or psychiatrist will help you deal with the problem.
- Take care of a healthy lifestyle: Physical activity, a healthy diet and adequate sleep have a positive effect on mental health.
Sexually transmitted diseases – prevention above all
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV – these are just some of the sexually transmitted diseases. Many of them can be asymptomatic, leading to serious complications.
Prevention:
- Use condoms: This is the most effective method of protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Get tested regularly: If you are sexually active, get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly.
- Avoid casual sexual encounters: The more sexual partners, the greater the risk of infection.
Prostate problems – not only cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that affects many men over 50. It causes problems with urination, and in the advanced stage, it can lead to urinary retention.
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Difficulty starting to urinate
Treatment:
- Medicines
- Surgery
Erectile dysfunction – a problem that is difficult to talk about
Erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects many men, regardless of age. The causes can be both physical (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and mental (e.g. stress, anxiety).
How to help yourself?
- See a doctor: Your doctor will help you determine the cause of the problem and choose the right treatment.
- Change your lifestyle: A healthy diet, physical activity, and quitting smoking can improve sexual function.
- Psychological therapy: In the case of mental problems, therapy can be helpful.
Men’s health – take care of yourself!
Remember that your health is in your hands. Regular examinations, a healthy lifestyle and prevention are the key to a long and full healthy life. Do not ignore the alarming symptoms and visit your doctor regularly.
Remark:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor.
