The older we get, the more likely it is that we’ll suffer from some kind of illness. Most of us take health for granted until we’re suddenly faced with a serious issue. Whether it be diabetes, cancer or heart disease, we need to be aware of how to keep our health in optimal condition. There are many different health problems that men face.
Men’s health issues are related to their self-esteem, attitudes, and productivity. And that’s why men don’t want to talk about it. Men usually find it difficult to discuss problems that could be associated with their masculinity.
When it comes to health issues, men keep them to themselves because they feel these issues are in some way related to their manhood. They often don’t know how to approach their doctors or how to resolve the issue by themselves. They give in to the condition without fighting back.
Some of these problems may be too embarrassing or personal to discuss with your family doctor or a specialist, so here are some common issues that men deal with. For these reasons, they prefer to avoid seeking treatment at all costs and keep such issues a secret from everyone, including their partners.
Here are some of the most common male health issues that men tend to avoid or ignore:
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart problem is the leading men’s health threat, according to the American Heart Association. About half of all men will develop some form of heart disease or stroke during their lifetime. Cardiovascular disease is also caused by many other factors besides diet. But no matter how old you are, what your genes are like or how much money you make, there’s a lot you can do to help prevent this killer. And many of those changes can be made without spending a penny — just by eating healthier for your heart.
- Cancer: One of the major reasons why men don’t visit doctors is because they fear getting a cancer diagnosis. Most men don’t even realize that there are early detection tests for this disease that can help save their lives in the long run. The cancerous cells rapidly divide, invade other tissues and destroy them. In spite of all the modern advances in medicine, cancer remains as deadly as it was decades ago.
- Depression and Suicide: Depression is a difficult topic to address, in large part because it is so common that many of us have trouble identifying it as a problem. Depression and suicide are real, especially for men. Trying to make sense of the sharp rise in male suicides isn’t easy. We know that men are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than women, but there is more to this story than just statistics. Men are at risk for a variety of reasons, from physical health to relationship issues.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can be fatal if not treated properly. It has been found to be a major killer among African American males in recent years. Diabetes can cause blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and heart disease, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible
- Prostate problems: Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. It is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer if it is caught early enough. Prostate enlargement is usually not a serious problem, but it can make urination difficult and lead to infections and other complications if it isn’t dealt with.
- Low Testosterone: Many men suffer from testosterone problems that are easy to fix. Testosterone affects more than the just sex drive. Low testosterone can lead to loss of muscle, bone density, and fat metabolism. Testosterone increases bone density, which helps to prevent osteopenia (thinning of the bones).
- Erectile Dysfunction: It’s one of the most common male health problems, though many feel embarrassed or awkward discussing this issue with a doctor. Erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue. However, it can cause stress, affect your confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction.
- COVID-19: We know you’re tough. We know you like to do things your way. And we know you really don’t like talking about health stuff. But it’s important that you know: COVID-19 can hit men harder than other genders. A study has found that men who contract the disease have a higher risk of hospital interventions and death. But now that COVID-19 vaccines are more widely available, getting vaccinated can help prevent the risk of infection altogether, giving you the best chance of staying healthy and strong during this pandemic—and beyond!
