There are a few men’s health problems that are more common than many of us realise. Some of these health problems seem as if they would affect men and women equally, but are actually much more prevalent in men. Other health problems are more obviously male-focused but affect a higher percentage of men than we might assume – largely as a result of a lot of guys being too embarrassed or proud to open up about them.
This post explores men’s health problems including their causes, their symptoms and how to treat them.
1. Hearing loss
Men are twice as likely as women to develop hearing loss. There are a few potential reasons as to why this may be the case. One is that men are more likely to work in loud environments than men (including construction sites, factories and the military). Another could be due to men’s higher risk of developing diabetes (which is discussed later on).
Hearing loss is often not noticeable because it occurs so gradually. If you notice yourself asking people to repeat themselves more frequently, turning the TV volume up louder or not hearing the phone/doorbell, then this could be a sign that you’re already experiencing hearing loss. A hearing test will clear up whether you have hearing loss. This can be treated with a hearing aid.
2. Sleep apnea
Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience sleep apnea – a disease that causes one’s breathing to start and stop during sleep. This condition is most common in people who are older and overweight.
Because sleep apnea affects people when they are asleep, most people don’t notice they have it. If you wake up from a good night’s sleep with a headache, a dry mouth and a sense of fatigue/confusion, it could be a sign that you have sleep apnea. Loud snoring is also a common symptom (something that a partner will likely warn you about). This post delves more into sleep apnea treatment.
3. Erectile dysfunction
Some people assume ED is a problem that only affects a small percentage of men. In actual fact, over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience it. This can have an array of causes.
A lot of people are too embarrassed to see a doctor about ED. However, if you want to be prescribed medication to treat this condition, you’ll need to consult a doctor. An online ED consultation could allow you to be prescribed a drug like Tadalafil, and may be more convenient for some men than seeing their local doctor.
4. Low testosterone
Low testosterone is a cause of ED. It can also cause fatigue, mood swings, hair loss, decreased muscle mass and decreased bone density. It is more common than many men realise – especially as men get older.
Testosterone replacement therapy is an option for those with low testosterone. A doctor will be able to determine whether you need this therapy.
5. Enlarged prostate
As many people get older, they may experience an enlarged prostate gland. In fact, 50% of men over 60 are believed to have an enlarged prostate.
This condition can result in frequent urination, as well as difficulty when urinating. Medication can be prescribed for serious enlargement, but often it can be managed through regular exercise and by limiting caffeine/alcohol.
6. Gout
Men are also more likely to experience gout. This is when uric acid builds up in the body – leading to joint pain and kidney stones. Gout is often caused by heavy drinking or poor diet. Women’s bodies are more efficient at flushing out uric acid than men’s (however women can still get gout).
The first symptom of gout is often pain in the joint of the big toe. By seeing a doctor, you can get this condition diagnosed. Medications for gout such as urate-lowering medications can then be prescribed.
7. AAA
You may already be aware that men are more likely to experience heart disease than women. However, there’s one cardiovascular condition called AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) that is five times more likely to be experienced by men. It is when the main artery in the body ruptures – often having fatal results. It is most common in smokers.
Most people have no idea that they are about to experience this aneurysm until it happens. Thankfully there are tests that can be carried out by a doctor to check for a bulge in your artery. AAA screening is recommended to all men over 65. If a bulge in your artery is detected, treatment can be carried out to avoid it from rupturing.
8. Diabetes
Men are twice as likely as women to develop type 2 diabetes. They are also more likely to die from this condition – largely because many men leave it too late to see a doctor.
Symptoms of diabetes include overly frequent urination (particularly at night), excess thirst, weight loss, tiredness, slow healing cuts and blurred vision. You can see a doctor to get tested for diabetes. There is unfortunately no cure for diabetes, but there are steps you can take to manage it.
9. Cancer
Cancer might not seem like a surprising health problem. It affects many men and women. However, whereas 1 in 3 women are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, as much as 1 in 2 men will develop cancer.
Prostate, bowel, bladder, lung and skin cancers are the most common. Men are even able to develop breast cancer (although the vast majority of cases still affect women). Going for recommended regular screenings and tests is the best way to catch cancer early and successfully treat it.
10. Depression
Men’s mental health is starting to become a more open subject. However, there are still many men suffering from depression who do nothing about it. Sadly, this is why the male suicide rate is so high. Depression is one men’s health problem so many have experienced.
If you have started to lose interest in things you once enjoyed or feel constantly exhausted and unmotivated, you may have depression. You can talk to a doctor about getting prescribed medication, or you could consider talking to a therapist if you feel you have no-one to talk out your feelings with. Taking a break away from things in your life that are causing you stress could also be necessary to help you overcome your depression.
If you have any health concerns, seek professional medical help.
Featured Image Courtesy of Pexels. CCO Licensed.
