The spectrum of men’s health is a varied area of genre-related issues that are directly connected to testosterone secretion, sexual fitness, and patterns of behavioral changes due to hormonal imbalance. Although there are various drugs and supplements available for the maintenance of male health and fitness, adopting simple lifestyle changes along with the intake of a nutritious diet can help combat many diseases and physiological disorders.
Men’s Health: Facts
The various ailments and diseases that males suffer from are mostly due to neglect of not consulting a doctor or lack of maintaining good eating and lifestyle habits. Men are more prone to risks like cancer, depression, heart diseases, and faster aging. Also, statistically, men are more unlikely to pay a visit to the doctor for regular check-ups or at the onset of an anomaly, putting themselves to the risk of various health conditions. However, most of these diseases and health discrepancies are treatable, and in some cases, do not even manifest if a healthy and fit lifestyle is maintained.
Aging in Men
Hormonal changes in men affect their physique and behavior throughout their lives. Genetically speaking, men are prone to suffer from muscle dystrophy, blood clotting, and Fragile –X syndrome. Men are more physically active than women and tend to suppress their emotions. All these collectively give rise to mental illness or unintentional fatal risks like suicide or homicide. Also, men are twice as likely to suffer from alcohol-related health issues or accidents under DUI.
Health Risks in Men
Although diversity prevails, men go through smoke and alcohol abuse or fatal accidents. Hormonal changes after 40s result in the loss of muscle mass which is again the cause for weight gain. Risks and anomalies like diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure are common in men. Later on, in their lives at around 60s, they go through hair loss and enlarged prostates. With age, many physical issues begin to emerge and as a result, maintaining good food habits along with regular checkups is necessary.
Regular Checkups
It is important to go for regular screenings and checkups to combat health-related problems before they begin to show bigger symptoms. Statistically, men are more likely to suffer from diabetic, lung, and heart-related problems as compared to women. Some recommendations for basic screenings in men include:
- Colon Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- HIV
- Lung Cancer
Common Diseases in Men
Overall, men’s health is more susceptible to conditions like high blood pressure that is again directly related to heart failure, increased risks of venous or arterial thrombosis, stroke, and kidney failure and aneurysms. Cancer is another major health issue affecting men of all ages. Some of the most common types in men include lung, prostate, and testicular cancer. Depression in men causes many to contemplate suicide, undergo stress and mental instabilities, and behavioral changes. However, most of these issues if diagnosed early can be treated and by maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, the chances of getting affected by any of these also reduce to a substantial amount.
Sexual Health in Men
The spectrum of sexual health in men is a highly significant area and their wellbeing is often directly associated with how good or bad their sexual conditions are. Testosterone being the primary sex hormone in men drives their libido and acts in promoting pleasurable activities. Sexual health in men is often affected by psychological, physical, and interpersonal factors. Sex can be hailed as one of the biggest driving forces in both men and women’s bodies but it has its downsides too in the form of sexually transmitted diseases like STDs. Drugs and supplements that promise to eradicate various problems and induce better sexual health sometimes pose substantial risks in men. Overall, there are various areas in the spectrum of male sexual health than needs to be monitored.
Sex Enhancement Drugs
Long-term use of male sexual enhancement drugs like Viagra or Cialis can cause various side effects. It is better to consult a doctor before administering any drug just by seeing promising advertisements.
Erectile Dysfunction
Caused due to various reasons like age, stress, low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction is one of the commonest sexual health discrepancies in men.
Fertility
Production of healthy sperm is often hindered due to long-term consumption of drugs as side effects, drinking, smoking, etc.
Contraceptives
Contraceptives should be used not just to block pregnancy but also sometimes, to avoid sexually transmitted diseases as well. In men, contraception can be practiced through two resources; surgical vasectomy and the use of condoms. Condoms are an irreplaceable contraceptive method that stops STDs from spreading as well as hinder the flow of sperm into the vagina causing pregnancy. Vasectomies, on the other hand, are sterilization with less than 1% failure rate. Surgically driven, the procedure aims at blocking the pathway between urethra and testes and hence stops the flow of sperm from the testes. They are also reversible about 95% of times.
Health Tips
To live a longer life without risks, the following health tips will help in leading a life without these complexities.
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet
- Maintaining an ideal body weight
- Keeping alcohol consumption in control
- Giving up smoking habits
- Managing stress and depression
- Driving safe
- Avoiding STD contamination
- Practicing mentally-stimulating activities
- Regular check-ups and screenings
Drug Risks
Everyday drugs can often lead to health issues in men that sometimes pose substantial risks. The following are some of the most common drugs and their symptoms in men.
- IVC Filter- Migration, breakage
- Avastin- Heart attack, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal perforation, hemorrhage
- Crestor and Statins- Low cholesterol, strokes, heart attacks, Type 2 diabetes, kidney failure
- Beta Blockers and Diuretics- Erectile dysfunction
- Jalyn- High-grade prostate cancer
- Norvasc- Gynecomastia, acute blood pressure
- Prinivil- Decreased libido, liver damage
- Risperdal- Gynecomastia
Overall Verdict
The life and health of a man can be an ideal example of a fit and healthy body if minor changes are adopted in their everyday practices. From eating and sleeping well to exercising in moderation, avoiding risky drugs and paying regular visits to the doctor will ensure long-lasting wellbeing.
Tracy Everhart
Tracy Everhart is the Editor for Drug Law Journal. A highly-trained and certified medical professional, Tracy is also an accomplished medical writer. After spending years on the front lines of the medical profession, Tracy now devotes her expertise and skills to researching and reporting on new drugs and devices that enter the market, as well as their side-effects and the real-life stories involved. Prior to joining Drug Law Journal, Tracy wrote for benchmark online healthcare resources focused on families and, in particular, women’s health issues. Tracy holds post-graduate degrees from both the American College of Healthcare Sciences and the Yale School of Nursing. She is also a graduate of both Hampshire College, where she studied microbiology and the University of South Carolina school of nursing.