Man, and Proud: Common health issues faced by Men

Introduction

Did you know that men also have a menopause-like condition? In addition, there are many other health issues unique to the male gender. Men even react differently to mental stress. And yet, there are very few clinics dedicated to male health.

Due to slightly different disease patterns and presentations, managing male health needs to differ. Men also require different treatment approaches. Regretfully, men are also much less likely to seek medical attention for their health issues than women. 

Therefore, in most nations, men are likely to die about 5-years earlier than women. But that is not all; due to poor treatment, they might also have to live with greater disability and pain.

So, below are some unique aspects of male health issues:

Andropause

Unlike menopause, it still remains a poorly recognized fact even in the medical world. Nevertheless, most men would go through it. However, unlike menopause, the age of its onset varies. Thus, some men living with hypogonadism (small testicles) may experience it even after their thirties, while most after their 50s.

It causes symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sexual dysfunction, a faster loss of muscular strength. It is caused by a more rapid fall in the levels of testosterone. Although it would happen in most men, symptoms are more severe in some.

Erectile dysfunction

It is a widespread problem that is finally being recognized. More fortunately, it is effectively treated with medications these days. Perhaps most men would have this issue after the age of 40, though very few would seek medical attention for the condition.

It is wrong to think that erectile dysfunction is caused by testosterone. Instead, it has more to do with vascular health and even mental stress. Thus, some drugs acting on blood vessels would help, and others would need treatment for anxiety or depression.

Mental health

Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health issues affecting many people. Women are more likely to get affected by this condition. However, men are less likely to seek medical attention. Men also react differently to mental stress.

Instead of seeking medical treatment using pharmacological and non-pharmacological means, men are more likely to start abusing substances. Thus, high alcohol consumption in many men maybe just a sign of depression. 

Even more importantly, men are more likely to commit suicide than women. The risk is 3 to 4 times greater. Mental disorders appear to be more harmful to men than women. However, only medical specialists understanding these gender differences can help in such conditions.

Heart disease

Men might be physically stronger, but not biologically. Therefore, they are more likely to develop heart health issues for various reasons. However, even the more significant cause of concern is the age of onset. In men, heart conditions start much earlier. It is not rare for men to have a severe heart attack in their 40s or 50s, but that is relatively rare for women.

Since risk factors for both genders differ, so a medical approach. Thus, a gender-specific and timely intervention may help considerably in many cases.

Diabetes

Women are metabolically stronger than men. As a result, men are almost 1.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Moreover, in men, its onset is earlier. Further, in men, diabetes may occur even without severe obesity. It also means that men are more likely to develop certain complications of diabetes over the long run.

All this means a bit different approach to managing diabetes in men. For example, men may need more intensive treatment, greater care for heart health, measures to prevent diabetes-related erectile dysfunction, and much more.

Different cancer risks

Men do have some breast tissues, and women have a prostate gland. However, the size of these glands differs considerably in both genders, and so does the role. Thus, women are more likely to develop breast cancer, but men are more likely to develop prostate and lung cancers.

Most cancers are symptomless in their early stages. Thus, only doctors specializing in men’s health may help identify the condition in its early stages.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are vital differences between the health issues faced by men and women. However, regretfully, men’s health is a relatively neglected topic with fewer clinics specializing in it.