Men's Health

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that makes fluid for semen. It surrounds the urethra, so prostate problems affect urination.

Common conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate with age), causing frequent/difficult urination; prostatitis (inflammation, often with pain).

Prostate cancer is common in older men. Screening with PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams is controversial—discuss risks/benefits with your doctor. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment.

Testicular cancer is rare but most common in men 15–35. Self-exams monthly (warm bath, feel for lumps, hardness, size changes) help catch early changes.

Infertility affects ~1 in 8 couples. Common causes: low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology (often preventable with healthy lifestyle). Varicoceles (enlarged veins) and infections are treatable.

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency: sudden severe pain requires immediate surgery to prevent loss of the testicle.

ED (difficulty getting or maintaining erection) affects many men, especially with age, diabetes, heart disease, or smoking.

Causes: vascular (blood flow), hormonal (low testosterone), neurological (nerve damage), or psychological (stress, anxiety).

Management: lifestyle (exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction); medications (sildenafil/Viagra, tadalafil/Cialis); therapy for psychological causes; treating underlying conditions (diabetes, high BP). Open communication with your partner and doctor is crucial.

Testosterone declines ~1% per year after age 30. Low levels cause fatigue, low mood, reduced sex drive, muscle loss, and body fat gain.

Diagnosis: requires blood tests (morning testosterone is more accurate).

Management: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT—patches, gels, injections, pellets) works well for many, but carries risks (prostate monitoring, blood clots) and isn't suitable for everyone. Lifestyle (exercise, weight loss, sleep) helps naturally.

Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) affects ~2 in 3 men by age 50. It's driven by genetics and the hormone DHT.

Treatment options: minoxidil (Rogaine—topical, slows loss and regrows some hair); finasteride (Propecia—oral, blocks DHT, works better); hair transplants for advanced loss.

Both medications require ongoing use; results vary. Early treatment is more effective. Discuss options with a dermatologist.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men. Risk factors: high BP, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, family history.

Prevention: regular checkups (BP, cholesterol screening at 35–40+); exercise (150 min moderate/week); healthy diet (Mediterranean, DASH); maintain healthy weight; manage stress; don't smoke; moderate alcohol.

Warning signs: chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, jaw/arm pain. Seek emergency care immediately.

Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early. Screening typically starts at age 45–50 (earlier if family history).

Options: colonoscopy (best), fecal immunochemical test (FIT—annual), CT colonography (5-yearly), or stool DNA test.

Colorectal polyps are often precancerous and removable during colonoscopy. Risk factors: age, family/personal history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, obesity.