Understanding Men’s Health: Common Issues and Prevention Strategies
Blog Health News 18th November 2024 Enquiries & appointments
Common men’s health issues include prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, testicular cancer, and erectile dysfunction. These conditions can significantly impact quality of life, but early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.
Men’s health key statistics
- Prostate problems are very common and usually affect men over the age of 50.
- 1 in 3 men will suffer from prostate symptoms and 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer at some point during their life.
- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, with more than 45,000 new cases per year.
- Testicular cancer is most common in men in their 20s and 30s.
- Erectile dysfunction is very common, particularly in men over 40.
Prostate cancer symptoms
Early prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms which makes catching it early difficult. Prostate cancer can cause bothersome urinary symptoms including reduction in urinary flow, passing urine more frequently during the day or night and straining or difficulty when passing urine. Prostate issues can also cause blood in urine or semen.
Benign prostate enlargement
Benign prostate enlargement is also very common. Bothersome urinary symptoms are usually related to benign prostate enlargement rather than prostate cancer but anyone with bothersome urinary symptoms, blood in their urine, semen in their urine or a positive family history of prostate cancer should see a Urologist for further assessment.
Factors that increase the risk of prostate problems
- The main risk factors for developing prostate problems:
- Getting older
- Positive family history
- Ethnicity, more common in black men.
- Obesity
Prostate cancer is not clearly linked to any preventable cause. Recent research suggests there may be a link between obesity and prostate cancer. A balanced diet and regular exercise may lower your risk of developing prostate cancer however, research is still ongoing into the links between diet and prostate cancer. There is some evidence that a diet high in calcium is linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
How can men assess a prostate health checkup and what is involved
We recommend men regularly seek prostate assessments. Please see your GP or a urologist if you have bothersome urinary symptoms, blood in your urine, semen in your urine or a positive family history of prostate cancer.
Given how common prostate problems are for men over the age of 50 we encourage seeking a prostate assessment even without symptoms to ensure there are no concerns or issues.
The prostate assessment will usually start with a clinic review, that will include a rectal examination. Following that a PSA blood test will be taken. Irrespective of the PSA test results, more men are proceeding with an MRI prostate scan to assess the prostate in more detail. This is due to an MRI prostate scan being more reliable. If this shows any concerns then a prostate biopsy will be performed.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer accounts for 1% of all male cancers. It is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 50 but has very good curative outcomes if diagnosed and treated early. It is more common in men in their 20s and 30s but can occur in older men too. It is therefore very important that all men regularly self-examine their testicles. Risk factors for testicular cancer include family history and a previous undescended testicle.
The most common symptom is a lump or swelling in a testicle and a dull pain in the scrotum. Whilst there is not a preventable cause regular self-examination is very important to allow early diagnosis and cure. If any lumps or changes are identified it is very important to see a urologist or your GP urgently for further assessment.
This will normally involve an examination in the clinic and then likely an ultrasound scrotum scan.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is very common, particularly in men over 40. It is usually nothing to be concerned about but if it becomes a regular issue or is affecting quality of life then it is advisable to see a urologist or your GP.
Men with erectile dysfunction sometimes also have a low libido. It can be related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and hormone problems including low testosterone levels. Healthy lifestyle changes can help. These include stopping smoking, regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and losing weight if you are overweight. Alcohol consumption should also be limited.
It is important to see your GP or a urologist if erection problems keep happening as it may be a sign of an underlying health problem that can be treated. There are also several treatment options available to help achieve better erections including medicines, creams, pumps and injections.
Summary
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to increase chances of recovery. If there are any concerns, bothersome symptoms or if you just want an assessment for peace of mind then please come and see us in one of our clinics. We offer regular appointments at both KIMS hospital and Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
Article produced by:
KIMS Hospital & Sevenoaks Medical Centre