Men's Health Problems:  Important Health issues Men fail to notice

Men's Health Problems: Important Health issues Men fail to notice

Men's health

The fact of healthy life is also co-related with healthy behavior. Do you know? Men seek to be less healthy than women and also have a very short life expectancy. Men are usually engaged in unhealthy behavior, they don’t seem to take preventive measures against health issues. So Men’s health is considered as a major concern, as they neglect health issues, ultimately leading to get trapped by deadliest diseases like prostate cancer, testicular cancer and finally a mentally weak condition of depression.


Prostate Cancer

About 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Cancer is referred to as uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells leading to metastasis. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. All prostate cancers are referred to as adenocarcinomas.


Signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer usually shows no signs at early stages, while during severe stages prostate cancers symptoms appear such as:

  • Urination problems, causing slow urine output or to urinate more often, mainly during night.
  • Urine containing blood or semen.
  • Erectile dysfunctioningoccurs
  • Pain is felt in the region of hips, back, chest, or another area.
  • Weakness and numbness in the legs or feet, there is a case where person lose control over bladder or bowel.

Testicular Cancer

Testicles are the major part of the male reproductive system.The scrotum hangs beneath the base of the penis. Cancer that caused in the testicles is referred to as testicular cancer.


Testicles Have 2 Main Functions:

  • They produce male hormones named as testosterone.
  • They produce sperm, the male cells responsible for fertilizing a female egg cell leading to pregnancy.

The testicles are composed of several types of cells, which develop into cancer.It is important to distinguishing this cancer because they differ in how they are treated and in their prognosis.


More than 95% are Germ cell tumors among which 90% are in Testis and 2-10% are Extra Gonadal.The 2 main types of germ cell tumors (GCTs) in men are • Seminomas • Non-seminomas.

1. Predisposing factors

2. Cryptorchidism

3. Positive family history

4. Positive personal history

5. Intratubular germ cell neoplasia


Clinical Features

1. Due to the Primary Tumor

a. Painless testicular lump.

b. The sensation of heaviness if size greater than 2-3 times.

c. Rarely dragging pain

d. Sudden pin and enlargement due to hemorrhage mimicking torsion.

e. History of trauma


2. Due to Metastasis

a. Abdominal or Lumbar pain

b. Dyspnea or hemoptysis and chest pain.


3. Clinical Examination

a. Enlarged testicles

b. Nodular testis

c. Loss of testicular sensation

d. General examination for metastasis


Laboratory Test:

1. CBC,LFT, RFT, LDH

2. Serum assay

3. Diagnostic radiology

  • scrotal ultra sound.
  • CT scan and X-ray.

Depression

Men seem to suffer from depression just as often as women, but they are less likely to ask for help.Depression is a disease which leads to a huge mental suffering. It is a major reason for people taking time off work. Many people who kill themselves die due to depression – so it is potentially fatal.Depression may be the final outcome of Genetical predisposition, Neurochemical imbalance and psychosocial stress or due to some chronic illness.


Signs of Depression

1. Low mood

2. Loss of interest

3. Lack of confidence

4. Disturbed sleep

5. Disturbed appetite

6. Sadness

7. Poor concentration

8. Hopelessness

9. Poor thinking ability


Types of Depression

  • Unipolar depression
  • Bipolar depression
  • Atypical depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Psychotic depression
  • Postpartum depression

What Causes Depression in Men?


Several Factors:

Primarily are Genes—family history of depression.


Brain chemistry and hormones—depression patient’s brain looks different on scans than those of people without depression. The hormones which control emotions and mood cause changes in brain chemistry.


Stress— youngsters usually suffer due to loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship or any stressful situation leading to trigger depression.

It is the combination of all these factors which in turn lead to depression.


Treatment for Depression

The first step to getting the right treatment is to visit a doctor.

Medications called antidepressants can be used to treat depression.


Men Ignore Health Problems

Health symptoms men shouldn’t ignore and should consult a doctor without being shy:-


1. Lump Formation On Testicle

If you notice a lump or abnormality in your testicles. Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but it is essential to have any abnormalities checked. This is because treatment for testicular cancer is much more effective if the cancer is diagnosed early.


2. Check Moles

Check your moles regularly and be aware of any change in colour or shape, or if they start bleeding.


3. Depressed Feeling

Depression is a real illness with destructive effects on your life.


4. Trouble in Urination

When the prostate is enlarged, it applies pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This can make trouble while urinating, which can be a sign of prostate cancer.


5. Impotence

Men face problems getting or keeping an erection at some point. Usually, by making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and exercise can correct this problem. Some may need medication such as sildenafil.


Symptoms of Colon Problems

Colon Problems Generally Include:

  • Colitis
  • Diverticulosis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colon bleeding
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Salmonellosis
  • Shigellosis
  • Travelers' diarrhea
  • Colon polyps
  • Colon cancer

Conclusion

As it is said Health is Wealth, Men’s health is important as they are the driving source of a family and plays a huge role in contributing to the development of nation, being healthy is essential for a healthy life so for that men should disclose their problems in front of the doctor and they will guide you with remedies and treatment. So call a urologist in your city and stay healthy.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad