Men’s health involves specific health conditions that directly affect the human male anatomy. Men’s health generally refers to specific structures such as male genitalia or to conditions caused by hormones.
Below are a few health conditions we assist at the clinic:
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a crucial health concern in the United States—it is the second leading cause of death in men, behind only lung cancer. It is rare to develop the disease before age 50, and researchers suspect that most elderly men have traces of it.
In 2013, approximately 238,590 cases were determined to be diagnosed in the United States, and around 29,700 would die from it.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut shaped gland that is located in the male anatomy, and takes part in the male reproductive system. It creates most of the semen that carries sperm. The prostate gland sits under the bladder and surrounds the upper region of the urethra, the tube that moves urine from the bladder.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is commonly a very slow growing cancer that typically has no signs or symptoms until it reaches the advanced stages. Most men with prostate cancer die of other causes, and might not even realize they even had prostate cancer. Once prostate cancer starts to spread quickly, it can be extremely dangerous.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Experts are not entirely sure what triggers prostate cancer, but diet plays a part. Men who eat a lot of fat from red meat are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in countries where meat and dairy products are often consumed than in countries where most of the diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables.
Experts suspect that hormones play a part in developing prostate cancer. Eating lots of fatty foods increases the amount of testosterone in the body, and testosterone speeds up the growth of prostate cancer.
Healthy Diet and Exercise Helps Prevent Prostate Cancer
A healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise is key to help prevent prostate cancer. Adding specific foods in your diet like tomato sauce, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, and reducing the amount of red meat you consume can help reduce the chances of prostate cancer.
BPH
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is known as an enlarged prostate gland. As the prostate gland starts to grow, it can squeeze or partially cut off the urethra, which causes troubles with urination.
What are the Symptoms of BPH?
Symptoms of BPH include trouble urinating, feeling like you have to urinate often, weak urine stream, and a sensation that your bladder is not completely empty after urination.
BPH does not lead to prostate cancer and does not affect erection complications or the reproductive system.
What Causes BPH?
Experts believe that BPH is a normal part of the aging process in men. Changes in hormone balance and cell growth play a part in BPH.
Avoid Certain Medications and Drinks
Certain drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can make your body try to get rid of water which can make you have to urinate more often.
Some medications can make urination more difficult, such as over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy pills.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual complications, or sexual dysfunctions, are problems during any segment of the sexual response cycle that stops the person or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four segments which include excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Although research suggests that sexual complications are very common, both men and women have difficulties talking about them with their partner and doctor. Luckily, a lot of cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to talk to both your partner and doctor if you have any concerns.
Libido Problems
One of the most common sexual complications in men are libido disorders, and there are many things that contribute to it which include:
- Erectile dysfunction – Although erectile dysfunction is not the same as loss of libido, it often can have a cause-and-effect situation. Constantly having to worry about erectile dysfunction can make you not want to engage in sexual activity as often as you want to.
- Stress and psychological conditions – Constant stressors at work, home, and self-esteem can make a huge impact on libido. If you are experiencing emotional or psychological problems, it can take a toll on your libido.
- Medical conditions – Many medical complications can interfere with libido including cancer, depression, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and more.
- Medications – Depression medications, tranquillizers, and blood pressure medications can inhibit desire.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have prostate cancer, BPH, or sexual dysfunctions, we can help. Our clinic can help improve overall health and well-being. We can help tailor a nutrition, exercise, or lifestyle plan that best suits you and give you the results you are looking for.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
