Health Conditions Men Should Be Aware Of

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that men, on average, have a life expectancy around five years shorter than women. This is an indication that men should take their health seriously.

In this article, we will cover various health conditions that affect men, empowering them to understand the potential impact on their health and learn methods to maintain their well-being.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) makes it difficult for men to get or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. There are numerous and various causes, which may comprise of conditions that involve your blood vessels, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and injuries.

Risk factors for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is also a symptom associated with various disorders and medical conditions. Following are risk factors for erectile dysfunction:

• Prostate problems
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypogonadism in association with several endocrinologic conditions
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Vascular disease and vascular surgery
• High levels of blood cholesterol
• Low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
• Chronic sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia)
• Neurogenic disorders
• Depression
• Alcohol use
• Renal failure and dialysis
• Smoking, which exacerbates the effects of other risk factors, such as vascular disease and hypertension

It appears that age seems to be a solid indirect risk factor that is related to the increased probability of direct risk factors, some of which are stated above.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include constant:

• Difficulty getting an erection.
• Difficulty keeping an erection.
• Lowered sexual desire.

Treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

After the first step of identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction, your doctor will help determine the best treatment option for you.

Here are the following treatment options that you can take, some of which you can start on your own by making some lifestyle changes.

• Minimum 45 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity three times a week may help those with mild ED. Some examples of cardiovascular exercises may involve brisk walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, and jumping rope.
• Quitting smoking can lead to the improvement of mild ED after several months. 
• Medications designed to enhance blood flow to the penis:
• Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that enhances blood flow by using sound waves.
• Vacuum constriction device (penis pump).
• Testosterone replacement therapy.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that is non-cancerous. Men over 50 years of age are more prone to this common urological disorder. 

Risk factors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The following are some of the risk factors that increase the risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):

• Aging: Risks of having an enlarged prostate and its related symptoms will increase once you reach your 40s, in comparison to individuals younger than the age of 40.
• Family history: The possibility of you having problems with your prostate is higher if you have a blood relative with prostate issues. 
• Diabetes and heart disease: According to studies, diabetes and heart disease might increase the risk of having BPH.
• Lifestyle: Obesity raises the risk of developing BPH, but exercising can help lower the risk.

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

• It is possible that you may have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) if you are showing any of these symptoms:
• Needing more pressure and straining to begin urinating.
• Difficulty in starting and maintaining a steady urine stream.
• Your bladder does not feel completely empty after urination.
• Suddenly being unable to urinate (acute retention of urine).
• Feeling the sudden urge to urinate.
• Urinating more often, especially at night.
• Urine leakage.
• Finding blood in urine.

Treatment options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

• Rezum Vapour Therapy: A secure and established natural alternative treatment to surgery. It uses convective steam therapy to eliminate obstructive prostate tissues. The amount of water vapour is tailored to the size of the prostate.
• Drug treatment: This includes two expansive categories of medication, i.e., drugs that relax the prostate to alleviate the blockage of the bladder opening, or drugs that inhibit the production of the male hormone (dht) which is implicated in prostate enlargement.
• Laser vaporisation: This treatment is designed for patients with smaller prostate glands, involving the delivery of laser energy, through the urethra to the prostate gland to eliminate enlarged prostate tissues.
• Surgical treatment: The enlarged parts of the prostate that are pressing against the urethra are removed surgically.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, which is a small gland with a walnut-like form that is a part of the male reproductive system. It is more prevalent among men, especially those above the age of 50.

Risk factors for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is more likely to occur in individuals with the following risk factors:

• Older age
• Family history: Relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer or breast cancer, inherited breast cancer genes – BRCA1, BRCA2
• Obesity

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Men with early prostate cancer typically exhibit no symptoms. However, more advanced stages of prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as:

• Difficulty urinating.
• Urinary hesitancy (weak flow of urine, difficulty maintaining a stream).
• Frequent urination.
• Blood in the urine (haematuria).
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Blood in the semen.
• Pain when ejaculating.
• Bone pain.

Treatment options for prostate cancer

The course of treatment for prostate cancer is determined by the rate of spread and growth of cancer as well as the patient’s general health and preferences.

• Surgery: Radical prostatectomy is a surgical treatment that removes the prostate using laparoscopic, robotic, or traditional open surgery.
• Radiation therapy: External beam radiation therapy directly delivers powerful X-ray beams to the tumour from the outside of the body. Brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds to deliver radiation internally, killing cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue around them.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy inhibits the body's production of testosterone. By suppressing the production of testosterone, the growth of cancer cells is inhibited. Hormone medications such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists can stop the body from producing testosterone.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy delivers medications intravenously, orally (as a tablet), or both, to kill cancer cells. This may be employed as a treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

Prostate cancer is highly treatable. Therefore, early detection of prostate cancer is essential for better results. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams can both be used to diagnose prostate cancer early. However, it should be noted that these tests may not be completely accurate as several factors could influence the outcomes.

Therefore, it is advisable for men at average or high risk to discuss the possibility of prostate cancer screening with their doctors.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, which begins in the testicles typically affects males between the ages of 15 and 40. However, men can develop testicular cancer at any age.

Testicular cancer usually occurs when malignant tumours, which contain cancerous cells, develop in the tissues of a testicle. These cells grow uncontrollably and can spread all around the body via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Risk factors for testicular cancer

Men who are at risk for being diagnosed with testicular cancer include:

• Having a family history of testicular cancer.
• Having an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism).
• Having abnormal testicle development through conditions like Klinefelter syndrome.
• Personal history of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

The following are symptoms that can be attributed to testicular cancer:

• A lump in either the scrotum or testicle.
• A sudden or abrupt build-up of fluid in the scrotum.
• Swelling of the scrotum or testicle.
• A feeling of sudden heaviness in the scrotum.
• Pain in the scrotum or testicle.
• A shrinking testicle.
• Dull aches in the groin area or lower abdomen.
• Tenderness in the breast tissue.
• A difference in appearance between the testicles.

If you feel the presence of a lump, it is advisable to see a doctor to rule out cancerous growth at the earliest stage. Visit a doctor also if there is any pain or swelling present in the testicles or groin area.

Treatment options for testicular cancer

The course of treatment for testicular cancer is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as the patient’s health and preferences. Testicular cancer treatment options include:

• Radical inguinal orchiectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of the testicle with the tumour may be used for the treatment of both seminomas and non-seminomas.
• Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): This form of surgery involves the removal of the lymph nodes and large blood vessels behind the abdomen.
• Radiation therapy: High doses of radiation are utilised to destroy the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Employs certain drugs (e.g., bleomycin, cisplatin, and etoposide) to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is beneficial for seminomas and non-seminomas.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases impacting your heart and blood vessels. One or various parts of your heart and/or blood vessels can be impacted by cardiovascular disease. An individual may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all).

Heart or blood vessel problems are categorised under cardiovascular diseases, including:

• Narrowing of the blood vessels in your heart, other organs, or throughout your body.
• Heart and blood vessel problems detected at birth.
• Heart valves that are not functioning properly.
• Irregular heart rhythms.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

These are some of the risk factors that increase your risk of getting cardiovascular disease:

• Diabetes mellitus is a common condition when you have exceedingly high blood sugar. 
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, does not show any symptoms and can be dangerous if left untreated.
• Hypercholesterolaemia, more commonly known as high cholesterol, is when there is too much fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. 
• Overweight and obesity are described as an abnormal or excessive buildup of fat that poses health risks.

Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can differ depending on the cause. Older adults and females may have more subtle symptoms. However, the chances of them getting serious cardiovascular disease are still there.

Listed below are the symptoms if you have heart issues or blocked blood vessels throughout your body.

Symptoms of heart issues

• Chest pain (angina).
• The feeling of chest pressure, heaviness, or discomfort, which individuals sometimes describe as a "belt around the chest" or a "weight on the chest."
• Shortness of breath (dyspnoea).
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Fatigue or exhaustion.

Symptoms of blockages in blood vessels throughout your body

• Pain or cramps in your legs while walking.
• Leg sores that are not healing.
• Cool or red skin on your legs.
• Swelling in your legs.
• Numbness in your face or a limb. You will probably experience this on only one side of your body.
• Having difficulties in talking, seeing, or walking.

Treatment options for cardiovascular diseases

There are various treatment options depending on your symptoms and what cardiovascular disease you have. Cardiovascular disease treatments may include:

• Lifestyle changes: A diet change, increasing your aerobic activity, and stopping smoking or tobacco products (including vaping) are some examples of this.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage and control cardiovascular disease. The prescribed medicine you receive depends on the kind of cardiovascular disease you have.
• Procedures or surgeries: If medication proves insufficient, your doctor may suggest procedures or even surgeries to treat your cardiovascular disease. Stents in your heart or leg arteries, minimally invasive heart surgery, open-heart surgery, ablations, or cardioversion are some procedures and surgeries that may be recommended.
• Cardiac rehabilitation: A monitored exercise programme may help in strengthening your heart.
• Active surveillance: Without any medications or procedures/surgeries, you may need to be carefully monitored over time. 

Mental Health

Mental health incorporates our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all affected by it. How we manage stress, relate to people, and make healthy decisions are determined with the help of our mental health. 

Mental disorders affect both men and women. Although the occurrence of several mental disorders is less common in men compared to women, there are some disorders that are diagnosed at similar rates for both men and women or at higher rates for men, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the likelihood of men passing away by suicide is higher than women. This is why men’s mental health is important and should not be neglected.

Risk factors for mental health

A study has discussed several risk factors that may result in men’s declining mental health, although there are other potential factors that could affect men’s mental health as well. 

• Occupational and employment issues: Unemployment can act as a chronic stressor, while sudden job loss or redundancy can act as an acute stressor. A few studies have indicated that unemployment impacts men’s mental well-being more in comparison to women.
• Family issues and divorce: Family represents another significant part of men’s lives in which they hold important purpose and meaning in their lives. There is evidence that suggests both divorce and romantic breakups pose strong risk factors for mental illness and suicide in men. 
• Adverse childhood experience: Childhood abuse is prevalent among boys and girls; however, some types of abuse are more common in boys than girls (and vice versa), such as physical abuse. There is a higher likelihood for abused boys to show a series of behaviours that may be harder to classify psychiatrically. For example: delinquency, disruptive behaviours, school dropout, binge drinking, and risk-taking. These behaviours are typically associated with character issues instead of mental health issues, resulting in a punitive rather than a psychiatric approach.
• Other life transitions: As mentioned earlier, undergoing divorce and experiencing unemployment are two huge risk factors that increase the risk of mental health issues in men. Many men struggle to adjust to a new reality after these transitions. There is evidence that indicates other life transitions can increase the risk of mental illness in both men and women. Bereavement and the onset of disabilities are the included well-researched transitions.

Management of mental health

It is normal to experience feelings of fear, sadness, and helplessness tied to your mental health. However, you have the power to look after your mental health and well-being. Here are some ways you can refer to take care of and manage your mental health:

• Talk to someone you trust: Talking to a loved one, or someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help. Being able to open up about what you are going through with someone who cares about you may make you feel better. You can stay in contact with your loved ones virtually through phone and video calling, or texting, if you live far away from them.
• Look after your physical health: Your mental health and well-being will improve if you take care of your physical health. Take 30 minutes of your time every day to stay active by either going on a run, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or gardening. A balanced and healthy diet, and sufficient rest are essential for a healthy body and mind.
• Do activities that you enjoy: It is important to continuously engage yourself in activities that you find meaningful and spark joy, like preparing meals for yourself or your loved ones, spending time with your pets, strolling in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Establishing a consistent routine with activities that spark joy can help you maintain good mental health.
• Steer away from harmful substances: Never use harmful substances such as drugs, kava, alcohol, or tobacco to manage what you are feeling. Although you may feel better temporarily after using them, constant substance abuse can make you feel worse over the long term. These dangerous substances can harm you and people around you with diseases or injuries.
• Seek professional help: If you feel overwhelmed with the stress that you are facing, do seek professional help by calling your local mental health helpline or contacting your counsellor or doctor. Remember you are not alone, and there are ways you can take to support your emotional well-being.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

At Pantai Hospitals, we offer a wide range of health screening programs catered to each individual, depending on their health status and needs. The team of healthcare professionals are here to assist and recommend or tailor a screening package to suit your age, gender, family, and medical history.

For appointments, please contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.