As a man, it’s important to take care of your health. This is especially important as you age. In fact, some health conditions you never thought you’d experience are happening at an earlier age for some of you. A common issue that men run into is erectile dysfunction or ED.
The truth is, many men avoid seeking medical care until it’s too late. However, prevention measures are better than seeking treatment. The next time you schedule a doctor’s appointment, here are some diseases you should inquire about.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading male killer. Depending on your lifestyle choices, you can encounter this condition sooner than later. Since your risk begins around age 45 and drastically increases every ten years, it’s best to make healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, eating a well-balanced diet, and keeping your stress levels at bay.
Diabetes
Did you know that men are more likely to get type 2 diabetes than women, even at a lower weight? Men naturally have more belly fat than women, leaving them more susceptible to developing this disease. Type 2 diabetes can even be genetic.
One of the best things you can do is maintain healthy body weight. If you find yourself putting on some extra pounds, incorporate some exercise into your wellness regimen. You can also take a prediabetes test to assess your potential risk.
It’s best to identify any signs of diabetes so that you are able to respond accordingly. Signs of diabetes can even be detected through eye exams. Some other signs of diabetes include constant thirst and hunger, exhaustion, and having to urinate often. If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, it is advised that you speak with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer can manifest in multiple different ways. Prostate cancer is commonly seen to affect male adults. The longer you allow cancer to go untreated, the more damage it could cause. Visit your doctor for regular checkups in order to spot any complications before they are able to cause irreparable damage. It is also important to find out if your family has a history of cancer. Because cancer is genetic, your chances of developing cancer are significantly higher if someone in your family had had cancer in the past. However, if you are able to identify issues early you can minimize health complications in the future.
Low Testosterone
Your testosterone levels play a key role in a number of your everyday bodily functions. For instance, testosterone produces and regulates your red blood cells, libido, and produces sperm. It also has jobs like distributing fat, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting a healthy bone mass. When you don’t produce enough, you can have trouble getting or maintaining an erection, which is medically known as erectile dysfunction. This problem can also be affected by a variety of different aspects, so it’s best to identify the cause as soon as possible.
Naturally, your testosterone levels begin to drop in your mid-30s. While you may not have any serious symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before they begin to impact your health.
Aging men have a myriad of health conditions that you should keep an eye out for. Rather than avoiding going to the doctor, do yourself a favor and regularly seek medical attention. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, speaking to a healthcare provider during checkups can help you make the lifestyle changes to stay healthier for longer. Of course, you should seek medical attention if you’re currently dealing with any of the previously mentioned conditions.
