Men’s Health 101

June is Men’s Health Month and a great time to recognize some health challenges men face. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), males in the U.S. can expect to live five years less, on average, than females born in the same year.

Men may have shorter life expectancies because they don’t seek healthcare like women. The National Institute for Health says over 60% of men don’t see their physician for regular visits. Skipping routine physicals and screenings could be bad for your health. Preventive care is designed to keep you healthy by catching conditions early when treatment is most effective.

How Do Men and Women's Health Needs Differ?

Regardless of your gender, some health recommendations remain true. Everyone should eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, and have routine check-ups with their doctor. But just as regular gynecological care is essential for a woman’s health, men should be proactive about screenings for diseases and conditions that are specific to their gender.

The most common issues that affect men include:

• Heart disease
• Hernia
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects men. One out of eight men will be diagnosed with the disease. In many cases, prostate cancer is very treatable.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces the seminal fluid that transports sperm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

"There are usually no symptoms with prostate cancer, so screening is vital because early detection provides the greatest chance for cure," says Doylestown Health urologist Steven Flashner, MD.

Advanced prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as:

• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Decreased stream of urine
• Erectile dysfunction
• Trouble urinating
• Unexplained weight loss

Learn More about Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

The testicles are in the scrotum and produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Testicular cancer occurs when there is a growth of cells that begins in the testicles. It is not a common form of cancer but is generally seen in males between the ages of 15-35.

Testicular cancer symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
• Heaviness in the scrotum
• Lump or enlargement in either testicle or groin area
• Swelling in the scrotum

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially if caught early. Men should see their doctor if they find a lump in their groin to determine whether they need further screening. A doctor may order an ultrasound or blood tests.

Hernia

A hernia most often occurs in your abdomen or groin when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Women can get hernias. However, certain types of hernias, such as an inguinal hernia, are more common in men. Inguinal hernias are in the groin.

Inguinal hernias account for 75% of all hernias. Risk factors for inguinal hernias include:

• Chronic cough
• Family history
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Strenuous labor

In some cases, you may not have any symptoms associated with an inguinal hernia. Symptoms may also vary depending on activity. The most common inguinal hernia symptoms include:

• Burning or pinching in your groin and down your leg
• Bulge in your groin on either side of pubic bone
• Pain in your groin
• Pressure in your groin

Most hernias are not life-threatening, but can be painful and do not go away on their own. Doylestown Health’s highly skilled surgeons offer minimally invasive robotic technology to repair hernias.

"Hernia surgeries can be open, laparoscopic or robotic. We tailor the approach to the patient, considering the hernia's size and location and the patient's medical and surgical history," says Doylestown Health General Surgeon and medical director of Doylestown Health’s Minimally-Invasive Surgery Program Brian Pellini, MD.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It’s important to know your heart disease risk factors and how to prevent the condition.

"Age, gender and family history of premature heart disease are risk factors that you cannot control" says James Hansen, DO, interventional cardiologist with Doylestown Health. "Men tend to develop heart disease about 10 years earlier than women.  It’s important for men to know their modifiable risk factors and address them earlier in life."

Risk factors that can be modified include:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

The cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at Doylestown Health are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of heart conditions. They offer state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care to both men and women.

Symptoms of a heart attack may differ among males and females. Men are more likely to have what are considered traditional heart attack symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain, including squeezing and pressure
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Learn More about Doylestown Health’s Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care

Men: Awareness Is the Key

Knowing your risk factors for common diseases is the first step to becoming healthier. It’s also important to visit your doctor and follow through on all recommended tests and screenings. Many health conditions that affect men are very treatable if caught early or can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle.

Contributing Caregivers

Steven Flashner, MD is a board certified urologist at Doylestown Health. He provides a wide range of services.

Brian Pellini, MD, is the medical director of minimally invasive surgery at Doylestown Health. He is a board certified general surgery who is fellowship trained in robotic surgery.

James Hansen, DO, is an interventional cardiologist with Doylestown Health.