Men’s Health and the Doctor’s Visit

Men like Bill,* a patient in his 50s, often come to the doctor for just a few reasons: a checkup at their wife’s request, a colonoscopy, or a prescription for erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra. But what many men don’t realize is that a regular doctor visit is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Why Men Avoid the Doctor

There are a few reasons why men might avoid going to the doctor. Some see it as a sign of weakness, while others worry about the cost. But putting off these visits can be dangerous.

Building Trust and Addressing Concerns

The first step in any doctor visit is building rapport with your doctor. This means feeling comfortable talking about your health concerns, including procedures, tests, and anything else that might be on your mind.

Let’s address some of the common concerns men have:

• Rectal exams and colonoscopies: While not mandatory for everyone, these procedures can be lifesaving in detecting cancer. Screening starts at age 40-50 based on family history.
• Prostate cancer screening: This is recommended for some men based on risk factors like family history, race and age.

The Power of 3: Connected Health

Your doctor’s visit is an opportunity to discuss the connection between three important aspects of men’s health:

• Vascular health: This refers to the health of your blood vessels, which are essential for good circulation throughout your body, including your sexual organs.
• Mental health: Mental health plays a major role in your overall health, feelings of well-being, and in your relationships. Issues like stress, anxiety, and depression can have a direct effect on your health and on your sex life.
• Sexual health: Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be a sign of underlying health and vascular problems.

Viagra Isn’t the Only Answer

When a man asks for Viagra, a doctor’s responsibility is to assess his overall health. This includes checking cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart health. The doctor might also ask about exercise habits, mental health, and relationships.

Men’s Health: Early Detection is Key

Regular checkups allow for early detection of potential health problems. For men between 18 and 35, factors affecting health are predominantly due to avoidable conditions: accidents, suicides and homicides; which can result from alcohol, substance use disorder, or other poor choices. The incidence of vascular diseases and cancers are affecting men at earlier ages in this century leading to recommendations for disease screenings at earlier ages.

This is why following up with your doctor is crucial.

The Power of 5: Lifestyle Changes for Better Health

There are five key lifestyle changes that can significantly improve a man’s overall health:

1. Diet: Focus on a plant-based diet with less fat and sugar. At the very least, introduce some plant-based meals into your diet.
2. Exercise: Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
3. Stress management: Techniques like meditation can help manage stress.
4. Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep is essential for good health. If you snore, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea.
5. Relationships: Strong social connections have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.