Men are the strong and silent types. They rarely show emotion, so when they get sick, we often think they’re just trying to be macho. But men have just as many health problems as women do — sometimes even more! So let’s talk about some of the most common illnesses affecting men today.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. It’s caused by a build-up of cholesterol in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This condition can lead to angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue if not treated. If you’re experiencing heart disease, talk to your doctor about getting a cholesterol test and a health assessment. This can help determine what lifestyle changes may be needed to keep your heart healthy.
The good news is that heart disease can be treated and managed effectively with lifestyle changes and medications. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of developing heart disease are crucial.
Cancer
You may think cancer is a disease that only affects women, but you’d be wrong. In fact, more than 200,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Most of these cancers occur in the prostate gland, lungs, or colon (the last two are often referred to as “pancreas” and “colon”). Other common types include breast and testicular cancers.
Men are at an increased risk of developing cancer, especially as they age. This is because men have more cells than women, which increases their chances of having a cell with a genetic mutation that can lead to cancer. Men are also exposed to more carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in their environment and through their occupations. Early detection is critical to survival rates, and men should be aware of cancer’s warning signs and symptoms. Many cancers are asymptomatic (have no symptoms), so men must visit their doctor regularly for screenings.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common health condition that affects men more often than women. In the U.S., about 9.3% of men have diabetes, compared to 7.4% of women. A person with diabetes has high blood sugar levels because their body cannot properly use glucose (sugar). The condition can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Diabetes affects almost 26 million people in the U.S., according to Diabetes Care — and that number is expected to rise as our population ages. The CDC says that one out of every three adults with diabetes does not even know it yet! A healthy diet is crucial to reducing your risk of diabetes, as is getting regular exercise. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Respiratory diseases
Men are more likely to develop respiratory diseases than women. Men’s most common respiratory illnesses include lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Men are more likely to die of these illnesses than women. Lung cancer is the most common type in men, with an estimated 224,000 cases diagnosed yearly.
The good news is that many of these diseases are preventable. For example, lung cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco use and getting annual screenings for lung cancer. Asthma can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes such as reducing allergens in the home environment. COPD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to manage symptoms and prevent complications (such as pneumonia).
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction isn’t something to be embarrassed about, as it’s not a sign of weakness or poor health. It’s also not a sign that something is wrong with your relationship. The condition is very common and can affect men of all ages, including those married and in long-term relationships. It can be caused by several factors, including stress and depression, low testosterone levels, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The condition can also occur due to other conditions that affect the nervous system or blood vessels, such as chronic kidney failure or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Treatments for erectile dysfunction can include drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), which are often used to treat erectile dysfunction. GAINSwave shockwave procedures can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction, particularly in patients who don’t respond well to medications. These, partnered with therapy, can be an excellent option for men who want to treat erectile dysfunction.
In Summary
So, there you have it—the top five most common illnesses in men and what you can do about them. Remember that when trying to manage any illness, the best thing to do is see your doctor as soon as possible. Many conditions can be treated with medications or surgeries if caught early enough. But if left untreated for too long, these illnesses could lead to more severe health problems later on down the line.
