Are men truly scared to ask some questions when it comes to personal health?
Urology is a vital part of medicine most of us are still too ashamed to discuss.
Unfortunately, ignoring symptoms or starting treatments without a doctor’s recommendation has led to problems for many men over the years. There might also be those of us stressing about weird symptoms because we just choose not to tell anyone about them.
Today I say STOP.
Visiting a urologist every time you need is just as important as any other aspect regarding your physical health – and there’s nothing we should be embarrassed about.
Before you’re ready to take that step, though, there are a few vital things urologists really wish more men could know. Why?
Because those things can give you peace of mind. Because you deserve to know how to stay healthy. Because you should know when it’s truly time to ask for help.
Now, if you’re ready, let’s allow experts to answer some questions most men are just too afraid or ashamed to ask!
What do I do about erectile dysfunction?
This is probably one of the least discussed things when it comes to men’s health problems.
But if there’s one thing urologists want us to know is that almost every man experiences such weird problems at some point.
Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about – and sometimes it’s a signal that you should visit a specialist.
Either way, you should know that millions of men in our country go through erectile dysfunction, especially after 40.
According to Dr. Stacy Elliott, a Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, real problems begin when men start seeking help when it’s too late. In most cases, addressing erectile problems early on can help you get proper treatment (whether the cause it’s physical or psychological).
Does that magical pill really work?
Let’s be honest, every man is wondering whether that pill treatment or ‘natural libido booster’ advertised online or on late-night television is really working.
And everybody is tempted to try them at some point.
However, specialists say this decision could have a devastating impact. Sure, buying such drugs anonymously may spare you from the embarrassment of discussing your intimate problems with a specialist – but they can also cost you your health.
According to Dr. Elliott, ‘medical doctors are the only ones who can prescribe medicine designed for erection.’
Also note that any teas or beverages marketed as ‘miraculous’ cures for bedroom problems are only trying to get your money, as there’s no such thing.
I’m not in the mood – is that a problem?
Over the years, our society has somehow shaped the misconception that men should be in the mood for some bedroom action 24/7.
However, being ‘in the mood’ relies on some complicated science that includes biological factors such as hormone production and psychological factors.
Sometimes fluctuating testosterone levels can have a negative impact on your performance, in which case you’ll need medical investigations to discover the cause and treatment.
However, poor performance can also be the result of your lifestyle choices such as your diet, vices, and physical activity. Dr. Elliott also adds that mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression (which are concerningly common these days) can have a negative impact on a man that’s otherwise physically healthy.
Either way, opening up to a specialist about these concerns can help you find the solution that matches your problems.
Either way, you have to make sure you keep active as a senior as well! Here is our recommendation for some easy exercises to keep fit at home!
Will my vices really hurt my health?
Unless your vices are healthy eating and jogging daily, then yes – your health can cause serious damage to the reproductive system.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese can all take a toll on the blood vessels connecting the reproductive system to the rest of your body. When these vessels become affected due to extra fat or toxic substances, you may start experiencing problems in the bedroom including erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, your diet can have a major impact on your bedroom performance, as well as the urinary tract. Here are 10 dangerous food additives you really should avoid in order to stay strong and healthy in the long run.
Kegel exercises are for women only, right?
Kegel exercises are most often recommended to women, which makes many of us think they’re designed for ladies only.
As Dr. Elliott points out, though, Kegels can have a beneficial impact on men as well. In short, Kegels mean training your pubococcygeus (PC) muscles by stopping the flow of urine intentionally with each urination; strange as it may seem, this exercise can work wonders for both men and women.
Specialists found that this practice can also help to cure erectile dysfunction, so you kill two birds with one stone. Bonus benefit? You also get to have a better time in the bedroom!
Could it be a urinary tract infection?
Has every urination turned into a painful nightmare all of the sudden? Have you started taking more bathroom trips than before? Is there blood too?
Urinary tract infections are considerably more common in women than in men. That’s because women have shorter urethra than men, which makes it more likely for bacteria to enter the bladder.
However, this does not mean that men can’t experience the same diagnosis too!
Many urologists believe that, if men would be more aware of this type of infection, detecting infections early and getting proper treatment would make a huge difference in the healing process.
What if there’s blood in my urine?
If you notice a little blood in your urine after a random bathroom trip, it might not necessarily be a medical emergency. According to specialists, this may be the result of a tiny blood vessel that broke inside your urethra; this small problem can be fixed on its own without any intervention.
Of course, you should talk to your urologist about it just to rule out any other potential diagnosis.
If you constantly notice blood in your urine or if you see a large quantity of blood during one urination, it’s definitely time to call your doctor.
Dr. Elliott explains that blood in the urine can be the result of a bladder infection, kidney problem or even worse – an early symptom of bladder cancer. Regardless of how ashamed you may feel, this is not something you want to postpone.
Do lumps mean I have cancer?
During one of your usual self-checkups, you might have noticed a strange lump in the testicular area.
Now what?
First of all, here’s the good news: it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s cancer.
Secondly, you should still let your doctor know about any strange symptoms you notice in that area. This includes sudden swelling, pain, and sensitivity. Although it may be nothing, remember that prevention is always easier than treatment!
About 1 in every 250 men are statistically developing testicular cancer during their lifetime. However, the cure rate is over 95% especially if the disease is detected earlier, which is yet another reason to call your doctor as soon as possible and get regular checkups too!
Can I experience ‘menopause’ too?
Sudden lack of energy? Can’t shut your eyes at night? Have you suddenly gained extra weight?
Those symptoms may be caused by poor lifestyle choices – or they may be signs of andropause.
Unfortunately, women aren’t the only ones who can experience menopause; men can experience similar symptoms too and the medical term for the diagnosis is andropause.
In men, andropause happens when your male hormone levels change, such as decreased testosterone production, and it mostly appears after you turn 50. The most common symptoms are:
- Low energy and motivation
- Inability to focus
- Decreased libido
- Increased body fat
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fertility issues
If you notice this multitude of signs and you’re over 50, discussing them with a specialist can give you the proper diagnosis and treatment to start feeling better again.
Finding the right doctor
Not only is urology a very complex niche of medicine, but it’s also a tricky one due to patients’ reluctance in explaining their symptoms.
It doesn’t have to be that way for you.
And the first thing you should do to open up about your reproductive problems is to find a great doctor that matches your personality and mindset. Remember, you will be asked a series of intimate questions you have to answer honestly, so picking the right specialist is crucial!
According to Dr. Elliott, ‘some men prefer female doctors because there isn’t that competitive masculine thing. Other men don’t want to see a woman because they’re embarrassed.’
Many clinics are now offering virtual consultations too, which might make everything easier (and safer) for you.
Stay healthy, stay strong
Hopefully, this article helped you understand how your body works and when you should ring the alarm and call a specialist.
However, I want to further point out that most of your reproductive problems can be prevented or fixed by simply adopting a healthier lifestyle – and that’s what we’re all about here at Indulging Health.
Make sure you give your health a boost with these nutritious and healthy foods!