Men's Health

Men’s Health Concerns

 

Men's Screenings:

Screening Tests

Ages 18 - 39

General Health:
Full checkup, including weight and height

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Heart Health:
Blood pressure test

At least every 2 years

Cholesterol test

Start at age 20, discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Diabetes:
Blood sugar test

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Reproductive Health:
Testicular exam

Monthly self-exam; and part of a general checkup.

Chlamydia test

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) tests

Both partners should get tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.

Eye and Ear Health:
Eye exam

Get your eyes checked if you have problems or visual changes.

Hearing test

Starting at age 18, then every 10 years

Skin Health:
Mole exam

Monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every 3 years, starting at age 20.

Oral Health:
Dental exam

One to two times every year

Mental Health Screening

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Immunizations:
Influenza vaccine

Discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Once only

Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster vaccine

Every 10 years

 

Testicular cancer

Men should examine themselves regularly for testicular cancer beginning at age 15.

Warning signs for testicular cancer are:

  • one testicle may swell, or feel abnormally heavy
  • male breast may enlarge and feel tender
  • a sore that develops and does not heal
  • a small painless lump may develop on a testicle

 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Half of sexually active people will contract an STI by age 25. Men can transfer STI’s through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Effects of STI’s can cause serious medical conditions. It is important to get tested because many times STI’s do not have any symptoms.

Check with your doctor if you have:

A need to urinate often Burning while urinating

Drip or discharge from penis Sores, bumps, or blisters

 

Steroid use

Steroids may seem like a quick way to build that extra muscle or improve athletic performance. However, steroids have many physical and psychological side effects that are often irreversible.

These include:

  • Kidney damage Heart damage
  • Penis and testicles damage Infertility Ligaments and tendons damage Liver cancer
  • Depression Paranoia
  • Mood swings Aggressive behavior

 

Men Get Depressed Too

Men suffer from depression just as much as women but are less likely to ask for help. Men are more likely to commit suicide due to depression.

Signs of depression that may be prevalent in men are:

Irritability Sudden Anger/Aggression

Increased loss of control Greater risk taking