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Just as even the best cars need maintenance, men need regular care and checkups to keep their bodies working smoothly. Particularly in areas like the reproductive system and heart, guys can face health risks unique to their gender. But, by paying attention to medical tune-ups, men can help ensure a lifetime of wellness \u2013 including good physical, mental, and sexual performance.<\/p>\n
Start With Primary Care<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n All men should have a primary care physician to oversee basic health needs. Even healthy men should have regular primary-care visits to catch any problems early \u2013 every two years if under 40, annually after that.<\/p>\n \u201cThe conversation between doctor and patient is often the most important part of the routine visit,\u201d says Daniel J. Hyman, DO, Head of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Cooper University Health Care.<\/p>\n \u201cWe discuss what\u2019s bothering them \u2013 whether its knee pain, heart symptoms, obesity, sexual difficulties, or some other concerns,\u201d says Dr. Hyman. \u201cI can then start helping them address these issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Your primary care physician also will steer you to important preventive services. These include\u00a0screening tests for common conditions \u2013 from diabetes to heart disease to colon cancer \u2013 and vaccines that prevent\u00a0<\/strong>dangerous illnesses, like the flu, pneumonia and tetanus.<\/p>\n If a problem is found, your doctor may order more tests, start you on a treatment plan, or refer you to a specialist. The exact course will depend on the issue and the level of care needed.<\/p>\n Two of the most common types of specialists seen by men are urologists, who deal with the male reproductive system and urinary tract, and cardiologists, who address issues related to the heart and blood vessels.<\/p>\n Protect Sexual and Urinary Health<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Men can face a variety of urologic issues, including:<\/p>\n Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have several possible causes, which may be linked to other health issues.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very important for men with ED to get tested for any potential underlying problems,\u201d says Allen D. Seftel, MD, Head of Cooper\u2019s Division of Urology. \u201cThe earlier we catch conditions like diabetes and heart disease, the better we can protect men\u2019s health.\u201d<\/p>\n In men under 40, for instance, ED is often triggered by diabetes, which can damage the nerves and blood vessels that enable erections. Other causes can include Peyronie\u2019s disease \u2013 a curve in the penis that typically results from injury. In older men, notes Dr. Seftel, ED can be a sign of clogged blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.<\/p>\n If a man has ED, he should first see his primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation. If any heart-related results appear abnormal, he may be referred to a cardiologist for more testing or treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cLow testosterone, which can naturally start around age 40, may also cause ED. In such cases, a healthier lifestyle can work wonders,\u201d says Dr. Seftel, \u201cLosing excess weight, exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet, and quitting smoking can reverse some ED and low testosterone.\u201d Drugs, such as Viagra and Cialis, can also help men with ED.<\/p>\n Low testosterone can have other effects, too, including loss of strength, energy, and sex drive. Men must weigh the risks and benefits of treatment, which involves taking replacement hormones.<\/p>\n \u201cIt depends on what the man wants and how much his symptoms bother him,\u201d says Dr. Seftel.<\/p>\n An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is also a normal part of men\u2019s aging process. As the prostate expands, it can cause urination and bladder problems.<\/p>\n If a man has BPH symptoms \u2013 such as a weak urine stream or waking at night to urinate \u2013 he should be tested to rule out a urinary tract infection, kidney or bladder stones, or prostate cancer.<\/p>\n As with low testosterone, whether to treat BPH is usually a matter of personal preference. However, in men with BPH and ED, a low daily dose of Cialis often is effective to treat both conditions. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle may help stave off BPH.<\/p>\n Prostatitis, an infection of the prostate, becomes more likely as men age. It\u2019s important to treat it early \u2013 typically with antibiotics \u2013 before it worsens or causes other health problems.<\/p>\n Prostate cancer, the second most common form of cancer among men, can often be treated successfully. However, screening is controversial, and men should discuss the pros and cons with their doctor.<\/p>\n If a man chooses to be screened, he should start regular prostate- specific antigen (PSA) blood tests at age 50; earlier for African-Americans and those with a close relative who had prostate cancer.<\/p>\n If a man has an elevated PSA level, he may require further testing. A new type of prostate biopsy technology, MRI-targeted fusion biopsy, is helping doctors more accurately find prostate cancer. The Cooper Urologic Institute is one of just a few area centers to offer this breakthrough.<\/p>\n Safeguard Your Heart<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Heart disease is the No. 1 killer, causing one in every four male\u00a0deaths \u2013 including many with no previous symptoms. The good news is that men can protect their heart health by taking these steps:<\/p>\n\n