Many men tend to ignore significant health issues, a tendency that can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes, according to Dr. David Shusterman, a board-certified urologist.
"Ignoring symptoms is not toughness, it is delayed diagnosis," Shusterman told The Post. He explained that this pattern contributes to men dying younger than women, as they often overlook early warning signals.
Cardiovascular and Vascular Disease
Cardiovascular and vascular diseases are among the most significant threats to men's health, with heart disease being the leading cause of death for American men. These conditions often go unnoticed until a critical event occurs, such as a heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure. Factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and inflammation can silently damage arteries over years. Shusterman advises that a healthy lifestyle, including stress reduction, a balanced diet, and smoking cessation, is crucial for mitigating these risks.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently treated with embarrassment rather than as a critical health indicator. Men may opt for online prescriptions without a doctor's visit to avoid awkward conversations. However, Shusterman stresses that ED warrants a medical evaluation. It can be an early sign of declining vascular health, as clogged arteries or issues with blood pressure and cholesterol can impede blood flow. Addressing ED can prompt necessary steps to improve overall heart health, as one in four male deaths are linked to heart disease. ED can also signal other underlying conditions such as diabetes, low testosterone, medication side effects, stress, alcohol use, sleep apnea, or metabolic dysfunction.
Prostate Issues and Urinary Symptoms
Urinary symptoms like a weak stream, frequent urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying should not be dismissed as normal aging. These can indicate an enlarged or inflamed prostate, which obstructs the urethra. Causes range from bacterial infections and muscle tension to stress and benign prostatic hyperplasia in older men, often linked to hormonal changes. Shusterman emphasizes that a doctor can diagnose and treat these conditions, preventing potential damage to quality of life, urinary retention, infections, bladder issues, or kidney problems.
Metabolic Decline and Abdominal Weight Gain
A growing midsection, often referred to as a "dad bod," can be indicative of serious health issues. These can include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea. Shusterman suggests that improving diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can benefit both weight management and overall health.
Low Testosterone and Hormonal Changes
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, potentially leading to reduced libido, fatigue, and mood disturbances. While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be a suitable treatment for some, it requires a proper medical examination and supervision. Shusterman warns against ignoring hormonal changes or attempting self-treatment without medical guidance, as unsupervised TRT can lead to adverse effects like heart problems, acne, and breast development.
Sleep Apnea
Symptoms such as snoring, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue may signal sleep apnea. Left untreated, this condition can result in irritability, anxiety, and depression. Over time, it increases the risk of heart problems, including irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and stroke, and can also contribute to weight gain and low testosterone.
Cancer Screening
Prioritizing regular cancer screenings is a health necessity that many men neglect. Early detection through screenings for prostate, colon, skin, and lung cancers can significantly improve treatment outcomes. "Screening is not about fear," Shusterman stated. "It is about finding disease early, when outcomes are better."