Did you know that:
- Men are less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.
- Men are more likely than women to be hospitalised for congestive heart failure.
- Men are more likely than women to be hospitalised for long-term complications of diabetes and are more than twice as likely than women to have a leg or foot amputated due to complications related to diabetes.
- Men are more likely than women to be hospitalised for pneumonia.
- Men may also be affected by conditions that only affect men, such as male pattern hair loss, prostate cancer and low testosterone.
Men’s health in Singapore is often trivialised and glossed over. Many of the major health risks that men face – like colon cancer or heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis.
Men’s Health Issues
Specific Men’s Health:
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Loss of libido / sexual interest
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Erectile dysfunction
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Premature ejaculation
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Andropause or Testosterone deficiency – various forms of testosterone replacement are available
General Men’s Health:
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Hair loss – alopecia androgenetica
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Weight management
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Acne and other skin concerns
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Depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions
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Adult vaccinations (eg. Hepatitis A & B, HPV / genital warts, Pneumococcal )
Screening
These are some of the changes that can occur in the male reproductive system with age.
Andropause
Gradual aging changes in the male reproductive system such as testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur primarily in the testes. Testicular tissue mass decreases and the level of the male sex hormone testosterone may decrease and there may be problems with erectile function. However, this is a general slowing, rather than a complete lack of function.
Decrease in fertility
The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic (sclerosis). The testes continue to produce sperm, but the rate of sperm cell production slows. Fertility varies from man to man, and age is not a good predictor of male fertility. The volume of fluid ejaculated usually remains the same, but there are fewer living sperm in the fluid.
Problems with urinary function
The prostate gland enlarges with age as some of the prostate tissue is replaced with a scar-like tissue. This condition, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), affects about 50% of men. This may cause problems with slowed urination, as well as with ejaculation.
Decrease in the sex drive (libido)
May occur in some men. Sexual responses may become slower and less intense. This may be related to decreased testosterone level, but it may also result from psychological or social changes related to aging (such as the lack of a willing partner), illness, chronic conditions, or medications. Aging by itself does not prevent a man from being able to enjoy sexual relationships.
Common Men’s Health problems:
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Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or Impotence is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. May be a concern for aging men. It is normal for erections to occur less frequently than when a man was younger, and aging men often have less ability to experience repeated ejaculation. However, ED is most often the result of a medical or psychological problem rather than simple aging. Some medications (especially those used to treat hypertension and certain other conditions) can cause some men to be unable to develop or maintain enough of an erection for intercourse. Disorders such as diabetes can also cause ED. Erectile dysfunction that is caused by medications or illness can be successfully treated.
Premature ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation (PE) happens when a man has an orgasm sooner than he or his partner would like. Premature ejaculation can happen before or shortly after penetration. There is no set time for how long a man should “last” during sex. But when a man has an orgasm before he wants to, he loses his erection and can’t continue with intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be frustrating and embarrassing. You may feel you don’t have enough time to enjoy sex. You may have difficulty satisfying your partner. For some men, embarrassment about premature ejaculation can cause problems with intimacy and damage their relationships. Premature ejaculation is a common problem among men. About 30% to 40% of men have this problem at some time in their lives.
Low testosterone
A condition also known as hypogonadism. Testosterone is the most important sex hormone that men have. It is responsible for the typical male characteristics, such as facial, pubic, and body hair as well as muscle. This hormone also helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, and bone health. Low testosterone is more common in older men and in many cases, the cause is not known. Low testosterone can cause a drop in sex drive, poor erections, low sperm count and enlarged breasts. Over time, it may also cause a man to lose body hair, muscle bulk, and strength and to gain body fat. Chronic (long-term) low testosterone may also cause weak bones (osteoporosis), mood changes, less energy, and smaller testes.
Prostate Enlargement
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) may eventually interfere with urination. The enlarged prostate partially blocks the tube that drains the urinary bladder (urethra). Changes in the prostate gland make elderly men more likely to have urinary tract infections. Backup of urine into the kidneys may develop if the bladder is not fully drained. If this is not treated, it can eventually lead to kidney failure.
Prostatitis
Prostate gland infections or inflammation (prostatitis) may also occur.
Prostate/Bladder/Testicular Cancers
Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age. It is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death in men. Bladder cancer also becomes more common with age. Testicular cancers are possible, but these occur more often in younger men.