Some information specific to men’s health

Studies reveal that men are less concerned about taking care of their health than women. Compared to women, men die earlier and are at higher risk for suicide, accidents, violence, and drug and alcohol problems. Some diseases are also more common in men than in women. Men have penises, prostates, testicles and other anatomical parts that can pose a threat to their health and well-being. The social drive to be masculine affects the psyche of men in a variety of ways, which also has an impact on health. Men are clearly at threat for some health problems, yet they are less likely to visit a physician or to think of a health problem as serious enough to seek medical attention. This is changing as men are encouraging each other to be active in managing their health. To complement the general information presented in other chapters of this publication, here is some information specific to men’s health .

Testicular cancer Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged 15-34. This type of cancer is 40 times more likely to occur in men whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum or did so after the age of 6. This type of cancer is usually found by men themselves, and it is very curable if caught early. The best way to protect you is to do a monthly testicular self-exam and to have your physician check for testicular abnormalities during an annual physical exam.

Erectile dysfunction

Among the various sexually related problems a man can face, erectile dysfunction is arguably the most traumatic. Too many men, their ability to perform sexually is an integral part of their self-image, and to not be able to perform in this domain is an insult to their “manhood”. It is estimated that erectile dysfunction regularly affects 34% of men in Canada and that less than 10% of them seek treatment. Of course, since the approval of the anti-impotence drug Viagra by Health Canada, the number of men seeking treatment has greatly increased, but many still do not seek help.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, younger men are also affected. It is reported that 50 to 80% of erectile dysfunction is related to physical causes, but many of those with physical causes also experience psychological effects, which further intensify the problem. Many physical causes of erectile dysfunction have been identified. They include: disruptions in blood flow in the penis (such as that caused by the narrowing of blood vessels, also known as atherosclerosis); nerve damage; decreased or low testosterone levels; diabetes; alcoholism; liver or kidney failure; multiple sclerosis; and stroke. Many prescription medications such as antidepressants, tranquillizers and high blood pressure medication, can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Men who smoke are at a greater threat of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological reasons. One of these factors is how a person feels about sex. If a man is nervous about sex, has had bad experiences with sex or a previous bout of erectile dysfunction, these can affect his ability to achieve a sufficient erection.

Premature ejaculation

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection can be very distressing for a man, but so can premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates too quickly during sex with a partner, leaving the partner sexually dissatisfied. This can happen to a man at any age, but it is more common in younger men. Unlike erectile dysfunction, where there is often an underlying physical problem, there is nothing wrong with the anatomy of a man who experiences premature ejaculation. Treating premature ejaculation involves gaining control over the ejaculatory process. Performance enhancers

Caffeine

The claims made about caffeine suggest that it can improve endurance by helping the body burn fat and save carbohydrates for later. Several small studies show that caffeine can allow athletes to exercise longer. However, other studies have found little or no benefit. It has not been proven that caffeine helps burn fat.

Antioxidants (such as vitamin E and vitamin C)

The claims about antioxidants say that they limit damage done by free radicals that are released from vigorous exercise. Some studies indicate that large doses of some antioxidants may protect against damage caused by free radicals.

Amino acids

Those marketing amino acids claim that they can boost muscle growth and strength, since amino acids are the building blocks of proteins from which muscle is composed. The scientific evidence that amino acids can be any more effective than proteins in food is very weak.

Creatine

Creatine is produced in the body and replenishes compounds necessary to supply energy. Those promoting creatine supplements indicate that it will boost the amount of available adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which in turn supplies energy and allows for better performance.

Androstenedione

Androstenedione is another relatively new supplement on the market. There has been little study on its protection. It claims to boost testosterone levels in blood and, therefore, can help build muscle.

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