June is Men's Health Month, making it a great time for men to schedule preventive health checkups. Only three out of five men get an annual physical and more than 40% of men only go to the doctor when they have a serious medical condition.
'We'd like to see a change in those statistics," says James Hotaling, MD, a urologist and director of Men's Health at University of Utah Health. "The majority of health issues men face are more treatable and more manageable in the early stages."
"I encourage men to take control of their overall health, including their sexual health, which is frequently linked to other, sometimes serious, health issues.'
Checking every box on your health care list can seem overwhelming, especially if you're entering the stage of life in which you need to start screening for different possible health issues.
Where to Start
Embark on your journey to better health with a couple of easy steps:
- Find a primary health care provider if you don't already have one and schedule an appointment.
- Make small lifestyle changes.
- Start exercising regularly, if you don't already. Even a short walk once a day is a great start.
- Eat a healthy diet. If you aren't sure where to start, ask your provider for a referral to a registered dietitian, who can help you set realistic goals.
Do You Need a Men's Health Provider?
If you're experiencing any of the following conditions, consider scheduling an appointment with a men's health provider.
- Erectile Dysfunction: ED is very common, affecting the majority of older men. It can dramatically impair patients' quality of life, mental health, and relationships.
- Peyronie's Disease: This condition usually happens to older men. If you've got a bent penis, and it is affecting your ability to have an erection or to have sex, you shouldn't live with it. Several treatment options are available to straighten the penis, both surgical and non-surgical.
- Infertility: Men are the cause of infertility in a couple about 50 percent of the time.
- Low Testosterone: Testosterone can decrease as men age, starting at age 30. If you're feeling tired or like you've lost your edge, low T treatment could help you feel better.
- Testicular Pain: Many men have testicular pain at some point in their lives, but it's treatable. If you have aching or pain in your testicles, contact one of our men's health providers.
Men's health month is a great reason to think about what's important to you. Taking care of health issues may seem inconvenient, but it's more convenient now than it will be if you let them continue for longer! Don't be afraid to talk to a men's health provider.