Men’s Health Tips: 6 Common Health Problems & Ways To Prevent Them

• Men have a lower life expectancy than women on average. They are also less likely to regularly visit a healthcare provider. 
• Multiple health conditions only impact men or disproportionately affect men, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and heart disease. 
• Fortunately, there are steps men can take to live longer, healthier, and happier lives, including annual regular checkups with a healthcare provider, eating a healthy diet, and not being afraid to speak up when they experience symptoms. 

On average, an adult man’s life expectancy is 6.5 years less than that of a woman. While this is commonly believed to be due to biological differences, there are also cultural norms and individual behaviors that influence this trend. Men, for example, are less likely to see a doctor regularly and often feel more shame around their physical or mental health symptoms. 

While this shame often stems from societal stigmas on what it means to be masculine, there are personal measures and healthy habits men can adopt to improve their health. Continue reading to learn more about common health conditions impacting men, recent research on men’s health today, and how to empower men to take charge of their overall well-being and stay healthy. 

There are many reasons why men have a lower life expectancy—some are out of men’s control, such as certain cancers and a higher likelihood of other major health risks, and others can be influenced by everyday decisions and health choices. 

Men, for example, are more likely to make riskier decisions and to procrastinate on doctor’s appointments when they experience symptoms. They’re also less likely to schedule and attend annual checkups with doctors, meaning they aren’t receiving the same level of preventative care as women. In one study, 61% of men surveyed did not attend regular health checkups. 

Even when it comes to conditions that impact both men and women, such as COPD or heart disease, many men are at a disadvantage. They are more likely to die from a chronic disease.

Men’s health is a hot topic, but what health issues impact men the most? Below is a list of six health conditions that are either unique to men or impact men and women differently. 

1: Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This umbrella term covers multiple acute (short-term) conditions, like a heart attack, and chronic conditions, such as chronic atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease. 

Often, heart disease is silent, meaning men don’t realize they have it until a major cardiovascular event, such as heart failure. To help catch heart diseases earlier, men can pay attention to risk factors, such as:

• A diet high in ultra-processed foods
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• High alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity or being overweight
• Smoking 

If men have one or more of the risk factors above, they can bring up these factors in an appointment with a primary care provider. Discussing risk factors can help healthcare professionals monitor the potential development of a cardiovascular condition and recommend heart disease prevention measures, as well as other ways to improve heart health. When necessary, they can refer a patient to a cardiologist for further screening tests.

2: Cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality among men. Cancer is a broad category, but two types that specifically impact men are prostate and testicular cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer is found in cells in the prostate, a gland that produces semen. Not only is prostate cancer quite common, it also progresses slowly and can spread to other parts of the body, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Prostate cancer can be tricky to catch. It begins with subtle signs like difficulty urinating and may slowly progress to painful ejaculation and back or pelvic pain—symptoms similar to those associated with an enlarged prostate or other prostate conditions. As a result, men over 55 should get regular prostate cancer screenings. Men who have a family history, meaning an immediate family member (i.e. a brother or father) who had prostate cancer, or had two extended family members (i.e. cousins or uncles) should start annual screenings earlier, usually between 40 and 54.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects men. It develops in the tissue of one or both testicles. Symptoms include a painless lump in one or both testicles, an ache in the belly or groin, and changes in how the testicles feel. Most men who get testicular cancer are between 15 and 45 years old. 

Fortunately, testicular cancer has a 90% cure rate. However, despite the high cure rate, men should regularly check for testicular cancer and seek prompt treatment if they notice any changes. Treatment is required to cure testicular cancer, and it starts with a prompt diagnosis and regular screenings. During an annual physical exam, a healthcare provider will examine the testicles. Men can also perform a testicular self-exam once a month to detect any changes.

3: Urinary Incontinence 

Urinary incontinence occurs when someone is physically unable to control urination. It can impact men or women and is more common as we age since the urinary muscles weaken, lowering one’s ability to hold in urination. Urinary incontinence in men is often caused by a problem in the prostate, such as:

• Prostatitis: inflammation in the prostate
• Surgery: prostate surgery can cause damage to the nerves or muscles in the prostate
• Enlarged prostate: when the prostate grows larger, typically due to the aging process, but sometimes due to a medical condition

If diagnosed with urinary incontinence, a multi-pronged treatment approach often works best. To treat urinary incontinence, a doctor may recommend medication, surgery, bladder control training, and healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. 

4: Diabetes

Men are slightly more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. While Type 2 diabetes impacts men and women similarly, there are a few side effects and complications specific to men:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED): men with diabetes develop ED at a three times higher rate.
• Retrograde ejaculation: when semen is ejected into the bladder instead of outward.
• Bladder changes: including urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder.
• Low testosterone: men with type 2 diabetes often have lower testosterone levels, which may lead to a reduced sex drive, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as a stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and the need to amputate limbs. As a result, it’s important to seek out treatment for Type 2 diabetes. 

5: Injuries

Injuries are the third leading cause of death for men. Whether in the workplace or at home, men are more likely to experience injuries than women. To reduce their risk, men can take the following steps:

• Practice safe and alert driving.
• Advocate for safe working practices, especially if working a job that’s physically demanding or involves chemicals.
• Reduce the risk of at-home accidents, such as adding railings to stairs or installing a seat in the shower if it’s difficult to stand for long periods of time.
• Follow safety guidelines for construction projects, whether they are recreational or for work. 

6: Mental Health

While mental health conditions like anxiety and depression impact women more than men, men with these conditions are less likely to seek help. They’re also more likely to commit suicide, according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Researchers are also starting to understand that mental health conditions manifest differently in men and women, and men are more likely to experience:

• Anger
• Isolation
• Stigma and shame about their mental health struggles/​mental illness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Engaging in high-risk activities

Men are also more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including drugs and alcohol, which often worsen any existing mental health conditions. Societal stigmas and the perception that having a mental health condition is a sign of weakness can delay care, increase the likelihood of men coping in unhealthy ways, and cause men to feel lonely. 

Seeking help from a mental health professional or practicing self-care techniques like breathwork and meditation can significantly improve mental well-being and help with managing stress.

Making time for regular social activities can also support mental health and combat loneliness. Being social doesn’t have to mean attending a party or a community bingo night; it can be as simple as calling a friend or talking to someone new at the grocery store. 

If you are working on your mental health, know you have support— both from your community and free resources. Some of the most useful mental health resources include:

• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• 988 Lifeline
• FindTreatment.gov
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Veteran Resources

The six conditions above are not completely preventable, but lifestyle factors influence the risk of developing them (and how effective treatment is). There are many ways men can take charge of their mental and physical health, including the six ideas below.

1: Exercise

Regular exercise offers many health benefits for men, including improved erectile function, better mental health, more energy, and a lower risk of heart disease. In older men, the loss of muscle mass can be a concern, so incorporating physical activity and fitness into your daily routine is important for building muscle.

According to the physical activity guidelines recommended by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, adults should strive for two strength training sessions a week, as well as 150 minutes of light or moderate aerobic activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as CrossFit or running). 

If that recommendation sounds overwhelming, start by adding more movement to your everyday fitness routine. This may look like:

• Attending a once-a-week strength training class at a local gym
• Going for a walk after eating
• Parking further out so the walk to stores, work, and other places is longer
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator

2: Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

An individual’s diet influences their risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions, like diabetes or obesity. For heart disease specifically, it’s best to avoid foods high in cholesterol, added sugar, salt, or that are overly processed. 

Instead, choose heart-healthy foods, including:

• Leafy greens and other vegetables
• Oily fish, like tuna and salmon
• Fruits, such as apples, oranges, and bananas
• Whole grains, like quinoa and brown rice
• Healthy oils, such as sunflower oil or olive oil

Diets such as the Mediterranean diet are rich in all the above foods and have been shown to lower cardiovascular disease risk, support weight management and loss, and lower blood pressure, among other benefits.

3: Don’t Smoke or Quit Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for many health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. If someone doesn’t smoke, they shouldn’t start. For current smokers, the best time to quit is the present.

But quitting is often easier said than done. To help, the CDC has developed free resources for those looking to quit, including a quiz that will create a personalized quitting plan. A healthcare provider is another great resource during an individual’s quitting journey. 

4: Avoid Drinking Excessively

Men drink more often than women and are more likely to binge drink. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, as health issues stem from drinking more than recommended (two drinks or less a day for men). These health issues include a greater risk for many chronic conditions, such as heart disease and liver disease. Drinking too much alcohol also negatively impacts someone’s mental health, increases the risk for cognitive problems like dementia, and is associated with an increased risk of injury.

Those struggling with excessive drinking aren’t alone. Government organizations like the CDC have compiled strategies to reduce drinking, and nonprofit groups like Alcoholics Anonymous create safe, free spaces to unpack someone’s relationship with alcohol. 

5: Visit a Healthcare Provider Regularly

One of the main reasons men are less likely to be diagnosed and receive treatment for chronic conditions promptly is that they are less likely to schedule preventive check-ups with a healthcare provider. These regular visits should occur annually, at a minimum. These appointments are also important for when you experience changes as you age, including changes in sexual function, worsening physical or mental health symptoms, unusual bowel or urinary symptoms, etc. During a check-up, a healthcare provider can provide health promotion strategies and answer any questions you have. 

If someone doesn’t already have a healthcare provider, they should look for one that meets their personal health needs, is covered by their insurance, and is located nearby. 

6: Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential to overall health for everyone, including men. Lack of quality sleep has been linked to worse health outcomes, and for men, this can include erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Ideally, adults should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. To learn more about improving your sleep hygiene, visit this resource.