Why is men’s health different?
The key differences between men’s and women’s health come down to reproductive organs and hormones.
Your health is governed, to a surprising degree, by your hormones, namely testosterone. This hormone, which is associated with the more male characteristics, oversees your:
- Libido, fertility, and sexual health
- Muscle mass
- Fat distribution
- Red blood cell production
- Bone mass
Outside of these metabolic processes, there are other physical and mental considerations that are unique to men, such as poor heart health and increased stress, which is why men’s healthcare is important.
What are the most common conditions that affect men?
The most common illnesses among men include:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Respiratory problems
- Depression and suicide
- Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS
- Certain cancers, such as prostate cancer
- Liver disease
There are many reasons why these conditions are more prevalent among men, from physical considerations to cultural influences. For example, the reason that liver disease is more common among men is because alcoholism is more common among men. Along the same lines, men are more at risk of certain conditions, such as heart attacks or depression, because of higher stress levels.
What services are offered under men’s health?
The team at Rochester Primary Care offers a number of services designed to cater to men’s health issues, including:
- Prostate screening
- Colon cancer screening
- Sexually transmitted infection testing
- Testosterone testing
The doctors encourage an annual physical so they can monitor your risk factors and take preventive actions, or intervene early.
During your annual physical, your doctor records your vital statistics in order to establish a year-over-year baseline of information, which helps them spot any troublesome trends. The doctors at Rochester Primary Care also perform an extensive physical evaluation and they discuss any concerns you have with your health.
Lastly, your doctor orders routine blood and urine samples, which give them a clearer picture of what’s going inside your body. For example, if they find that you have low testosterone levels, they can get you started on a hormone replacement therapy.
If you’re due for your annual men’s health physical, call now to get started. Or you can fill out the online form to set up an appointment.
