When it comes to medicine, not enough men are choosing to be safe rather than sorry.
Dr. David Shusterman, a board-certified urologist and founder of UroLongevity and Modern Urologist, said there are a handful of health issues men regularly ignore — and they may pay for it down the line.
“Ignoring symptoms is not toughness, it is delayed diagnosis,” he told The Post, noting that brushing off health problems is a big reason why men die younger than women. “Men fall behind when they ignore the early signals.”
These are the seven most important things he wishes patients paid more attention to.
1. Cardiovascular and vascular disease
Heart and vascular issues are some of “the biggest threats to men,” Shusterman said — in fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for American men.
But often, people don’t realize they have it until they suffer from a heart attack, arrhythmia or heart failure.
“High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and inflammation can damage arteries silently for years,” he said.
To avoid this, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Lowering stress, eating healthy foods and quitting smoking lower risk for heart disease.
2. Erectile dysfunction
“Men often treat ED as embarrassment instead of information,” Shusterman said.
Because many would rather avoid an awkward conversation, it can be tempting to get a Viagra prescription online without an in-person visit to the doctor. But, he urges: ED “deserves a medical workup, not just a quick prescription.”
Erectile dysfunction may be one of the earliest signs that vascular health is declining. When arteries are clogged, or blood pressure or cholesterol is too high, it can be hard for enough blood to flow to the penis.
Learning vascular health is declining can be life saving if a patient takes steps to improve their heart health. One in 4 male deaths are from heart disease.
ED can also point to diabetes, low testosterone, medication side effects, stress, alcohol, sleep apnea, or metabolic dysfunction, Shusterman said.
3. Prostate enlargement and urinary symptoms
Don’t dismiss urinary symptoms like a weak stream, frequent and urgent urination, and incomplete emptying as unavoidable aging. They could be a sign the prostate is enlarged or inflamed, blocking the tube carrying urine from the bladder.
There are many reasons the prostate could be puffing up, including bacterial infection, muscle tightness, and stress. Older men might deal with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is linked to hormonal changes.
Prostate issues of all kinds can be identified and addressed by a doctor.
“Untreated prostate enlargement can damage quality of life and, in some men, lead to retention, infections, bladder damage, or kidney problems,” Shusterman said.
4. Metabolic decline and abdominal weight gain
Dad bods could point to serious issues, from diabetes, to cardiovascular disease, inflammation, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea, Shusterman said.
Your midsection — and the rest of your body — will thank you for improving diet, exercising, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
5. Low testosterone and hormonal changes
Testosterone production decreases gradually as you age, causing a cascade of effects from low libido to fatigue and depressed mood.
Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, is a suitable treatment for some people — but it requires talking to a doctor and getting a proper examination.
“The mistake is either ignoring hormones completely or self-treating without medical supervision,” Shusterman said.
More people are on TRT than ever, as online scripts and delivery services flourish. But experts warn that without doctor oversight, you risk heart problems, acne and breast development.
6. Sleep apnea
Do you snore, sleep poorly and get tired during the day? Shusterman says this could be a sign of something major: sleep apnea.
Those initial symptoms can turn into irritability, anxiety and depression. Over time, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart issues including irregular heart beats, heart attack and stroke. It can also cause weight gain and low testosterone.
7. Cancer screening
Less a health issue than a health necessity that men aren’t prioritizing, regular screenings — especially for cancer — can be the difference between catching something early and facing a Stage 4 diagnosis.
“Men delay prostate, colon, skin and lung cancer screening when indicated,” Shusterman said. “Screening is not about fear. It is about finding disease early, when outcomes are better.
The doc previously lamented that men don’t put enough effort into preventative care.
“Men tend to practice reactive medicine. They wait until something is obviously wrong,” he said.
