Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 22nd May 2019

A multitude of issues like heart health, prostate cancer, mental health, and so much more adversely affect men. Young or old, there are health issues that men should be aware of, but there is a stigma surrounding men’s health that causes hesitation for guys to share what’s happening within themselves. Based on this culture, it’s no surprise that 60% of men don’t go to the doctor when they need to. This statistic is shocking when considering what it truly means and is in desperate need of change. Keep reading for more information on things all men should keep in mind for their health.

Young Men 

Many young men have the mentality that they are in the prime of their lives and invincible, but even some health problems associated with older men can begin to strike at a young age. For instance, issues like male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction can begin much sooner than some might expect. When we picture somebody that is experiencing hair loss, the first image that comes to mind is probably an older gentleman. However, 67% of noticeable hair loss cases begin before the age of 35. In terms of erectile dysfunction, 26% of new cases are diagnosed under the age of 40. While men try to cover up these issues, a simple discussion with their doctor about a prescription ED medication like Sildenafil or hair-thickening lifestyle changes can help solve the problem. Unlike male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer is an issue that is actually synonymous with young men. Did you know, testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men ages 15 to 44? The average age of diagnosis is just 33 years old. For this reason, it’s imperative that men begin doing monthly testicular self-exams during adolescence and continue doing so well into old age.

Older Men 

Health concerns like type II diabetes and heart disease can affect men at any age, but they are more common in older men. While there are genetic risks associated with these issues, lifestyle choices also play a tremendously important role. A healthy and balanced diet, paired with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of both of these conditions, as well as help prevent obesity. Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Lifestyle choices, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, can have serious adverse effects and put unnecessary strain on your heart. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can lead to consequences that can build up over time and become more severe. While you may feel the effects later in life, it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle at a young age in order to protect yourself in the long run.

All Men 

Something that can affect anybody at any age is mental health. Anxiety, depression and suicide knows no bounds of age, gender, race, or class. However, what’s staggering is that 7 in 10 suicide deaths are men. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in UK men under the age of 45. Although women actually attempt suicide at higher rates than men, studies have shown that men have more suicidal intent when attempting the act. With such a delicate and complicated issue, it can be difficult to fully understand the causes and dissect the reasoning. However, one thing that is clear is that discussions need to be had. The population as a whole needs to have a better understanding, and be willing to communicate these issues with a higher level of transparency. We need to build a community of support and encourage men and women alike to seek help. If you or someone you know is suffering, having open communication and seeking proper medical help are the first steps in treating mental health concerns.

We discuss hair loss and erectile dysfunction among others in this blog post on Everything You Need to Know About Men’s Health Awareness.