“MOVEMBER” – Men’s Health

“NO SHAVE NOVEMBER”

It is November and with it comes the mustaches and beards of “Movember” or “No Shave November.” This movement started in Australia has been trending in the U.S. to raise awareness for men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. The goal is to spread awareness about health issues and offer education and early detection for these men’s health conditions.

 

WHY DO WE NEED

Compared to women, men are less likely to seek care from their healthcare provider. According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, 60% of men don’t regularly see their doctor and 50% of men stated that their health is simply “something they don’t talk about.” 1 in 5 men admit that they haven’t been completely honest with their provider, either because of embarrassment or from not wanting to be told to change their diet or lifestyle. Erectile dysfunction, sexual infections and urinary problems are especially hard to discuss and often go unnoticed by healthcare providers.

 

 

WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE?

 

Why is this an issue? Because many of these difficult discussions can be symptoms of underlying health conditions such as prostate cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, or heart disease. Sexual health can be hard to discuss for any patient but is important to discuss with your provider as not all cancers occur with old age. In fact, the average age of testicular cancer is about 33 years old, with initial complaints of scrotal pain, fullness or enlargement. However, while not all symptoms are life-threatening, some can have a large impact on quality of life. One of the most common complaints from our male patients is erectile dysfunction, which is described in more detail below.

 

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Approximately 30 million men are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 men will experience ED at some point in their lifetime. ED is not as common in younger men but does increase significantly after the age of 40 years old. Causes of ED can be complicated and include both physical and psychological factors.

 

A lot of men come into our clinic with complaints of problems in the bedroom. Sexual health is important for a man’s mental and physical health and in maintaining health relationships. Common symptoms of ED include:

•                 Difficulty getting an erection
•                 Difficulty maintaining an erection
•                 Reduced interest in sexual activity
•                 Low self-esteem
•                 Anxiety related to sexual intercourse

 

Male patients experiencing symptoms of ED should understand that they are not alone and should NEVER feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss this with the providers at Sapphire Health and Wellness. Our providers are comfortable discussing ED with our male patients and offering them safe solutions to their concerns.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

If you have a male friend or family member who has not had an annual check-up, encourage them to schedule one! Some patients feel better having someone come along to their appointments as moral support. Offer to be that moral support for your loved one if needed!

At Sapphire Health and Wellness, we strive to always offer thorough and compassionate care to all our patients. We understand that some things are hard to discuss and are understanding of these sensitive topics. Patients can be confident that their privacy will be maintained, and their visit will be comfortable and discreet.

Call for an appointment (480) 219-7810