Your Comprehensive Guide to Male Health Checks
Like with many people, you may view your health as an afterthought, instead allowing yourself to be distracted by the busy schedule that is your daily life. However, regardless of whether you experience any particular symptoms or not, you should always prioritise regular health check-ups – especially the further you get into adulthood.
There are many issues that may affect (biological) males, in particular, that are important to check for, from prostate to testicular issues. Keep reading as we discuss some of the health issues that are likely to affect males, how these are tested for and why this is important.
Health Issues Likely to Affect Males
Whilst there are health issues that can affect both males and females, there are some issues that are more likely to affect males, along with some issues that will only affect males (and transgender women). As such, it’s important that these are tested for.
Prostate Issues
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that is responsible for producing the fluid that mixes with sperm from the testes in order to produce semen. It is approximately the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder and behind the rectum.
Prostate problems are common in many males – particularly those over 50. Not only can the prostate become enlarged with age (something known as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH), but there are also several issues that may cause it to become enlarged.
These may include:
- Raised PSA (prostate-specific antigen) – PSA is a protein that’s produced in the prostate gland, with elevated levels being a sign of potential prostate issues
- Prostate cancer – this is the most common cancer found in men in the UK, causing over 10,000 deaths per year.
- Prostatitis – this refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be serious and see you requiring urgent medical help
Testicular Cancer
Whilst this type of cancer is considered to be more rare, it’s the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15-45.
Symptoms may include:
- Lumps on either testicle
- Pain or heaviness in the scrotum
- Aches in the groin or lower abdomen
- Swollen testicles
- Changes in appearance or size of the testicles
It’s important to check your testes once a month for any of the above symptoms. You can do this by taking each testicle between your thumb and forefinger and gently rolling it between them, which will help you to feel for irregularities.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele refers to a fluid-filled sac that can form in the scrotum, resulting in swelling. Whilst this is mostly common in babies (often disappearing within their first year), it can occur at any age.
There are various factors that may cause a hydrocele, including:
- Injury to the testicles
- A testicle infection
- Previous operation in the groin area
- The result of another health condition
Hydroceles are usually painless and will often disappear without the need for treatment, however they can, in some cases, grow bigger – causing pain, discomfort and swelling. If this is the case, then treatment may be required in order to drain the fluid-filled sac.
Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction as it’s commonly known, is when you have difficulty maintaining an erection. This condition is incredibly common, affecting thousands of individuals each year, however isn’t widely discussed by those who suffer from it due to shame, embarrassment and social stigma.
Erectile dysfunction is not something to be ashamed of. As we’ve mentioned, it’s an incredibly common condition, with there being multiple factors that may cause it – both psychological and physical.
There are also some neurological health conditions that may cause impotence, including Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.
In the majority of cases, erectile dysfunction symptoms are only temporary and easy to overcome with treatment of medication.
Infertility
Whilst infertility is often associated with women, it’s an issue that can equally affect men. There are many different potential causes to infertility in males.
These can include:
- Poor quality semen – this could be due to a lack of sperm (low sperm count), sperm not moving properly or abnormally-shaped sperm
- Damaged testicles – this may be due to a congenital defect, an infection, testicular cancer or injury to the testicles
- Ejaculation disorders
- Hypogonadism – this is when you have abnormally low levels of testosterone, which is the hormone involved with making sperm
There are certain types of medicines and drugs that may also impact fertility, including:
- Sulfasalazine (an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Anabolic steroids
- Chemotherapy
- Herbal remedies (some may affect sperm production or testical size)
- Illegal drugs (including cocaine or marijuana)
Inguinal Hernias
Hernias occur when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak spot in a muscle or surrounding tissue wall, often causing a lump to occur with little to no symptoms, although they can occasionally be painful. They most commonly happen anywhere between the chest and the hips and can often be pushed back.
Inguinal hernias refer to hernias that specifically occur in the groin area or upper thigh (when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pokes through) and, whilst they can affect both males and females, more commonly affect males. This is the most common type of hernia and tends to be associated with ageing and repeated strain on the tummy.
How to Check for These Issues
Testicular Ultrasound Scan
A testicular ultrasound scan is a non-invasive scan of the testes using ultrasound technology, providing images of the testicles, scrotum and any nearby nerves and blood vessels. This type of scan can be used to evaluate the testes, epididymis, scrotal sac and blood supply.
The results of an ultrasound scan can help doctors to determine any issues with the testicles, such as infertility issues, and can be a good indicator of whether or not cancer is present – although the only way to be certain of this is through a biopsy (if your doctor believes cancer may be present, then they will advise you on the next steps to take).
Hernia Ultrasound Scan
A hernia ultrasound scan includes a comprehensive evaluation of the groin, inguinal canal or anterior abdominal wall, and adjacent structures to diagnose suspected hernia or other diseases. Again, using ultrasound technology means this is a non-invasive scan and is ideal for those who are suffering from pain, discomfort or a burning sensation and bulging in an area where a hernia is likely to occur.
Prostate Screening
Due to the number of issues that may be present within the prostate, it’s highly recommended to have regular prostate screening.
This can include a prostate ultrasound and a blood test. The ultrasound can be used to check for any prostate abnormalities or enlargement, whilst a blood test can be used to check for elevated levels of PSA.
The results of such tests can then give your doctor a better idea of your prostate health.
Why are These Health Checks Important?
Detect Silent Issues
Whilst it makes sense to see a doctor when you’re experiencing any kind of symptoms, it’s easy to not consider having a health check-up when you have no symptoms to worry about. However, there are a number of health issues that can easily develop with little to no symptoms developing.
For example, health checks may detect potential fertility issues or early stages of cancer, thus allowing for early intervention.
Reduced Stress
If you’re concerned about your health as you age, or are experiencing unexplained symptoms, then a health check can help to alleviate your concerns and reduce any anxiety you have surrounding your health.
You will either find that you have no major concerns to worry about, or will find out about any issues and will receive professional advice on how to manage/treat these moving forwards. This can help to relieve your stress, as you will have a transparent overview of your health.
Prevention Over Cure
With many health conditions, it’s oftentimes the case that they are easier to manage sooner rather than later. By identifying any issues whilst they’re still in their early stages, or identifying any issues that you may be at risk of, then your doctor can advise you on how to manage these or the steps to take in order to stop said issues from becoming worse.
This is preferable over not undertaking regular health checks, since issues are often harder to treat once they are already established and tend to be more dangerous in their later stages, also.
Arrange a Health Check with a Private Doctor
If you feel that now is the time to prioritise your health, then look to us here at London Private Ultrasound. We offer various health screenings for disease detection, including our Men’s Health Check package and our Men’s Health Check Premium package.
Our detailed and professional health check-ups are designed to offer you a reliable overview of your health, with a comprehensive GP consultation included in our packages.
Book online today, or get in touch with us to speak with a member of our team – we’re always ready to assist you!