Men don't always prioritize visiting the doctor. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are only half as likely to visit a doctor in a two year period.

Some men visit the doctor for the first time to address health concerns.

The UPMC Men's Health Center provides a discreet and safe place for men to receive treatment in a relaxed environment. These are common conditions men don't want to discuss with their doctors.

Common health conditions in men

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the most frequent sexual problem reported by men, affects approximately 30,000,000 men. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 40% of men by the age of 40.

When a man experiences difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection, it is called ED.

ED can most often be caused by medical conditions, such as high cholesterol and uncontrolled blood pressure. ED is three times more common in men with diabetes. High sugar levels in the blood can cause a disruption in nerve function and blood vessels that lead to an erection.

ED can indicate other health issues, so anyone who is experiencing ED should consider it a warning sign. It's time to see a doctor if you haven't been seeing one or when your checkup is due.

Anxiety, stress, depression, and other psychological causes can all contribute to ED. It is possible to have an effect on your lifestyle by smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive alcohol.

Approximately 70% of men are able to tolerate oral ED medications. Generic versions of many of these medications are also available.

Men should be cautious when it comes to supplements. These substances may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may have side effects either alone or when combined with other medications. Talk to your doctor before you consider taking any supplements.

Ejaculation delayed or prematurely

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a premature ejaculation that occurs during sexual activity before you desire it.

In the United States, about 1 out of 3 men aged 18 to 59 years experience problems with PE. Sometimes, PE can also be experienced by men who have erectile dysfunction.

Although it isn't known what causes PE exactly, there are some possible explanations:

• Serotonin can be a chemical that is produced by the nerves. Low levels of it in your brain may cause ejaculation faster.

• Age may play a role in the length of erections that men experience as they get older.

• Psychological Factors like stress and depression may be contributing to PE.

There are many ways to get PE.

Topical agents such as numbing creams and numbing sprays may reduce sensation. They are usually low-risk and have few side effects. A doctor should monitor oral medicines and provide treatment. You can also use behavioral therapy.

However, if you have difficulty ejaculating following sex for more than 30 to 45 minutes, it could be delayed ejaculation.

Delayed ejaculation can be caused by psychological issues such as trauma.

• Semen cannot pass through blocked ducts.

• Nerve damage to the pelvis.

• Nervous system diseases such as stroke and nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.

• Taking certain drugs.

The treatment for delayed ejaculation could include medication adjustment or the taking of medicine for another condition. Psychological counseling may also be offered.

Low testosterone

Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is made in the testicles. It aids boys to develop facial and body hair, deep voices, and muscle mass in puberty. To make sperm, you need testosterone.

Low testosterone in men can cause the following symptoms:

• Depression.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Fatigue.

• Irritability.

• Low sex drive

• Lean muscle mass is reduced.

Low testosterone can be detected by a simple blood test. It may be a good idea to lose weight. If weight loss and exercise don't increase testosterone levels, then testosterone therapy (TT), may be necessary. There are many forms of testosterone therapy, including:

• Transdermally as a gel that's injected into the nostrils.

• Apply topically with creams, gels, liquids, or patches

• You can get injections weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

• Placing pellets under your skin on your hips or buttocks.

Infertility

According to the American Society for Reproductive Surgeons, about 40% of infertile couples are caused by men. These are the main causes of male infertility:

• Absence of ducts within reproductive organs.

• Lower sperm count and lower quality eggs are all factors that age.
  Sperm count, genetic abnormalities in the sperm, and erectile dysfunction.
  and any changes in the reproductive tissues, organs, or other aspects of reproduction.
  Prostate cancer can lead to problems in ejaculation.

• Blockage or imbalance of hormones

• Lifestyle factors include nutrition, weight, exercise, and stress.

• Testicular problems can affect sperm production.

If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year and have failed to achieve a pregnancy, it is time for both of you to visit a doctor.

Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's Disease, also known as penile curvature or penile curvature is a condition that results in scar tissue (plaque), developing under the skin. When a man has an epi, the plaque causes his penis to curve. This can make it difficult for a woman to have a good erection.

Peyronie's is more common in older men than in younger men. You should also consider the following risk factors:

• Peyronie's disease in the family.

• Prostate cancer history and surgery.

• Penis injury

• A connective tissue disorder or an autoimmune disorder.

• Erectile dysfunction or diabetes.

Based on your medical history, physical examination, and family history, a urologist will diagnose the condition. The treatment options include injections and oral medications.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hardened pieces of material that form in the kidney. They are most commonly made of calcium. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Most kidney stones disappear on their own. They can also cause problems in the urinary tract if they become trapped.

• It is intense pain.

• You can find blood in your urine

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Vomiting.

• Foul-smelling urine.

• Urinating can cause burning.

These symptoms indicate the need to seek medical attention.

Genetics, medicine, and diet can all lead to kidney stones. Keep your kidneys hydrated to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

The type of stone may dictate which medications and dietary changes that are needed to treat it. Other treatment options include shock waves or surgery.

A urologist can refer you to your primary care provider if you have kidney stones. To diagnose kidney stones, the urologist might use urine, blood, or imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or CT scan.

After prostate surgery, incontinence

The prostate surrounds the bladder. The prostate can be removed or treated with radiation. This can cause damage to the bladder's nerves, muscles, urethra, and sphincter. Urinary stress incontinence can result from this damage. This is when the bladder presses against the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause leakage.

Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can be helpful. Incontinence can improve in a few months after prostate surgery. Surgery may be required if incontinence continues.

There are many options for surgery:

• Artificial bladder sphincter in which a mechanical band is placed to close the bladder's exit.

• Urethral sling procedure that involves the implantation of a synthetic mesh tape to support your urethra.

Get checked

The internet can be a great resource for men's health and well-being, but you shouldn't rely on it alone. To get answers to your questions, talk to your provider.