Don’t “man up” – 5 health symptoms men shouldn’t ignore

There is an unfortunate history of men being told to “man up” when feeling ill, injured or emotionally distressed. This can result in potentially serious symptoms going un-investigated, with men hesitant to get them checked as “it’s probably nothing” or “other people have it worse than me”. Here are five health conditions men shouldn’t ignore.

Know your balls!

Testicular cancer is unusual, as it most commonly affects younger men (aged 15 to 44). Every year, over 2,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK. For this reason, regular examination is recommended, so you’ll notice if anything changes. You don’t want to be in a position of noticing something different and wondering, “was that always there?”.

If you discover a lump or swelling in your testicles, or you can feel a heaviness or dull ache in your scrotum, arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but it is essential to have any abnormalities looked at. By detecting an issue early, you’d have a much higher chance of a positive outcome.

Check your pecs

Typically a concern for women, breast cancer can also affect men in some rare cases. If you weren’t expecting to see it on the list, that’s part of the problem! Symptoms that you should pay attention to include:

• A lump in the breast tissue – this would be hard, painless and fixed in place (not moving around)
• The nipple turning inwards
• Nipple discharge – oozing fluid from the nipple that may be streaked with blood
• The nipple might have a rash or sore that won’t go away
• The nipple or surrounding skin may become hard, red or swollen
• Small bumps may form in the armpit – these are swollen glands

While this is a rare condition in men, it is important to be aware of the symptoms. Consult your GP if you have any of them, or a family history of breast cancer (in men or women) and you’re concerned about your chances of getting it.

Depression is real

Mental health issues have become far less stigmatised, with a greater understanding of the various mental challenges we all endure. Despite this, the rate of suicide in men remains three times higher than in women. Yet relatively few men seek treatment. This might involve self-help, talking therapies, drugs, or a combination of these.

Depression can cause you to lose interest in the thing you once enjoyed. If you’ve been feeling extreme sadness, contact your GP. It is an absolutely real, legitimate illness, that can affect your work, social and family life.

While many people may experience depression during their lifetime, that doesn’t invalidate how you’re feeling. It can be caused by many things including financial stress, heartache, job insecurity or brain chemistry. Do not feel that you’re making a fuss, or that “other people have it worse”. You’re not alone, and there is support available – you do not need to be afraid of asking for it.

To pee or not to pee

Having trouble urinating can be incredibly frustrating. It is often the result of an enlarged prostate pressing on the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This may be a sign of prostate disease, including cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men in the UK. More than 30,000 men are diagnosed with it each year. Other symptoms include pain or a burning sensation as you pee, and frequently needing to go during the night. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your GP.

You should get to know your prostate gland, and what can go wrong with it. Every man has one, and it’s crucial to your sex life, so you’ll want to keep it healthy.

The big issue

Impotence is a subject that men are often uncomfortable talking about. If you find it a struggle to get or maintain an erection, it can feel like a threat to your masculinity or self-confidence. There can also be feelings of shame or guilt, especially if your partner isn’t supportive. They might take it as a personal slight, thinking it means you’re no longer attracted to them. This is not the case.

There are many causes for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), and it’s actually more common than you might think. Most men will experience impotence at some point in their life. If you have an issue that lasts several weeks, you should consult your GP. They will talk to you about your general health and lifestyle.? They may send you for a blood test to check for serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

A change of lifestyle is often a way to correct the problem, such as quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, losing weight, or exercising more. For some men, therapy may help if the problem is caused by stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Other men may require medication such as sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra).? This can be taken as and when needed, generally lasting for a period of four hours. Tadalafil is another medication, which can be taken as a daily dose and remains active in your system (but requires a prescription). It’s best to consult your GP before taking any new medications.