Men do not have the same relationship with doctors as women. They are less likely to consult a doctor when they experience medical problems and most do not even have a regular source of health care.

There are various reasons for the above male attitude. Some men are embarrassed to discuss their bodies with somebody else. Male machismo is also to be blamed. Men and boys are programmed to be tough, brave and independent. Seeing a doctor is considered to be weak.

Experts believe the reluctance of men to address their medical needs can be one reason why women live longer, and why men are more likely to get and eventually die of serious diseases. It is important that men realise that regularly scheduled medical care is a big part of the prevention of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Symptoms men should never ignore

    • A lump on your testicle: Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 35. Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but it is essential to have any abnormalities checked. This is because treatment for testicular cancer is much more effective if the cancer is diagnosed early.
    • Moles: Check moles regularly and be aware of any change in colour or shape, or if they start bleeding. Most changes are harmless and are due to a non-cancerous increase of pigment cells in the skin.
    • Feeling depressed: Depression is a real illness with real effects on work, social and family life. Treatment usually involves a combination of self-help, talking therapies and medication.
    • Trouble urinating: When the prostate is enlarged, it can press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder, making it hard to pass urine. This may be a sign of prostate disease, including cancer. (Other symptoms include pain or burning when you pass urine and frequently waking up in the night to urinate.)
    • Chest pain: This could indicate heart (heart attack or angina), lung (pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism or asthma) or stomach (acid reflux or a stomach ulcer) problems.
    • Fatigue: Although this might be a normal response to circumstances such as stress, physical exertion, or lack of sleep, it can also be a symptom of a more serious physical or psychological health condition.

Manual for regular checking

Based on your individual health conditions, your doctor will determine which tests you should have, and how often to have them, but in general the medical exams suggested below will help keep you a “finely-tuned machine” throughout your life.

In your 20s and 30s

    • Annual physical exam including blood pressure and height/weight check
    • Screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams
    • Cholesterol testing every five years.

In your 40s

    • Annual physical exam including blood pressure and height/weight check
    • Screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams
    • Cholesterol testing every fivde years
    • Screening for prostate cancer
    • Diabetes screening every three years when over the age of 45
    • Vision examination.

In your 50s

    • Annual physical exam including blood pressure and height/weight check
    • Screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams
    • Cholesterol testing every five years
    • Annual screening for Type II diabetes
    • Screening for lipid disorders, prostate and colon cancer
    • Annual electrocardiogram
    • Vision and hearing examinations.

In your 60s and up

    • Annual physical exam including blood pressure and height/weight check
    • Screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams
    • Screening for prostate cancer, osteoporosis and lipid disorders
    • Annual electrocardiogram
    • Discuss with your physician screening for coronary heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery ultrasound screening
    • Vision and hearing examinations
    • Continue colorectal screening based upon previous studies and results
    • Screening for depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Sources
Dodging the doctor – are you man or mouse?
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/
Men and Doctors: Understanding the Disconnect
http://www.everydayhealth.com/
Top 5: Reasons Why Men Don’t Go To The Doctor
http://au.askmen.com/
6 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
http://health.yahoo.net/
Check-Ups Every Guy Needs
http://www.mensfitness.com
Watch Out for These Warning Signs
http://www.everydayhealth.com/
Five health symptoms men shouldn’t ignore
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell