The Importance of Men’s Health: Engaging Younger Men in Their Healthcare

By Andrew Y. Sun, M.D.  

Men’s Health is a critical field within urology that emphasizes the overall health and well-being of men. Our focus primarily lies on issues related to sexual function and fertility, as these concerns are often top of mind for younger men.

The Healthcare Gap for Men

From birth until around age 18, children regularly see a pediatrician. However, after this age, healthcare trajectories diverge significantly for men and women. Women continue to receive routine care from their OB/GYNs, including Pap smears and other essential check-ups. Unfortunately, men often do not seek regular medical care until something serious occurs, typically in their 40s and 50s. This delay means that from ages 18 to 50, men may silently accumulate health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Often, these conditions manifest dramatically, like a heart attack, around age 50.

Engaging Men Early

Preventing these serious health issues requires engaging men in their healthcare sooner. Sexual dysfunction and fertility are significant concerns for younger men as they begin to start families. These issues can be leveraged to bring men into the healthcare system. Fortunately, erectile dysfunction, sperm parameters, and low testosterone levels are excellent indicators of overall health. We refer to them as the “check engine light” of the body. When these issues arise—such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, or poor sperm count—they often signal underlying health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

The Role of Men’s Health Specialists

Addressing concerns about sexual function and fertility provides a gateway to broader health assessments and interventions. By engaging with men on these topics, we can diagnose and treat health issues early, potentially preventing severe comorbidities later in life. This proactive approach is why it’s critically important to reach out to younger men and involve them in their healthcare before it’s too late.

As a men’s health specialist focusing on sexual health, including testosterone replacement and treating sexual dysfunction, I am uniquely positioned to connect with this underserved population.

Recent Developments and Challenges

Recent studies during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a high rate of erectile dysfunction, likely due to vascular damage caused by the virus. Additionally, there has been a surge in online pharmacies selling Viagra and Cialis, leading to increased use among younger men. However, these online telehealth services often do not screen for the underlying health issues causing these symptoms. Therefore, men’s health specialists play a crucial role as primary care providers for men, ensuring proper workups to address root causes rather than just treating symptoms like erectile dysfunction.

The Broader Health Picture

News articles have highlighted the decline in sperm parameters and testosterone levels over time. These trends reflect a general decline in overall health. Diet, exercise, and proper sleep are critical components of health that are often neglected in Western countries. Much of our counseling focuses on lifestyle measures to improve overall health and metabolism.

A Case in Point

Consider the story of a 41-year-old man who hadn’t seen a doctor since he was 18. He came to me complaining of new erectile dysfunction, which was affecting his self-esteem. A full diagnostic panel revealed he had a hemoglobin A1c of 14 and a blood glucose level of 388, indicating severe uncontrolled diabetes. He was unaware of the impact diabetes could have on his penile health, but this discovery motivated him to seek treatment. This case illustrates how issues with penile health can serve as a “check engine light,” prompting men to address their overall health. With a new primary care doctor, he is now on the path to better health.

Conclusion

Men’s Health is about more than just addressing immediate concerns; it’s about fostering a lifetime of well-being. By focusing on issues that matter to younger men, we can engage them in their healthcare earlier, providing opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention. This proactive approach can help prevent severe health issues later in life, leading to better health outcomes for men. Let’s prioritize men’s health and encourage men to take charge of their well-being today.