Many people tend to focus on all health and body challenges that women face in their lifetimes, but the truth is that we all have unique problems that we have to deal with. Sure, women have a lot that they have to cope with, but this is not to say that men don't have their own fair share of less-than-ideal issues.
Sexual Dysfunction
Men may not be eager to discuss sexual troubles, but nearly a third of guys experience problems. This may include a sagging libido, premature ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction (ED). ED means a man is unable to develop or sustain an erection. Risk factors for ED include diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, smoking, circulation problems, and some medications. Talk to your doctor if you have ED or other sexual problems to help evaluate the problem and recommend treatment.
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Back Hair
By the mid-20s, a man will know his back hair destiny: barely there, a few tufts, or full and bushy. If you want to tame the shag, laser hair removal can thin back hair or remove it all, and the results are nearly permanent. Cheaper options include waxing, hair removal creams, and razors, with results that last up to a few weeks.
Enlarged Prostate
Along with wrinkles and gray hair, an enlarged prostate is an unavoidable part of aging for many men. The medical term is benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, an enlargement of the gland that surrounds the urethra. This growth causes symptoms in about half of men over age 75. As the prostate grows, it may squeeze the urethra, making you feel nature’s call more often. There are strategies and medications to help reduce the symptoms.
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Beer Belly
You don’t have to drink beer to get a beer belly. Men are more like to gain fat around the waist, so anything fattening can pad the paunch. Unfortunately, belly fat raises the risk of heart disease, especially if your waist size is more than 40 inches. But there is good news: If you follow a weight loss plan, belly fat is usually the first to go.
Excessive Sweating
Men have a higher "sweat output" than women. That's a fact. But if you always need to wipe your hands or often sweat through your clothes, it may be more than a "guy" thing. It could be excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis. Emotions or heat can trigger the downpour -- or nothing at all. It usually affects the armpits, palms, or soles of the feet. Effective treatments are available through a health professional.
Uni-brow
Now here’s a hair problem that affects men of all ages. The same hormones that make your beard grow can make your eyebrows so thick and bushy that they meet in the center. "Unibrow" is the most common reason young men get electrolysis. This procedure uses tiny electric shocks to permanently destroy the hair follicles. Waxing is another way to shape your brows, but it must be repeated every 4-6 weeks.
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Razor Bumps
You work hard for that close shave. So it can be exasperating when small bumps mar your otherwise smooth skin. Razor bumps form when hairs curl back on themselves and grow into the skin. They’re most common in African-Americans and men with curly hair. To keep the bumps at bay, take a hot shower before shaving. Apply a thick gel, and always shave in the direction your beard grows.
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Receding Hairline
The painful truth is most guys have noticeably thinner hair by age 35 and significant hair loss by age 50. The pattern usually begins with a receding hairline and may progress to bald spots on the top of the scalp. Hair restoration surgery offers a way to reduce bald patches. You can also talk to your doctor about prescription medications for hair loss. But beware of other products that promise the moon.
Color Blindness
Color blindnessmost people
Snoring
Face the music: Snoring is a surefire way to disrupt your bed partner’s sleep, and men are more likely to be the perpetrators. In most cases, snoring is not harmful. But snoring regularly can chip away at the quality of your own sleep. It can also be a sign of
a more serious problem called sleep apnea. If you feel snoring is disrupting you or your partner’s sleep, consult a doctor.
Belching
Burping may not be the picture of politeness in American society, but in some cultures, a hearty belch shows appreciation for a good meal. In either case, burping a few times after eating is normal. It’s the body’s way of freeing the air that you’ve swallowed. Frequent burping combined with other symptoms, such as nausea or belly pain, could be a sign of a digestive disorder. Check with your doctor if the problem continues.
Gas
Perhaps no bodily function has inspired as many jokes as gas. While the sound and smell can be embarrassing, passing gas is harmless. It’s nothing more than air moving through the digestive tract or gas from the breakdown of food by bacteria in your gut coming out – well, we all know where.
Gas facts:
- Most people pass gas 6-20 times a day.
- Beer, soda, beans, and many fruits and vegetables are all likely to gas you up.
- Foods that cause gas differ for each person.
Body Odor
Whether you’re working hard or playing hard, any strenuous activity can result in a strong body odor. The culprit isn't sweating itself, but the bacteria that use sweaty skin as a breeding ground. You can fight the bacteria by showering regularly with soap and using antiperspirant. Also, be sure to wash workout clothes often. If body odor persists, try avoiding smelly foods like garlic and onions.
Jock Itch
You don’t have to be a pro athlete to get jock itch. This fungal infection spreads easily at your local gym -- or from another part of your own body. Hands, towels, and stepping into underwear are common culprits. The symptoms include a patchy rash on the groin or inner thighs, along with the telltale itching. It’s treated with nonprescription antifungal creams. Keeping the area dry and avoiding tight clothing helps to avoid a repeat engagement.
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Athlete’s Foot
When the fungus that causes jock itch targets the feet, you have athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in locker rooms or near pools is the most common way to pick up this infection. Symptoms include itching, burning, blisters, or cracks on the feet and toes. Athlete’s foot is treated with antifungal cream. If you have both jock itch and athlete’s foot, be sure to treat them at the same time.
Ingrown Nails
Grooming your nails may not be the highlight of your day, but it’s worth your time to get the job done right. Clumsy nail trimming is the top cause of ingrown toenails, which can cause pain, swelling, and infections. The most common mistake is trimming the nails too short. To avoid this, check your drugstore for nail “nippers” that are shaped to follow the natural curve of the nail.
Bad Breath
You probably know that smelly foods and smoking can sabotage your breath. But the most common culprit is bacteria. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well to banish the bacteria that thrive there. If good hygiene doesn’t sweeten your breath, see your dentist and your doctor. Gum disease, dry mouth, or acid reflux could be part of the problem.
Hearing Loss
Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women, and noisy jobs may contribute. Think miners, carpenters, and soldiers are all at higher risk of developing hearing loss. But any loud or continuous noise can damage delicate ear structures, including music piped in through earbuds. On the job, use special ear protection. Keep personal music players at or below 85 decibels (dB). Most can crank up to 105 dB, louder than a motorcycle, woodshop, or snowmobile.
Sure, it can be tough to be a guy, but by focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, and checking in with your doctor regularly, you can better handle most of life's curveballs (pun intended).
