What is Men's Health Care?
Men's health care addresses health concerns specific to men or that affect men differently than women, along with preventive care tailored to men's unique health risks. Services include routine physical examinations, prostate health screening and management, testosterone level evaluation and treatment for low testosterone (hypogonadism), sexual health concerns including erectile dysfunction, male fertility evaluation, cardiovascular disease prevention (as men develop heart disease earlier than women on average), cancer screenings appropriate for men, and counseling on men's health issues that often go undiscussed. Men are statistically less likely than women to seek preventive care and address health concerns until problems become serious. Primary care providers offer a comfortable environment to discuss sensitive health topics and provide comprehensive, evidence-based care addressing both general health and male-specific concerns.
Why is it Important?
Focused men's health care is crucial because men face unique health challenges and risks. Men develop cardiovascular disease roughly a decade earlier than women, making early screening and risk factor management—blood pressure control, cholesterol management, diabetes prevention, smoking cessation, and weight management—especially important starting in young adulthood. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men (after skin cancer); while screening recommendations have evolved and not all men need screening, appropriate discussions with your provider about individual risk factors, screening options, and shared decision-making ensure informed choices. Testicular cancer, though less common, primarily affects younger men and is highly curable when detected early through self-examination and prompt evaluation of any changes. Low testosterone affects millions of men, causing fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and reduced muscle mass—yet many men don't realize these symptoms may indicate a treatable medical condition. Erectile dysfunction is not only distressing but often signals underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other health problems requiring attention. Male mental health deserves particular focus, as men are less likely to seek help for depression or anxiety, yet suicide rates are significantly higher among men than women. Men also face occupational hazards more frequently, have higher rates of substance abuse, and engage in riskier behaviors affecting health. Regular primary care allows for early detection of problems, management of chronic conditions, and importantly, establishing a relationship with a provider you trust to discuss sensitive concerns.
What to Expect
Men's health visits include comprehensive physical examination with vital signs, cardiovascular assessment, abdominal examination, and often a genital exam to check for hernias, testicular abnormalities, or other concerns. Prostate examination (digital rectal exam) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing for prostate cancer screening are discussed based on your age (typically beginning conversations at age 50, earlier for African American men or those with family history) and individual preferences after reviewing benefits and limitations of screening. Your provider will assess cardiovascular risk factors through blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, and discussion of family history, then recommend appropriate preventive strategies or treatments. For sexual health concerns, your doctor provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to discuss issues like erectile dysfunction—following evaluation to rule out underlying conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, treatment options include oral medications (such as sildenafil or tadalafil), lifestyle modifications, treatment of contributing conditions, or referral to urology for complex cases. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone—fatigue, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, reduced muscle mass—your provider orders blood tests to measure testosterone levels (typically drawn in the morning when levels are highest) and, if deficiency is confirmed, discusses testosterone replacement therapy options, risks, and monitoring requirements. Men's health visits also address general preventive care including vaccinations, cancer screenings (colorectal, lung if you're a smoker), mental health screening, substance use assessment, and counseling on weight management, exercise, nutrition, and injury prevention.
How to Prepare
Before your men's health appointment, prepare a list of any concerns you want to discuss, including issues you might find embarrassing—remember that your doctor has heard it all and discussing health concerns openly is essential for appropriate care. Note any symptoms you're experiencing, including changes in urination (frequency, weak stream, difficulty starting, nighttime awakening to urinate), sexual function changes, energy level, mood changes, or physical changes like breast enlargement or testicular lumps. Track your exercise habits and typical diet. Bring a complete list of medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs, as many affect sexual function, energy, and other health parameters. Know your family health history, particularly heart disease, diabetes, cancer (especially prostate cancer in father or brothers), and other hereditary conditions. If you're concerned about prostate health, understand that PSA testing has both benefits (potentially detecting cancer early) and limitations (high rates of false positives, detection of slow-growing cancers that might never cause problems)—come prepared to discuss your individual risk factors and preferences for screening. If erectile dysfunction is a concern, note when it started, whether it's consistent or intermittent, morning erections, relationship factors, and any new medications that might be contributing. For testosterone concerns, know that symptoms like fatigue and reduced sex drive have many possible causes—testosterone testing is one component of evaluation. Be honest about alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, tobacco use, and mental health symptoms, as these significantly affect health and treatment planning. Consider what preventive screenings you might be due for based on your age. If you're due for fasting blood work, schedule a morning appointment and fast for 8-12 hours beforehand.
Have questions about men's health? Contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care at (203) 334-2100 to schedule your appointment.
