Men's Health Questions

May 26, 2011 | By Dr. Robert Petros

As a man, you are at risk for a variety of conditions that do not effect women. These conditions include but are not limited to prostate cancer, testicular cancer and erectile dysfunction. There are also many ailments that men are more prone to develop than women.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. According to MayoClinic.com obesity, old age and being black have all been identified as risk factors for developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is diagnosed using biopsy, rectal exam, blood test, MRI and ultrasounds. Prostate cancer is treated using radiation, surgery, heat therapy, cold therapy and hormone therapy. If left untreated, this slow progressing cancer may be fatal.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a rare form of cancer, but it is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 18 to 34. Having an undescended or abnormally developed testicle increases your risk for testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is also more common in white men and males between ages 15 and 34. Blood tests, ultrasound and computerized tomography are all used to diagnose cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are all used as treatments for testicular cancer.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is defined as a man's inability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. This condition may be brought on by cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, injuries, substance abuse, adverse medication reactions, stress, depression or fatigue. This condition is diagnosed using ultrasound, physical examination, overnight erection test as well as in-depth patient interviews. This condition may be treated with medication such as Viagra and Cialis, but it can also be treated by remedying the underlying causes.

Men's Health Concerns

According to the Mayo Clinic, the top health questions for men are heart disease, cancer, injuries, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, flu, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease. These ailments are the leading cause of health problems in men.