Top 10 Male Health Worries

Men can be shy creatures when it comes to talking about health – especially if the problem is a bit embarrassing. Here is the list of top 10 body worries for men.

Man boobs (gynecomastia)

Man boobs are becoming a huge problem in the western world, particularly in the last 3 to 4 years. Obesity and hormonal imbalances are largely to blame, with men now exposed to greater levels of oestrogen

Skin problems

Skin problems are high on the list of issues many men feel embarrassed about, with acne in particular an issue for younger men and often a cause of anxiety.

Receding hairlines

Thinning hair may be natural, but it can cause much anxiety.

Hair loss and bald patches are something that happens to most men. But some men feel pretty anxious and depressed about it. They feel less attractive, and see it as a sign that things are going downhill.

Erectile dysfunction

'Erectile dysfunction is not a disease in its own right, but a symptom of an underlying issue – including serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease,' says the experts

'There's growing evidence that erectile dysfunction is an early indicator of heart disease – and might be a sign that a heart attack is on its way in three or four years.'

Beer bellies

Beer bellies or pot bellies – where the belly protrudes excessively – are due to an excess of visceral fat that sits around the internal organs.

Visceral fat has been linked to serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease and diabetes

Testicular cancer

Most testicular lumps are not cancerous, but it's important to spot any changes:

*a lump in either testicle

*enlargement of the testicle

*a heaviness or sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum

*growth or tenderness of the upper chest.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 44.

Prostate cancer

Symptoms may include getting up and needing the toilet in the night or going more frequently.

Every year 37,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and one man dies from it every hour.

Sexual health

Sexually transmitted infections among teenagers and young adults are reaching record levels, according to figures from the Health Protection Agency last year. Men between the ages of 20 to 23 are most at risk, but an increase has also been reported in the over 50s in recent years.

Depression

According to Mind, the mental health charity, 2.7 million men in England have a mental health problem – such as depression, stress and anxiety.

Mid-life crisis

'A lot of men go through a period of anxiety in middle-age. They find they're not able to do as much as when they were younger. They develop aches and pains and can have relationship issues.'