MEN'S HEALTH
Men's health concerns
Each year, men make 150 million less visits to a doctor’s office than women. Unfortunately, this lower number is not because men are healthier than women. The reality is men often do not visit a health care provider when they are sick or have a condition that needs medical attention. Why don’t they go? There could be many reasons; some include:
This site discusses some common concerns affecting men’s health. If you have a specific health problem you’d like to discuss with a clinician, make appointments with your Medical Team.
If you’re interested in more written information or speaking with health promotion specialists (such as a nutritionist and sexual health coordinator), contact the University Health Center’s Health Promotion Department. This office is located on the first floor of the University Health Center, 706-542-8690.
Each year, men make 150 million less visits to a doctor’s office than women. Unfortunately, this lower number is not because men are healthier than women. The reality is men often do not visit a health care provider when they are sick or have a condition that needs medical attention. Why don’t they go? There could be many reasons; some include:
- Fear of bad news
- Discomfort being examined
- Belief that only “wussies” go to the doctor and that they can “walk it off”
- Fear of being perceived as weak
This site discusses some common concerns affecting men’s health. If you have a specific health problem you’d like to discuss with a clinician, make appointments with your Medical Team.
If you’re interested in more written information or speaking with health promotion specialists (such as a nutritionist and sexual health coordinator), contact the University Health Center’s Health Promotion Department. This office is located on the first floor of the University Health Center, 706-542-8690.
Are you happy with your body?
Another important aspect of a man’s health is body image. Men are often concerned about the shape and appearance of their bodies. Being concerned about one’s appearance and physique isn’t always a bad thing, but it can become obsessive and some men engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve their goals. It is important to realize that the ideal V-shaped muscular body portrayed in the media and our culture is just that - an “ideal standard” - and it is not attainable for everyone, or may be attainable only with a great deal of time and energy. Instead, bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes and cultivating a healthy body image involves appreciating our uniqueness and differences. Click here for more information on enhancing male body image.
Concerned with Your Weight?
Although fad diets promise a quick fix, they do not work long term and may cause health problems. It is important to realize that addressing weight concerns involves more than just a number on the scale; instead it involves making changes to promote health. If you are not at your healthiest weight, making changes to include more nutritious foods in your eating and increase your activity level will likely help you reach a healthier weight. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips for Promoting Health:
At the other end of the spectrum, some men want to gain weight, and specifically muscle. Many people think that it is necessary to eat large amounts of protein in order to build muscle. While a certain amount of protein is needed to maintain muscle mass, eating more than you need does not produce more muscle. Instead, eating enough carbohydrates to provide energy to fuel your workout, plus eating enough protein spaced evenly throughout the day, will help maintain and build lean muscle mass. The average adult needs around 0.4 grams (g) of protein per pound of body weight, which equals about 6-8 ounce equivalents of protein for the average male adult in addition to protein found in other foods. Click here for more information on protein foods.
For information about nutrition services or to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at the University Health Center, visit the UHC Nutrition Services website or contact the Health Promotion Department at 770-542-8690. Interested in learning to prepare healthy, delicious, budget friendly meals? Check out the fun, interactive, $5 cooking classes offered at the University Health Center.
Another important aspect of a man’s health is body image. Men are often concerned about the shape and appearance of their bodies. Being concerned about one’s appearance and physique isn’t always a bad thing, but it can become obsessive and some men engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve their goals. It is important to realize that the ideal V-shaped muscular body portrayed in the media and our culture is just that - an “ideal standard” - and it is not attainable for everyone, or may be attainable only with a great deal of time and energy. Instead, bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes and cultivating a healthy body image involves appreciating our uniqueness and differences. Click here for more information on enhancing male body image.
Concerned with Your Weight?
Although fad diets promise a quick fix, they do not work long term and may cause health problems. It is important to realize that addressing weight concerns involves more than just a number on the scale; instead it involves making changes to promote health. If you are not at your healthiest weight, making changes to include more nutritious foods in your eating and increase your activity level will likely help you reach a healthier weight. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips for Promoting Health:
- Make at least half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Chose high-fiber carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals. They provide energy, fiber and “filling up” power. Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.
- Watch your portion size! While those super-sized meals may seem like such a deal, your body may not need the extra calories.
- Plan ahead when eating out. Select food items that are broiled or baked and limit extras like cheese and mayonnaise.
- Prepare more foods at home. Use cooking methods that don’t add a lot of fat to the food. Try steaming, baking, broiling, or microwaving, and reduce fried foods.
- Decrease or eliminate alcohol. All forms of alcohol add additional calories without adding nutritional value.
- Set realistic goals. Combine eating habits and exercise to achieve a healthy rate of weight loss at 1-2 pounds a week. Losing it quicker can have health risks and it means that you’re more likely to gain it back.
At the other end of the spectrum, some men want to gain weight, and specifically muscle. Many people think that it is necessary to eat large amounts of protein in order to build muscle. While a certain amount of protein is needed to maintain muscle mass, eating more than you need does not produce more muscle. Instead, eating enough carbohydrates to provide energy to fuel your workout, plus eating enough protein spaced evenly throughout the day, will help maintain and build lean muscle mass. The average adult needs around 0.4 grams (g) of protein per pound of body weight, which equals about 6-8 ounce equivalents of protein for the average male adult in addition to protein found in other foods. Click here for more information on protein foods.
For information about nutrition services or to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian at the University Health Center, visit the UHC Nutrition Services website or contact the Health Promotion Department at 770-542-8690. Interested in learning to prepare healthy, delicious, budget friendly meals? Check out the fun, interactive, $5 cooking classes offered at the University Health Center.
Men's sexual health
Issues with sexual health are common for both men and women at any age. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about them with friends, partners or health care professionals, but it’s important to your well-being to get the information or treatment you need.
The Sexual Health Coordinator is available to speak with for free. You can call, email or make an appointment to chat in her office: 706-542-8690. To make an appointment with a health care provider, contact your Medical Team at the University Health Center.
Issues with sexual health are common for both men and women at any age. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about them with friends, partners or health care professionals, but it’s important to your well-being to get the information or treatment you need.
The Sexual Health Coordinator is available to speak with for free. You can call, email or make an appointment to chat in her office: 706-542-8690. To make an appointment with a health care provider, contact your Medical Team at the University Health Center.
- One of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has probably affected every man at some point in his life
- Uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation before the person wishes
- May result in an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners. This can increase anxiety that could potentially worsen the problem.
What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
- Most cases do not have a clear cause
- May occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation
1. Know Yourself
- Be aware of your sexual response and recognize when you are approaching the “point of no return.”
- Before you get there, lessen the stimulation by slowing down or stopping.
- Practice this three or four times a week, and in a few months there should be some improvement. This is known as the stop-start method.
- Another technique similar to stop-start is the “squeeze method.” For this method, the penis is squeezed by a man or his partner before the sensation of inevitable ejaculation to delay ejaculation and, in time, teaches better control.
2. Use a Condom
- Some men find the sensation of sex without a condom too intense, causing them to lose control quickly.
- Using a condom can diminish sensation just enough to make the experience last longer and be more enjoyable (never use more than one condom at the same time).
3. Masturbate
- After any period of abstinence, it may be difficult to delay orgasm. Masturbation may help prevent premature ejaculation. Masturbating before a sexual encounter may take away pressure to perform and give better control over an orgasm.
4. Avoid Drugs & Alcohol
- Sex is not consensual if under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Drugs and alcohol lessen awareness, making it more difficult to know your body.
- Prescription drugs should only be used if recommended by a physician.
- Erectile problems, sometimes called impotence, refers to a man’s consistent inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient to have satisfactory sex.
- It does not mean a lack of sexual interest or desire.
- It also is not an occasional difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (which effects all men at some point in their life).
- Normally, an erection occurs when your imagination or one or more senses are stimulated and you become aroused. Your central nervous system sends nerve impulses that increase blood flow to your penis.
- Focus on your partner, not your performance
- Honestly communicate with your partner about problems and concerns
- Quit smoking
- Avoid using alcohol and drugs
- Exercise regularly
- Keep your cholesterol in check
- Many men prefer a certain type of condom to no condom at all
- Using a condom can help reduce the fear of STIs and pregnancy
- If there is concern about loss of sensation, one way to increase the sensation is to add a small drop of water-based lubricant to the inside tip of a condom before putting it on
- If the feel of a condom is too strange to make a sexual encounter pleasurable, practice masturbation with a condom in order to get accustomed to the feeling
Condom Tips:
- One of the most common reasons condoms break is because there is not enough lubrication. The amount on a “lubricated” condom may not be enough; adding extra water-based lubricant may be important.
- Check to make sure the condom is not “inside out” before putting it on. If you put it on incorrectly, don’t turn it right side out and put it on again. Pre-ejaculatory fluid can cause pregnancy and transmission of STIs.
- If you’re concerned that putting on a condom ruins the experience, try not to stop to put it on. Putting on a condom takes less than 30 seconds, so it shouldn’t slow you down too much. Having your partner put on the condom can also make it an enjoyable part of the sexual experience.
Where to Find Condoms:
- Free condoms are available in the Health Promotion Department at the University Health Center (1st floor).
- University Health Center pharmacy sells condoms at a reduced price.
- Condoms are available for purchase at any drug, grocery or convenience store.
- Condoms are available for discreet purchase online and can be mailed directly to you.
References:
www.webmd.com, 2006
Total Health For Men, 1995
The Guide to Getting It On, 2nd ed., 1999