Erectile dysfunction can be a warning sign for this Some men are surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction (ED) in men younger than 50 may be connected to heart disease. In fact, the younger you are, the more likely it signals a heart disease risk. “Erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and infertility can all be indicators of greater health risks,” says Dr. H. Merrill Matschke, a urologist and men’s health medical director at Aurora Health Care. “When the patient is young and there’s no clear cause such as trauma, it’s a good idea to screen for heart disease before starting any trea ..read more

Is the urgent need to pee a normal part of aging? Men over 50 years-old: Do you think twice about hydrating before bedtime because that often leads to multiple bathroom breaks throughout the night? Or have you noticed a weaker urine stream? Or one that dribbles, starts and stops? While these are typical aging milestones for men, they could also be signs of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition you don’t want to ignore, says Dr. Michael Ward, a family and sports medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, happens in most men as they c ..read more

Which type of physical exam do you need? Your annual check-in with your primary care provider is a key part to maintaining your health. But did you know there are different types of yearly physicals? Between annual checkups, preventive screenings and keeping up with your vaccinations, you may be wondering what to ask for when you schedule your appointment.  Dr. Bincy A Joseph, family medicine physician at Advocate Medical Group in Libertyville, Ill., says that most people should get a routine physical exam once every year. “We recommend an annual exam, even if you feel fine,” says D ..read more

The most commonly diagnosed cancer in men Did you know that aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. men? In fact, in 2023, there will likely be more than 288,300 new cases and 34,700 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. So what should you know about your risk, potential symptoms and when to get screened? “The most common risk factors are things you can’t control,” says Dr. Mark Brandt, the division director of urology at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. “Those who have a higher risk generally have a family history, are ..read more

Navigating the unknown: How to uncover your family medical history You almost certainly will be asked about your family’s medical history at your next physical exam. But what if you don’t know that information? “Knowing your family’s medical history is an important part of preventive health care,” says Dr. John Agaiby, a family medicine provider at Aurora Health Care in Kenosha, Wis. “It can provide valuable insight into your risk for various diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.”   Unfortunately, not everyone has access to this information due to various circum ..read more

How is prostate cancer screened? Staying on top of health screenings means catching conditions early and prostate cancer is no exception. “Most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms and prostate cancer is detected with routine screening,” says Dr. Bharat K. Shah, an internal medicine doctor at Advocate Medical Group in Chicago. Dr. Shah says early symptoms of prostate cancer may include: Frequency of urination Urgency of urination Frequent nighttime urination Dribbling or blood in the urine “However, these symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer. The same symptoms can occur wi ..read more

5 STD myths busted Chlamydia. Gonorrhea. Herpes. HIV. The thought of these sexually transmitted infections and diseases can be scary. But widespread myths about these dangerous infections often lead to misinformation and failure to be tested. With countless myths about the prevalence, symptoms and long-term effects of these infections, such individuals need to know the truth surrounding these risks in order to best protect themselves and their partners. Dr. Rannveig Maria Middleton, an obstetrics & gynecology physician with Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill ..read more

Men might not want to talk about this condition When it comes to health issues of the sexual nature, both men and women can get shy about talking about it, even with a doctor. For men, erectile dysfunction is one of those health issues. “Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common urologic disease that can adversely affect self-confidence, relationships and result in embarrassment,” says Dr. James Griffin, urologist for Advocate Medical Group in Elgin, Ill., “The general public usually thinks ED is just because of aging, but it is a disease that affects males of all ages due to other factors ..read more

Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with this cancer Did you know that aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. men? In fact, in 2022, there will likely be more than 268,490 new cases and 34,500 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. So what should you know about your risk, potential symptoms and when to get screened? “The most common risk factors are things you can’t control,” says Dr. Mark Brandt, the division director of urology at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. “Those who have a higher risk generally have a fa ..read more

Hand help 3 signs it’s time to see a doctor for carpal tunnel syndrome What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Numbness, tingling and pain in the hand, an electric shock-like feeling that affects the thumb, index and long finger, and pain that travels up the arm toward the shoulder are all symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist and hand, usually on the thumb side. It occurs when too much pressure is put on the median nerve which runs through the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand and gives the finger m ..read more