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5 Men’s Health Myths, Busted

Seperate fact from fiction as we tackle some of the most common male myths.

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Make sure you eat enough protein! Don’t skip leg day! Follow Jason Momoa’s latest workout! In this current age of information overload, we seemingly have all the knowledge available, on almost any topic we can think of. But along with the facts, there’s also plenty of incorrect information floating around. When it comes to men’s health specifically, this is a topic that is discussed far less than women’s health, so it’s even more susceptible to incorrect information being spread. Here are five myths to bust when it comes to men’s health:

Only older men get low testosterone

Although it’s true that low testosterone is more common in older men, it can occur in younger men as well. While testosterone naturally starts to decrease after the age of 30, certain lifestyle factors can exacerbate this drop off and cause it to become a problem in men who are under this age threshold. These factors include things like stress, diabetes and insulin resistance and steroid abuse. Thankfully, these are all conditions that can be treated – and solving the primary issue will often solve the lower testosterone levels, particularly if you’re under the age of 30.

Men can’t get breast cancer

You may be wondering how men can get breast cancer when they don’t have breasts. The truth is that men do in fact have a small amount of breast tissue which means that they can get breast cancer. Although it’s rare, according to South Africa’s Breast Health Foundation, between 1 and 3% of all breast cancer cases are in men. It tends to be more common in men with certain genetic markers, and also appears to be increasing in men who are exposed to ongoing radiation, X-rays and electromagnetic waves.

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You don’t need any health checks if you’re young

If you’re a healthy young man, it’s not usually necessary to go for health tests regularly. But there may be individual circumstances where you should, such as if you’re overweight, have a family history of a particular disease, or other lifestyle habits that may be potentially risky. For example, cholesterol and blood pressure tests are good to do if you’re diabetic, a smoker, have a body mass index over 30, or have a family history of strokes and heart attacks. If you belong to a medical aid such as Fedhealth, you’ll get access to a screening benefit that covers a range of tests, including an annual Prostate specific Antigen (PSA) test for men between the ages of 45 and 69 that is paid for by the Scheme. And don’t forget your mental health in this equation – if you feel down and lacking in energy, or no longer find pleasure in activities you normally enjoy, it may be a good idea to see a mental health professional for a check-up too.

Infertility is a woman’s problem

It’s estimated that up to one third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues – which means it’s definitely not only female reproductive issues that should be taken into account in couples who are struggling to conceive. In fact, a 2022 study published in the Human Reproduction Update found that over the last 50 years, average human sperm concentrations have dropped by 51.6 percent, while total sperm counts have dropped by 62.3 percent. So, what is the cause of this decline? Previous research has found that factors including pesticides and other environmental pollutants, a lack of physical activity, poor diet and smoking could all be potential contributors.

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Your mental health and your physical health are separate

While their treatment and symptoms may look different, mental and physical health problems are inextricably linked. Studies have shown that stress is a major contributor to heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, diabetes and a weakened immune response. In other cases, shock due to either a traumatic event or day-to-day stressors, can lead to sleeplessness which negatively impacts your quality of life. For that reason, being in good health means looking at your health holistically, considering your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Although times are changing, our cultural norms still dictate that men should be tough, brave and strong – and not communicate the fears or worries that they have. As a result, they may not seek the medical help they need or pay attention to symptoms they ‘re experiencing. Finding a doctor you can trust and talk to about your general or specific concerns will go a long way to helping you live a happier, healthier life.

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