Three distressing men’s health problems that can be solved

Dermatologist examines a mole

There are a range of potentially distressing health problems that can affect men, but thanks to advances in medical science and understanding, many of these conditions can now be solved, or at least made considerably better. Here are three common male health issues that can be effectively treated.

1) Hair loss

Losing your hair can be a devastating feeling and it can make you feel deeply self-conscious. One thing’s for sure though, if you are shedding your locks, you’re not alone. It’s thought that around 6.5 million men in the UK are affected by this problem and although it is more common as people age, for some men it starts in their 20s and 30s. The most common form of hair loss is male pattern baldness. This is a genetic disorder that causes testosterone to be converted into the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles.

There is no cure for this condition yet, but treatments are available. For example, Propecia, which contains the active ingredient finasteride, can help to prevent further loss of hair and it can even promote regrowth. You can access this hair loss treatment from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor or from your GP. These prescription-only pills are taken once a day and they are effective in nine out of ten of the men who take them. They work by preventing testosterone from being converted to DHT and positive effects can usually be seen within three to six months of starting the treatment. However, bear in mind that if you stop taking the pills, your hair loss will probably restart within six to 12 months.

2) Erectile dysfunction

Another worrying condition is erectile dysfunction (ED). Although this medical issue is rarely discussed, it affects most men at some point in their lives. The causes of ED can be physical or psychological, or in some cases a combination of the two. If you have experienced ED, the first step is to identify the cause. Physical triggers include a narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the penis (and this can be a result of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes), hormonal problems or injury. Meanwhile, psychological causes vary from anxiety and depression to relationship problems.

To find a suitable treatment, you’ll need to recognise the cause of your ED. If it’s psychological, you might benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling. Alternatively, if the problem is a narrowing of your arteries, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, like losing weight and eating more healthily. There is also the option of taking ED medicines, the most well known of which is Viagra. These treatments work by relaxing the blood vessels leading to the penis and they can be used to manage ED in at least two-thirds of cases.

3) Depression

Men are notorious for struggling to talk about their emotions, which means they often suffer depression in silence. However, if you’re struck by this condition, it’s crucial that you seek help. It’s important to realise that depression isn’t a sign of weakness and nor is it something you can simply snap out of. It’s a real illness with real symptoms.

Fortunately, with the right support and treatments, most sufferers can make a full recovery. Depending on the nature and severity of your depression, your doctor might prescribe talking treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling, anti-depressants or a combination of both.

The important thing if you’re suffering from a distressing health problem, whether it’s hair loss, ED, depression or anything else, is to be proactive and take advantage of the treatments available.

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