We take a look at health conditions that are more prevalent in men - a tough subject matter, but one that has been front and centre of the press recently.
With the following list of health conditions becoming increasingly problematic for men; it’s important to consider obtaining the necessary health insurance cover. Not only are you then entitled to speedy access to diagnosis /treatment, fast track appointments and access to the latest licensed drugs, but you’ll have a fresh peace of mind. So, what are the main health problems that arise for men in this day and age?
- Testicular cancer
This form of cancer is most apparent in young to middle-aged men. There are two types of testicular cancer; seminoma and non-seminoma.
The most common choices of treatment(s) available are surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. There are also new treatments & techniques that can be used dependent on the individuals’ wishes.
- Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, the gland that produces the fluid that makes up the semen.
- Testicular torsion
The peak age for men to acquire this condition is at age 13 - 14 years. The cause for this condition isn’t overly clear. In most cases, testicular torsion is inherited. The inherited condition often affects both testicles.
Immediate surgical procedures are required for patients with testicular torsion. In order to salvage the testicle(s); the patient is advised to undergo surgery within 6 hours of symptom occurrence.
In the UK, nearly 1.4million men have coronary heart disease and approximately 50,000 men have a heart attack each year.
To this day, the exact cause of CVC isn’t clear, but there are many risk factors that surround the disease. These include;
- Smoking
The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow blood vessels.
- Inactivity
Not exercising regularly increases; blood pressure, cholesterol levels and being overweight. These are all risk factors for CVD.
- High blood pressure
With high blood pressure (hypertension) being one of the most important risk factors for CVC, it’s important to keep an eye on the causes & how to minimalize this possibility. High blood pressure can narrow and harm blood vessels.
- Family history
Your risk of developing CVD is increased if the disease runs in your family.
How do you know if this applies to you?
- Male family members were diagnosed with CVD before they were 55
- Female family members were diagnosed with CVD before they were 65
- Being overweight or obese
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for CVD. You’re at an increased risk if your BMI is; above 25 / your waist measurement is 94cm or more.
Routine check-ups are important to monitor heart health. Treatment options for the disease usually include; lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, medicines and cardiac rehabilitation.
Although erectile dysfunction isn’t a life threatening health risk, it still signals an important health problem. 39% of 40 year old men have problems with the condition and two-thirds of men over 70 deal with the on-going issue. Having this condition frequently means that blood vessels throughout the body are in a poor state. Healthcare professionals consider erectile dysfunction as an early warning sign for cardiovascular disease.
There are plenty of treatment options for erectile dysfunction, the most common options include; hormone therapy, medicines/prescriptions, surgical procedures & cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Diabetes doesn’t just include greater risk for sexual impotence for men, but can also reduce testosterone levels; which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Untreated diabetes can cause heart disease, nerve and kidney damage and stroke/vision issues.
For type 1 diabetes: controlling blood sugar levels is the major goal of treatment. This process predominantly requires the patient to make significant changes to lifestyle factors and habits.
Most people with type 2 diabetes also need to take one or more medicines, usually involving insulin.
From listing just a few of the major health conditions men are at a higher risk of falling victim to, it’s apparent that as well as obtaining a healthy lifestyle, diet and state of mind; it’s also beneficial to consider searching for the most suitable health insurance policy.
Here at THIS, we specialise in helping people find the right cover, for the right price. Just fill in our form, and our team will work with you to find the best cover options and quotes. Our service is free, and there is no obligation to sign-up to anything if you don’t want to.
Speak to our friendly team on 0808 10 18 999 and start your journey to finding the perfect private health insurance policy.
