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We all know that if it weren’t for the women in men’s lives, most would not go to the doctor. Notoriously, most men I know pay less attention to their health than the ladies in my life. I am the “nagger” for many men in my family that ensures they get a physical and healthcare. I have often wondered if the difference in life expectancy between the genders is partially related to this healthcare avoidance.

 

According to Dr. Barry Bodie, Director of St. Luke’s Urology Associates, “men, like women, are afflicted with stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But unlike women, men are prone to prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement.”

 

Dr. Bodie believes that “a healthy lifestyle can eliminate most of the men’s health risks.” He promotes regular checkups supplemented with exercise, a nutritious diet, stress reduction, minimal alcohol consumption, and no smoking. Dr. Bodie says regular checkups and screenings catch the disease when it’s most treatable.

 

If you’re having issues with urinating or waking up several times a night to go to the bathroom, lost your sex drive, or have pelvic pain, it may be time to see a urologist. Other urologic issues include incontinence, bladder, and kidneys. 

 

Prostate: The prostate gland enlarges as you age and can cause problems. An enlarged prostate constricts the urethra, making it harder to urinate. And with age, the bladder may weaken and can’t completely empty. 

 

Kidney Stones: Symptoms of a kidney stone include blood in the urine, an upset stomach, and excruciating pain in the back, groin, or lower abdomen. If you have any of these symptoms, see a urologist immediately.

 

UTI: Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria get into your urinary tract. Common symptoms are pain or burning when you urinate and an urgent feeling to urinate. In addition, the infection may bring fever, cloudy urine, and lower abdomen pain. 

 

Incontinence: The loss of bladder control affects up to a third of senior men. The problem can rest with the muscles or nerves of your urinary tract. Disorders of muscles, nerves, enlarged prostate, obesity, and brain or spine injuries can lead to incontinence. 

 

ED: Erectile dysfunction increases with age and can affect your confidence and relationships. ED could signify a treatable physical problem (low testosterone for example). Or the ED may be a marker for diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and alcoholism also lead to ED.

 

WOMEN MAY BE THE KEY

 

If you’re a wife, girlfriend, daughter, sister, mother, or good friend, you may be the key to getting your male loved one to the doctor. If you’ve noticed that he’s not been himself or a chronic condition has been ignored, in the most supportive way, share your concerns and encourage him to make a doctor’s appointment or make the appointment for him. 

 

Going to the doctor for routine checkups is crucial for establishing good health. And prevention and early detection can mean the difference between life and death. So, celebrate the steps he takes on his health journey.

 

If you have a urologic health concern, come out to the Men’s Health Tune-up at Harmon Field on June 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Bodie and many of our other providers will be there. If you can’t make the Tune-up but need to see a urologist, you can reach Dr. Bodie at (829) 894-3230.

 

If you have a healthcare topic of interest or a question, send me a note at Michelle.Fortune@slhnc.org.