Did you know that almost 40% of US men over 20 years of age were obese in 2016? At the moment of this writing, almost 20% of adult men also smoke cigarettes on a regular basis. We all know that these are risk factors for a wide variety of men’s health issues including diabetes, lung cancer, hypertension, and more.

But what are the top men’s health issues? And how can one protect himself against various health problems? Keep reading to find out the most popular male health problems in the United States.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

It’s a well-known fact that men consume more alcohol than women. This predisposes men to more serious health problems, including liver issues. The liver is the main organ responsible for filtering toxins from foods and drinks. 

When it becomes overwhelmed by alcohol, different types of issues can appear including fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Consuming alcohol on moderation seems to prevent alcohol-related liver disease and other liver problems.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is another common men’s health problem. It manifests as an inability to have or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In most cases, erectile dysfunction can have cognitive or emotional causes, but it can also be a physical problem. Patients can receive a tailored erectile dysfunction treatment that might involve lifestyle and dietary changes, taking erectile dysfunction medication, and seeking professional counseling.

Depression

Although the prevalence of depression is usually higher in women, millions of men also deal with major depression worldwide. Depression is diagnosed when feelings of sadness and anxiety are persistent for two or more consecutive weeks. These feelings are usually associated with low self-esteem, sleep problems, and substance abuse. Engaging in regular physical activity can reduce and even eliminate depressive moods in men and women alike.

HIV and AIDS

Almost 80% of HIV-positive patients are men. This health issue is more prevalent among gay men, but it can also be encountered in heterosexual males. HIV is a dangerous disease that can be managed with antiretroviral medicine, but it needs to be caught early before the viral load becomes too high. Using protection during sexual intercourse is strongly recommended to prevent the spreading of HIV.

Cardiovascular Disease

Almost one in three men live with some form of cardiovascular disease such as heart muscle disease, coronary artery disease, angina, etc. Some cardiovascular diseases can be managed with medication, but they can evolve into more complicated health issues that can be fatal. One of the best ways to avoid heart diseases is by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Hypertension is another cardiovascular issue that can lead to other health complications such as kidney failure. 

Now You Know the Most Popular Men’s Health Issues

As you can see, the most common men’s health issues affect millions of US adult males and they can lead to different types of dangerous complications. Make sure that you schedule a doctor’s appointment if you feel excessively tired, you have regular body pains or experience significant weight changes. A health checkup might reveal if you’re at risk for some of these issues.

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the other articles on our website to learn more about your health and how to improve it every day!