What is men’s health?
At Pikes Peak Urology, men’s health consists of screenings and procedures that are designed to keep men healthy and strong for life. Men are more likely than women to suffer problems such as:
- Kidney stones
- Bladder cancer
- Inguinal hernias
- Alcoholism
- Heart disease
- Emphysema
As urologists, the Pikes Peak Urology team offers screenings and treatments for conditions affecting the male reproductive system, including:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
- Urinary incontinence
- Infertility
- Low testosterone
They also perform no-scalpel vasectomies for permanent sterilization. Your urologist also coordinates care with other members of your health team, including your primary care doctor and specialists.
How can doctors improve my health?
Every athlete needs a coach to reach their peak performance, and your urologist is a kind of coach for your urologic and reproductive health. They also make recommendations for your general health to help alleviate any symptoms you may have. Based on performing a physical exam, taking a medical history, and ordering any necessary tests, your men’s health specialist may recommend:
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
- Becoming more active
- Eating a healthier diet
- Drinking only in moderation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of aging, including erectile dysfunction, they evaluate your testosterone levels.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
As you reach your 30s and 40s, your body starts producing less of the androgen hormone called testosterone (T). Testosterone is a hormone that gives you male sexual characteristics, such as a low voice and facial hair. About 39% of men over the age of 45 may develop symptoms of low T, such as:
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Hair loss
- Low libido
- ED
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Depression
Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to bring your T back to more youthful levels. Your body takes about a week and a half to adjust to the extra testosterone. You then notice benefits such as:
- Increased energy
- Higher libido
- Less ED
- Weight loss
- Better sleep
- Better mood
You can get T replacement therapy in various forms, including a surgically implanted pellet that lasts for months.
How often should I see a doctor for men’s health?
The specialists at Pikes Peak Urology recommend an annual exam to ensure that you’re healthy and to identify any problems in their earliest stages. Early treatment is almost always more successful than treatment that’s been delayed.
To schedule your men’s health examination or to find out if you’d benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, contact the experts at Pikes Peak Urology by phone or by booking an appointment online.
