Compared to women, men are more likely to die young because of their attitude.
While the fact that men have greater exposure to violence and are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, machismo can also be blamed for their shorter lives. Apparently many men tend not to seek medical advice as they believe they must be “tough, brave, self reliant and restrained” when it comes to medical issues.
However, there are several symptoms that men tend to overlook that may indicate a more serious medical problem.
Here are some of the health symptoms that men should never ever take for granted:
1. Erectile dysfunction
This may be a sensitive issue for majority of men but an erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease.
2. Moobs
Moobs or man boobs can be an indication of hormonal imbalance or a sign of liver disease. There’s also a possibility that the testicles are not functioning properly if you have this.
3. Peeing in the night
Needing the bathroom in the night could be a sign of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
4. Change in libido or no sense of smell
Changes in a man’s sexual drive could indicate a hormonal problem that may lead to sex drive and fertility problems. Meanwhile, a lack of smell is associated with Kallman’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that leads to delayed puberty.
5. Lump in testicle
While lumps and swelling in the testicle are considered common among boys and men, these may still be a sign of testicular cancer.
6. Blood in the urine
Having blood in the urine, even if urination is painless, is the most common symptom of bladder cancer.
7. Excessive drinking
Drinking heavily is one of the red flags of depression.
8. Painful big toe
If you’re experiencing sudden and severe pain in one or more joints, particularly in the big toe, you may be suffering from gout, a type of arthritis wherein a crystal of sodium urate builds up inside and around joints.
9. Lumps around the nipple
Men like women can also suffer from breast cancer. A common symptom of male breast cancer are lumps found close to the nipple.