In this enlightening guide, we will explore the main myths and truths about men’s health, covering topics such as prevention, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and much more to promote a healthy life. Join us!
Men’s health is a topic often surrounded by misinformation and taboos. Issues related to urology, in particular, are often the subject of prejudice, poorly understood, or avoided, sometimes even by health professionals themselves.
In this article, we will explore and clarify some of the most common myths and truths, revealing extremely important issues for maintaining urological health.
Our goal today is to provide you with accurate and reliable information, helping you understand important issues and promoting clarity on how to take care of your health.
In today’s text, urologist Dr. Paulo Egydio debunked 20 myths about men’s health that are common questions in the clinic. Follow below and discover the main myths and truths about men’s health!
1. I only need to see a doctor when I have health problems
Myth! Many men believe they only need to see a doctor when they have already diagnosed health problems. This is a myth (and a big one).
Regular visits to the doctor, especially to the urologist, who takes care not only of the intimate region but also of men’s health in general, are essential for disease prevention and early detection of conditions that may be serious and often asymptomatic in their early stages, such as prostate cancer.
2. Taking care of mental health is as important as physical health
Truth! Many men, due to misinformation or prejudice, may have the wrong idea that therapy can compromise their masculinity. Mental health is as important as physical health for the general well-being of any human being.
Neglecting it can lead to serious consequences, affecting major aspects of life such as work performance, relationships, and even physical health.
3. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for several serious diseases
Truth! Smoking is widely recognized as one of the main risk factors for various serious diseases, affecting not only lung health but also many other systems in the body, including men’s sexual health.
Smoking is a highly harmful habit that contributes to the development of many serious diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, as well as diabetes, kidney diseases, hypertension, and fertility issues.
4. Prostate cancer is hereditary
This is not always true! Prostate cancer is caused by heredity, but genetic predisposition can be decisive in the development of the disease.
Men with close relatives, such as a father or brother who had prostate cancer, have a higher risk of developing the disease. In addition, certain genetic mutations, such as those found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
As with many diseases where heredity is a factor, the risk may be higher if several family members have already been diagnosed with the disease, especially if the diagnoses occurred in younger men.
For this reason, if you are a man and have a family history of this type of cancer, always be vigilant: with guidance from your urologist, perform regular exams and bet on periodic urological consultations.
In this case, the general recommendation is to start screening at a younger age than recommended for the general population.
5. Prostate cancer only affects older men
Myth! Prostate cancer is indeed more common in older men, but it does not exclusively affect this age group.
Younger men are often diagnosed due to regular screenings and attention to risk factors, such as hereditary factors, i.e., other men in the family have had prostate cancer.
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the exam is generally recommended as a screening from the age of 50 (along with the prostate exam), even when there are no clear symptoms.
Remember: medical follow-up is essential for early detection and treatment recommendation, regardless of age.
6. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men
Truth! This is one of the most common types of cancer in men, being second only to skin cancer. Awareness and screening, especially when there are risk factors, are essential for the early detection of prostate cancer.
7. If the PSA test shows a low result, it is not necessary to do the rectal exam
Myth! Of course, any diagnosis will always depend on the patient’s medical history, but the rectal exam continues to be an important tool for detecting prostate cancer, especially when indicated by age or risk factors.
The combination of the PSA test with the rectal exam and/or other types of exams (if necessary) offers the best chance to identify prostate cancer or other conditions at an early stage.
8. The rectal exam hurts
Myth! Although the exam may be a bit uncomfortable for some men, it is not painful at all.
The rectal exam is quick and usually lasts less than a minute, which minimizes any discomfort or pressure sensation.
9. Prostate cancer causes sexual impotence
In this case, we are talking about a myth, but with traces of truth! Prostate cancer itself does not necessarily cause sexual impotence. However, treatments to combat the disease can be aggressive, leading to problems with erectile dysfunction.
The removal of the prostate can damage essential nerves and blood vessels for erectile function. Radiation treatment can affect nerves and blood vessels near the prostate. Lastly, hormonal therapy can reduce libido, also resulting in erectile dysfunction.
In general, it is important to talk to your urologist about possibilities to confirm the appropriate treatment for each case.
10. Peyronie’s disease always causes impotence
Myth! Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the penis, which can cause penile curvature and pain, but does not always result in sexual impotence.
This disease can cause various symptoms, such as pain during erections or difficulty maintaining an erection. In some cases, men may experience erectile dysfunction, but this is not a rule.
11. Penile curvature worsens over time
Half-truth! In men diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease, it is possible that the curvature worsens over time, especially in the initial phase of the disease.
However, the tendency is for the condition to stabilize. There are appropriate treatments to manage symptoms or prevent the condition from worsening.
12. Peyronie’s disease can affect quality of life
Truth! The condition can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, affecting sexual function, emotional health, relationships, and overall well-being.
The good news is that there are treatments available, including surgical ones that, if well indicated, can significantly improve the quality of life of the patient.
13. Penile prosthesis is the last option to treat erectile dysfunction
Truth! The penile prosthesis is considered as the last option in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in most cases. Its recommendation occurs when other less invasive approaches, such as lifestyle changes, medications, non-invasive therapies, and hormone treatments do not work in the short or long term.
14. The penile prosthesis is visible and easily detectable
Myth! Modern penile prostheses are discreet and designed not to be visible or easily detectable.
In some cases, they are offered as a treatment for erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease, for example, and do not compromise the natural appearance of the penis.
15. The penile prosthesis reduces sexual pleasure
Myth! In general, penile prostheses not only keep the natural appearance of the penis intact but also its functionality.
In fact, it can even improve the quality of sexual life of the man, providing consistent and satisfactory erections.
16. Erectile dysfunction is a normal part of aging and cannot be avoided
Myth! Erectile dysfunction is indeed more common after aging, but it is not inevitable. In general, it can be prevented or treated.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking care of already diagnosed chronic diseases, and seeking appropriate medical treatment, if necessary, are three important measures to preserve erectile function.
17. Only medications can treat erectile dysfunction
Myth! Medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are often the first medical approach, but this is not the only option.
There are also hormonal therapies, vacuum devices, injections, and surgical options. Lifestyle changes and adherence to psychological therapies are also recommended within the above approaches.
If the patient suffers from erectile dysfunction, it is extremely important to talk to their urologist to choose the best path for treatment and possible resolution of the problem.
18. Men with erectile dysfunction do not have sexual desire
Myth! The lack of desire is not necessarily related to erectile dysfunction. However, understanding and treating the underlying cause of the problem can help improve both erectile function and the man’s overall well-being.
19. Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of other health problems
Truth! Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of other health problems, especially cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.
Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, low testosterone levels, chronic kidney disease, depression and anxiety, and some neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, can interfere with erectile function.
20. Having unprotected sex does not pose health risks to men
A big myth! Having unprotected sex poses significant health risks. Among the main known problems is the transmission of STIs, such as HPV, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
The condom also protects men from urinary tract infections, prostatitis, and situations such as unplanned pregnancy.
Do you have any doubts? Consult our team!
In today’s text, we explored together the main myths and truths about men’s health, demystifying incorrect information and promoting a clearer and more precise understanding of body care, especially related to intimate health.
Now you know that investing in regular visits to the urologist is extremely important not only to take care of specific issues such as erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer but also to monitor your health as a whole.
Dr. Paulo Egydio’s team is always available! Schedule your pre-analysis today and take the opportunity to clarify all your doubts about men’s health.
