Common Health Issues Facing Men: Q&A with Vincent Riesgo, MD
June 13, 2023
Categories: Healthy Living
June is Men’s Health Month and Vincent Riesgo, MD, is here to answer some key questions concerning common health issues for men – what they are, how to treat them and how to prevent them. Dr. Riesgo is an internal medicine specialist and serves as the assistant inpatient director for The Florida State University College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH).
Q: What are some of the most common health issues you see in men?
A: As an internal medicine physician, we encounter many conditions that affect men’s health. These include:
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and hypertension;
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer
- Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone levels or hypogonadism, which can lead to various symptoms like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), fatigue and mood changes
- Prostate disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Many men also struggle with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Suicide is a serious concern, and it’s important to understand that men can be particularly vulnerable. Men are less likely to see mental health treatment, and studies consistently show that men have higher rates of suicide. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs and risk factors to provide the support and help needed.
Q: What is the recommended treatment for these health issues?
A: All these conditions impact the well-being and longevity of men, and recommended treatments will vary depending on the underlying causes and individual circumstances.
In any case, it is important to establish a consistent relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) who can evaluate individual risk factors and recommend personalized care plans – including lifestyle changes, health screenings, specific treatment options and referrals to other specialists as needed.[TM1]
Cardiovascular Health
To improve your cardiovascular health, you may be referred to a specialist, such as our cardiologists at TMH Physician Partners services by Southern Medical Group. Treatment generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medications (like statins or beta-blockers). Depending on the severity of the issue, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgeries could be recommended.
Obesity
If you are struggling with obesity, you can talk to your PCP about comprehensive treatment options, such as those offered at our Tallahassee Memorial Metabolic Health Center. They offer a team of experts to guide you through a personalized treatment plan, which could include lifestyle changes, medications, meal replacement programs or bariatric surgery.
Diabetes
Treatment for diabetes also usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, as well as consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels. Depending on the severity of the condition, this may be managed by your PCP or you may be referred to a specialist.
Respiratory Health
In addition to medications and lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking or avoiding environmental triggers), treatment for respiratory conditions may involve various respiratory therapies. For this, your PCP would likely refer you to a pulmonologist for further evaluation.
Hormonal Imbalance
For erectile dysfunction (ED), we address any underlying physical causes for ED and promote lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and smoking cessation. Medications like sildenafil or tadalafil are often prescribed to improve sexual function. In cases where medications are ineffective, vacuum erection devices, penile injections or surgical options may be considered, but it is important to discuss with your provider what treatments are appropriate for you.
Prostate Disorders
Prostate health requires regular monitoring and discussion with your PCP. As men get older, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can make it more difficult to urinate or disrupt sleep by increasing the number of times men need to get out of bed to urinate. To help alleviate symptoms, there are medications, like tamsulosin or prazosin, that relax the muscles around the prostate. There are other medications that reduce the size of the prostate. In some cases, you may be referred to a urologist, a doctor that specializes in conditions affecting the urinary tract – especially if surgical treatments are under consideration.
Regarding prostate cancer, the United States Preventative Task Force (USPTF), which reviews the latest data to offer screening and preventative treatment recommendations for patients and healthcare providers nationwide, recommends that screening for prostate cancer be a collaborative decision made between a patient and their provider. Prostate cancer treatment options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
Mental Health
Mental health disorders are often treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing conditions like depression and anxiety, helping men develop coping strategies and addressing negative thought patterns. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressant and antianxiety medications, may be prescribed when necessary.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, it’s important to seek help. Reach out to a healthcare professional, such as your PCP or a mental health specialist, who is trained to identify the warning signs and provide the support and treatment you need.
During your appointments, your healthcare provider may use screening tools to assess your mental health, including questions about your emotional well-being and any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It is important to be open with your provider about these sensitive topics so they can help you to navigate through your feelings and concerns.
If you are experiencing symptoms and have questions before seeking care, our behavioral health team is available. Call 850-431-5105.
If you or a loved one has harmed themselves or having thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or bring them to a hospital immediately.
You can also call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Q: What advice can you offer to men who are struggling with these health issues?
A: My advice to men struggling with these health issues is to seek professional help as soon as possible. Seeking support is not a weakness – and we must remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Reach out to your PCP or a mental health professional to discuss your concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan that will help you live your life to the fullest. It’s essential to engage in open and honest conversations with healthcare providers to address any physical, psychological, or sexual health concerns you may have.
Your PCP is well-trained in the prevention, diagnosis and management of many conditions and can guide you toward lifestyle changes and treatment options that may lessen the burden of these diseases.
Q: Do you have any tips for men to stay healthy and avoid health issues?
A: Yes! In many cases, prevention is the best treatment. Lifestyle changes can delay or prevent the development of these conditions, helping men to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, as well as to increase their overall life expectancy.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting added sugars, processed foods and saturated fats will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and support overall well-being.
- Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (the equivalent of about 20-25 minutes per day), can improve your heart health and prevent or even help treat metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Plus, maintaining cardiovascular health is necessary for optimal sexual function and prostate health.
- Quit tobacco use to improve respiratory function and reduce the risk of serious respiratory conditions or other diseases.
- Men should prioritize their mental health by practicing stress management techniques, seeking support and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, like exercise, hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones.
While June is a great time to recognize and talk about men’s health priorities, men should always be proactive about issues affecting their health. From heart and vascular disease to mental and behavioral health to urological conditions, TMH and TMH Physician Partners offer a wide variety of services and resources suited for men’s health needs.
If you’re experiencing any complications with your health, speak to your primary care provider as soon as possible. If you need a primary care provider, you can request an appointment through TMH Physician Partners.
