Why all Men Should Talk to their Doctor about ED - June is Men’s Health Month

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress, diabetes and smoking…these are just a few of the common causes of erectile dysfunction or ED.  While oftentimes men are hesitant to seek preventive care to manage these conditions, ED seems to be a topic that definitely gets them into the doctor’s office!

ED may often be one of the earliest warning signs of other serious underlying physical or mental health conditions.  According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), men who have diabetes are two to three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who do not have diabetes. Men who suffer from atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, are also very likely to suffer from ED. 

Getting regular checkups as part of our preventive care is the most important step we can all take to manage our overall health. Many of the leading causes of illness and premature death can be detected before they cause any symptoms.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, only 52 percent of men ages 18 to 44 visited their primary care provider for regular checkups, in comparison to 66 percent of women within the same age group.

So guys, here are my recommendations:

• Schedule a wellness visit. Make time to take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved ones.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week. 
• Follow a healthy, well balanced diet.  Limit red meat consumption, watch your sodium intake and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. 
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• If you smoke, quit!  Talk to your doctor about quitting tips.
• Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep.  The average total nightly sleep time is 7½ to 8 hours. Healthy adults may need a little more or a little less than this.
• Listen to your body and seek medical attention if you notice any changes, sudden symptoms or pain.
• Talk to your doctor about your family medical history to determine when and which screening exams are best suited for you.