8 distress signals from the body that men must know

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often an early warning sign of heart disease. Roger Pescede, a urologist at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in the UK, said that erectile dysfunction is a barometer of cardiovascular health because the body needs a good blood supply to achieve an erection.

Studies have found that 2/3 of male heart disease patients have ED problems. Among men over 45 with no family history of heart disease, ED increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 37%.

Bai Wenjun, chief physician of the Urology Department of Peking University People's Hospital, told reporters that if a man is unable to have an erection, he should go to the urology department of a regular hospital as soon as possible. If you have high risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar, it is best to go to the cardiology department for further examination and treatment.

Regular exercise, weight control and smoking cessation, as well as eating more oats, salmon, almonds, broccoli, blueberries, etc. can make your heart healthier.

2. Breast enlargement, beware of endocrine disorders

Some men's breasts may swell like women's. In fact, this is caused by endocrine disorders.

Estrogen can cause breast tissue to grow, but male androgens can inhibit its growth. However, if there is an endocrine disorder, estrogen rises and androgens decrease, it will stimulate the mammary ducts to proliferate, causing breast enlargement, movable nodules that feel like moving parts, and swelling, pain or tenderness.

If you notice that your breasts are getting bigger or feel a hard lump, seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying the treatment. Professor Ashley Grossman, an endocrinologist at the University of Oxford in the UK, recommends that men with enlarged breasts must lose weight and drink less beer.

Patients with breast hyperplasia should exercise more, avoid taking nutritional supplements randomly, try not to use hormones, and at the same time, avoid drinking alcohol and eating spicy and stimulating foods, seafood and other "irritating foods".

3. Frequent urination at night can prevent prostate cancer

The British Prostate Cancer Association reminds you that if you always get up at night, it may be a warning sign of prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The walnut-sized prostate gland sits below the bladder, so any changes in its size can put pressure on the urethra and affect a person's urination habits.

However, early urinary problems are often ignored by men. By the time many men discover urinary system problems, most of them have already developed prostate hypertrophy or even prostate cancer. Therefore, men must pay attention to whether there are changes in their urination patterns. Especially men over 50 years old.

To protect the prostate, Bai Wenjun said the key is to drink less alcohol, eat less spicy and irritating foods, and be careful not to hold urine in daily life. In addition, eat more red fruits and vegetables, which can be called "men's dishes", such as tomatoes, red grapefruit and watermelon, which are rich in lycopene, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

4 Decreased libido may affect fertility

Michael Dooley, an expert at King Edward VII's Hospital in the UK, said that if a man's sexual desire suddenly decreases and the number of sexual intercourses decreases sharply, it may be because the testicles cannot produce enough male hormones.

Androgen is the most important metabolic hormone for men. Once the level of this hormone is low, it will lead to an increased risk of various diseases, such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc. If you also experience a sudden decrease in your sense of smell, this could also be a sign that your testicles are not working properly.

Experts suggest that if the body sends out the above distress signals, you must seek medical attention promptly and check your androgen levels. You can supplement with androgen for treatment under the doctor's advice. You can also eat some animal offal and foods high in zinc, such as milk and beans, in moderation. These foods also play an important role in maintaining the normal structure and function of the male reproductive system, so you may as well eat more of them in moderation.

5. Beware of testicular cancer if there is a lump in the testicle

Although most lumps or abscesses on the testicles are benign and do not even require treatment, we should still be alert to the occurrence of testicular cancer.

Experts suggest that men should perform a self-examination once a month. They can do this by relaxing their muscles in the shower and checking whether their testicles are normal. If they find any lumps or small bumps on their skin, they should seek medical attention immediately. The cure rate of early testicular cancer is very high, so early detection and early treatment are very important.

The main function of the testicles is to produce sperm and male hormones. They can be said to be the "lifeline" of men, so it is crucial to learn how to protect the testicles. The testicles have very high temperature requirements, and their favorite temperature is 35℃. When the surrounding temperature exceeds its regulation range, it is prone to injury. Therefore, it is best for men to sit less on soft sofas, wear loose and breathable pants, and take fewer saunas to create a relaxed and comfortable environment for the testicles.

6. Check for bladder cancer if you find hematuria

Men should pay special attention to whether there is blood in the urine. Painless hematuria is the most important sign of bladder cancer in more than 90% of patients. However, this typical early symptom is often mistaken for urinary stones or urinary tract infection.

The incidence of bladder cancer in men is 3 to 4 times that of women. If it can be detected early and regular treatment is received as soon as possible, long-term survival can be achieved.

Therefore, if a man experiences painless hematuria, he should undergo a comprehensive bladder examination as soon as possible.

In developed countries, 50% to 60% of bladder cancer is caused by smoking. Therefore, actively quitting smoking is very beneficial in preventing bladder cancer. Increasing water intake and not holding urine are also very important in preventing bladder cancer.

7. Beware of depression if you drink too much

Typical symptoms of depression include frequent crying, sleep disorders, and low mood. But Dr. John Chisholm, chairman of the British Men's Health Forum, said that the manifestations of depression in men are often not very typical. For example, excessive drinking, anger, violence, and inability to maintain relationships may all be unique manifestations of depression in men. A study in the United States shows that about 70% of men suffer from "hidden depression."

The best medicine to relieve anxiety is laughter. Many studies have shown that laughter can make the brain produce more endorphins and happy hormones, which can make people more positive, extroverted and sociable. In addition, when men experience psychological fluctuations, they should actively talk to their family and friends, seek support or consultation to cope with their lows, and not bear all the distress by themselves.

8. Big toe pain alerts you to gout

Excruciating pain in the big toe is one of the most typical symptoms of gout. This is because the uric acid level in the body is too high and urine is excreted very little, which causes the uric acid to slowly deposit in the blood and gradually form some tiny crystals. When the crystals accumulate more and more, they will damage the joints and cause intense pain. Sometimes it often manifests as redness and swelling of a joint. If the above symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Men have a 3 to 4 times higher risk of developing gout than women, especially older men. To prevent gout, you should eat less foods with high purine content, such as seafood, animal liver, etc.; drink more boiled water to help excrete excess uric acid in the body; avoid excessive obesity; drink less alcohol, especially beer, coffee and tea should also be moderate; and avoid overeating. Fluctuations in uric acid levels will accelerate the deposition of uric acid sodium salts and cause gout attacks.