Testosterone has been top of mind in medicine over the last decade. And for good reason: It is now clear that testosterone in men is essential for normal growth, maturation, health, and well-being. In the brain, “vitamin T” influences sex drive, assertiveness, mood, energy, thinking and verbal memory. It increases muscle strength and maintains normal...Continue reading
Dear Healthy Men: I just read that the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending against men and boys doing testicular self-exams. What could possibly be wrong with educating young men about how to examine themselves for early signs of cancer? A: I agree completely—and I’m far from alone. In fact, an entire coalition...Continue reading
Ok, how many of you guys out there know that April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month? Unfortunately, most guys, not even many health care providers know that April is the month dedicated to making sure adolescent boys and men know about this potentially lethal problem. Men’s Health Network (www.MensHealthNetwork.org) would like to give you 8...Continue reading
February is Cancer Prevention Month, and with that comes the need to express how important it is to visit your doctor and get screened for this disease should you feel ill or are in pain. While most people associate cancer for all the hard realities that come with it: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, transplants, etc., there’s...Continue reading
You know what they say: New Year equals a new me, right? Well, despite the overwhelming feeling of relief by many that our calendars have flipped from 2020 to 2021, it is absolutely vital to both men and women to make a plan to stay on top of their health. Some could read that last...
I know that it is legal in most states. I also know that getting “high” on pot is not the same as getting “drunk” on alcohol. These issues aside, I still worry a lot about the relationship between pot use and the risk of testicular cancer. Some recent meta-analysis research adds fuel to the fire. A review of 25 studies conducted...Continue reading
It was a routine sports physical for my high school rowing team sophomore year of high school. My family medicine doctor performed all head-to-toe items on the form’s checklist, including the dreaded “turn and cough.” While going over my family history, the doctor asked about previous illnesses and cancers in the family. I was aware...Continue reading
Did you know that the most common form of cancer in boys and young men ages of 15-35 is almost entirely curable if caught early? And did you know that awareness and screening are the most effective ways to fight that disease? Now that you know, how’d you like to help spread the word? April...Continue reading
I am a 22-year-old man, and I have some questions for men of whom I am concerned. Gentlemen, have you had any action down there lately? No, I meant have you self-checked your testicles for any abnormalities – bumps, lumps, or humps? Regardless of your activity or lack thereof down south, you should. According to...Continue reading
You’ve probably experienced an ache or two at some point in your life. Toothache. Backache. Shoulder pain. Ankle sprain. Pain is part of the human predicament. Like pimples, aches and pains come and go. But what happens when suddenly something pops up down there?