I’m a GP – here are 11 health myths every man should know the truth about
OPERATION give your man a health MOT!
Whether it’s your dad, your partner or your son, now’s the time for a check-up.
Men aren’t famed for rushing to the doctor the second they have a health niggle or develop a dodgy symptom.
In fact, Bupa Health Clinics found a quarter of men put off seeing their GP for as long as possible, with 58% saying they hope their issue will just vanish if they ignore it.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Health Forum found British men go to the doctor 20% less than women.
When early diagnosis is so vital, especially for potentially deadly conditions like cancer and diabetes, it’s worrying.
So this Father’s Day, it’s time to correct those health myths that stop men seeking treatment, and empower your dad, husband, partner, sons and male friends to listen to their bodies and seek help when they need it.
We asked GP Dr Rachel Ward to sort the fact from the fanciful…
MYTH: It’s ok to drink to let off steam
A few drinks on a weekend is probably nothing to worry about, but it’s easy to slip into bad habits.
“If you’re feeling that you need escapism through alcohol, you need to question whether you should take a look at your stress levels and see if there is a problem,” says Dr Ward.
“The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units a week [seven pints of lager or 10 small glasses of wine], spread over three days or more.”
If you’re knocking back more than that, experiencing memory loss after drinking, or alcohol is affecting your work or home life, speak to your GP or contact charity Drinkaware for support on 0300 123 1110.
MYTH: Cycling damages sperm count
If your man is a MAMIL (Middle Aged Man In Lycra), this is an interesting one.
“There is some suggestion that elite cyclists do get reduced sperm counts, but this may be partly to do with tight shorts and testicles getting warm,” says Dr Ward.
“We know if you wear tight trousers, your testicles are less able to regulate temperature and this can reduce sperm count.
“For most men who go cycling, this won’t be an issue and, on the flipside, we know exercise boosts fertility and is good for your general health.”
MYTH: Men don’t get osteoporosis
They do, though it is less common in men than in women.
“When women lose bone density in their 50s, men don’t have that same decline,” says Dr Ward.
“However, there are conditions, such as coeliac disease and prolonged steroid use or immunosuppression drugs, that can cause it.”
Dr Ward recommends strength training.
“It supports bone strength and is crucial for muscle health, which can help reduce injuries.”
MYTH: Talking about your worries doesn’t help — it only makes things worse
In Britain, men are around three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and they are far less likely to access therapy – men only account for 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies.
“There is very good evidence to show that discussing concerns and anxieties is important when it comes to mental health,” says Dr Ward.
“We see a lot of men who don’t share their problems and it always strikes me how unpleasant it must be to have bottled things up for years.
“I always encourage people to share their struggles with somebody they know and trust, or a health professional.”
You can refer yourself for NHS talking therapies with or without a referral from your GP.
The charity Mind has more mental health support at Mind.org.uk.
MYTH: Every man snores — it’s normal
It’s not just men who snort, snore and grunt their way through the night – a lot of women do, too!
Losing weight and sleeping on your side can help.
“Snoring is not usually a problem, but if you’re a severe snorer and have episodes of holding your breath that your partner may witness while you’re asleep, and you feel very tired during the day, this could be an indicator of sleep apnoea,” explains Dr Ward.
“You should discuss this with your GP, as sleep apnoea is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.”
MYTH: it’s only women who get breast cancer
Nope, this isn’t true.
“Around 400 men per year get breast cancer in the UK. Factors that increase risk including obesity, alcohol intake and family history,” says Dr Ward.
“We talk about checking your breasts as women, but regular self-checks apply to men, too.
“It’s important to check testicles, but men also need to be aware of what their chest feels like – and if there are any lumps or changes, to get their GP to check it out.”
MYTH: Male fertility isn’t affected by age
Age does reduce the chance of getting someone pregnant, to an extent.
“There’s no menopause equivalent for men, so even into their 90s, men will retain some element of fertility,” says Dr Ward.
“But there will be variation in sperm count and motility.”
Boost male fertility by not smoking, avoiding recreational drugs, cutting down on alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight and diet.
MYTH: If your dad didn’t have prostate cancer, you’ll be fine
It’s not that simple, sadly.
“Family history of prostate cancer is an important factor, but no man is immune,” says Dr Ward, who warns that medical professionals are concerned many cases have gone undetected due to the pandemic.
“You can have prostate cancer with absolutely no symptoms, so it is important to be aware if you are high risk and to discuss this with your GP.
“Symptoms can include a change in urinary function, poor flow, going to the loo more in the night and blood in urine.”
Prostate Cancer UK has a helpful 30-second risk check at Prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker.
There’s no NHS screening, so men should know what’s normal for them.