Males are unique in that they can experience certain medical conditions that are exclusive to their sex. While females can also experience a few of these conditions, males tend to be more susceptible to them. In this article, we will explore some of the most common medical conditions that are exclusive to males.
Prostate Cancer
One such condition is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, other than skin cancer. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. While anyone can get prostate cancer, it is more common in older men. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the pelvic area.
Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, and race. African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other group. There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are things that can lower your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Testicular Cancer
Another medical condition that is exclusive to males is testicular cancer. This type of cancer occurs when cells in the testicles begin to grow out of control. Symptoms include a lump or swelling in the area, pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum, and a heavy feeling in the scrotum.
Risk factors and causes of testicular cancer are not fully understood, but some things that may increase your risk include having a family history of the disease, being born with undescended testicles, and having a history of mumps.
There is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer, but there are certain things you can do to lower your risk. These include monthly self-exams of the testicles, wearing a condom during sex, and avoiding exposure to radiation.
Testicular cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the affected testicle. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be necessary. The cure rate for testicular cancer is high, especially if it is caught early.
Infertility
Infertility is another condition that is exclusive to males. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected sex.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or blockages in the reproductive system.
Medical causes of male fertility include low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or blockages in the reproductive system, varicocele or swelling in the veins, infections, retrograde ejaculation, anti-sperm antibodies, cancers, nonmalignant tumors, Undescended testicles, hormonal problems, defects in tubules, chromosome defects, celiac disease, prior surgeries, and certain medications.
Environmental causes include too much exposure to heat, toxic elements, and certain chemicals.
Treatment for infertility depends on the underlying cause. Options include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another condition that is exclusive to males. ED is defined as the inability to get or maintain an erection.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, Peyronie’s disease, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery, and radiation therapies, among others. Treatment for ED depends on the underlying cause and can include shockwave therapy.
Hernias
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias are more common in males than females and are often seen in the groin area.
Symptoms include a bulge in the area, an ache or burning feeling in the bulge, pain in the groin, nausea, vomiting, fever, inability to pass gas, and constipation. Possible causes include weakness in the wall of the abdomen, strenuous activity, and a chronic cough. Treatments include wearing a truss for support or surgery.
Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. The hair loss usually starts at the temples and the top of the head. Male pattern baldness is not a dangerous condition, but it can cause a lot of emotional distress for men who are affected by it.
There is no cure for male pattern baldness, but there are treatments that can help slow down or stop hair loss. These treatments include medications like finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplant surgery.
Get Help
While these are some of the most common medical conditions that are exclusive to males, there are many others that can affect them as well. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for most of these conditions is available, and early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.
