Our health is essential, yet many people neglect their bodies and minds. Men are the worst culprits, with numerous studies showing that women are more likely to visit their GP when something's wrong.
The Tri-City Medical Centre surveyed males and found that 20% only saw a doctor for their health after a loved one convinced them to. Furthermore, The Guardian reports that men visit their GP four times a year on average.
Not only does this mean that men don't receive much support, but it also puts their health seriously at risk.
In this guide, we'll explore the importance of medical investigations for men's health and how you can promote yours.
What are men's general health checks?
General health checks for men include physical exams, blood sugar tests and basic screenings to identify potential issues. A general health check includes:
Blood pressure
High blood pressure is an indicator of severe stress or underlying conditions that might result in heart attacks, angina and even strokes. Also, men with elevated blood pressure are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, leading to relationship issues and heightened stress.
Blood sugar
Obese men have heightened risks of getting type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include extreme thirst, tiredness and problems with the nerves, eyes and heart. Luckily, the condition is manageable with medication and lifestyle changes, but it can result in severe complications.
Testicular and prostate exams
General testicular and prostate exams evaluate whether there's a risk of cancer or if cancer cells are present. While basic tests have benefits, most health checks involve a physical examination and don't go in-depth like medical investigations.
Cholesterol tests
High cholesterol levels are a precursor to heart disease and strokes, both of which can be fatal. However, there are usually no symptoms associated with it, and you can only find out whether your cholesterol levels are too high through blood tests.
What are medical investigations?
Medical investigations enable specialists to examine a person for various conditions and identify any issues. Just because you feel healthy on the outside doesn't mean there aren't underlying issues or risk factors.
Regular medical investigations will also highlight any hereditary illnesses and reveal if you're more at risk of conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Men over 40 can access general health checks through the NHS. However, getting in-depth medical investigations from a specialist health provider lets you track your health and get immediate support for potential illnesses.
These investigations look at several key areas of your health and well-being.
Blood tests
Blood tests are ideal for flagging health issues and treating them effectively. Our blood tests look at a range of factors before assessing your health, including:
Testosterone Levels
As men age, their testosterone levels might decrease, which can cause symptoms such as a low sex drive, lethargy and the inability to enjoy a healthy sex life. An advanced TRT blood test helps professionals get your replacement therapy levels right.
Organ Functioning
Advanced men's blood tests evaluate your risk of diabetes and cholesterol levels to flag up potential blood pressure and heart issues. These tests also evaluate your kidneys and liver functioning and whether you have any deficiencies.
Prostate Tests
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting one in eight and causing thousands of deaths each year (Prostate Cancer UK). A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can flag up signs of the cancer and allow you to get treatment immediately.
The benefits of investing in medical investigations
There are numerous benefits associated with medical investigations, and the results can far outweigh the initial cost. A person's health is priceless, and identifying issues quickly means they don't progress and become worse.
Let's take a look at the benefits of medical investigations.
Improved outcomes
These tests enable professionals to identify underlying issues that might not be evident. For example, prostate cancer can take time to develop, but an early diagnosis significantly increases your chance of survival.
According to Cancer Research, the survival rates of stage one and two prostate cancer are much higher than in later stages, with stage four having a 50% survival rate five years after diagnosis.
Flagging up risks
Those steaks and whiskeys might seem fine, but they can be doing undue harm to your body. Cholesterol levels build up over time, while liver damage can go unidentified for years until it begins to cause severe symptoms.
Proper medical investigations will give you a clear picture of your health and let you know your risk factors for specific conditions.
Lower healthcare costs
While the NHS is always available for people in the UK, many choose to go private, which allows them to access healthcare immediately and get better support. However, private treatment can mount up—especially if the condition is severe.
By diagnosing issues quickly, you can save money on treatment costs and still prioritise your health.
Peace of mind
We all know that seeing a GP is getting more challenging than ever, with Which highlighting that patients are experiencing record delays in securing an appointment. Unfortunately, even if you get to see a doctor, it doesn't mean you'll get the support you deserve.
Some perform tests as a last resort, leaving you with months of panicking, trying to figure out what's wrong. If you feel something isn't right with your body, arranging medical investigations can give you peace of mind.
Longer life expectancy
Life expectancy rates have increased significantly since 1765, with the average age of passing rising from just 38 to 81 today (Statista). However, male life expectancy has always been lower than females, with a three-year difference in 2020.
There are many reasons for this, including the fact that men's health can be an overlooked topic. Societal pressures mean women are more likely to seek help for concerns than men, which inevitably puts males at risk of severe diseases.
By arranging medical investigations, you could add years to your life and enjoy a healthier future.
The bottom line
Medical investigations can add years to your life expectancy and uncover any health issues before they worsen. The Eden Clinic For Men is a specialist centre that gives you a brighter future.
Our specialists can give you peace of mind and ensure you have the necessary support once you receive the test results. Please book an appointment today or contact us with any questions.
