June is Men’s Health Month, and there’s no better time for men to focus on their well- being. But Men’s Health Month is not just for men. It’s time for us all to raise awareness and help the men we love prioritize their wellbeing.
Did you know that men are 50% less likely than women to access medical care? Or that men are more prone to cardiovascular disease, and getting cancer?* While there are some things in life we can’t control, we can rise above these statistics.
We can start by talking openly about the importance of staying healthy. In fact, NY state health commissioner Dr. James McDonald says, “Too often men hold back from speaking up about their health – they push through pain, downplay their symptoms, or avoid it altogether. But staying silent only increases your risk. There is nothing stronger than taking care of yourself. Seeking support… is a smart, selfless decision that benefits both you and your loved ones.”**
So, let’s look at symptoms that men should be aware of.***
10 Health Symptoms Every Man Should Know
Chest pain:
Sudden onset of chest pain or discomfort is a symptom a man should never ignore. If the pain is beneath the breastbone, radiating across the chest, it’s something to talk to the doctor about right away. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it could point to heart disease—the number one leading cause of death in males in the United States.
This kind of chest pain can also be a sign of angina or ischemic heart disease, which is often a precursor to a heart attack or myocardial infarction. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, consult your doctor right away. This is nothing to be stoic about.
Weight gain or loss
Everyone’s weight fluctuates from time to time, especially if you’ve made changes to your diet or workout routine. But unexpected weight loss or gain can signal thyroid, heart, kidney and hormonal problems. Catching any of these issues early, before severe damage to any organ occurs, is key.
Changes in stool
Who wants to talk about their stool? Most of us shun that conversation because we think it’s embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss. But it can save your life. If you notice changes to your stool’s frequency, consistency, or color, a conversation with your doctor is paramount. Other symptoms that cause concern are changes in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain or bloating, and ongoing fatigue or weakness.
Why are bowel movements so important? Changes can indicate colorectal cancer, but can also indicate irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions such as thyroid disorders or diabetes.
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer diagnosis at stage 1 has a five-year survival rate of 95% for men – but this survival rate dramatically decreases by stage 4. So, if you deal with these stool changes as soon as they appear, intervention can save your life. Remember, men 45 years old or above need to make time and take advantage of colon cancer screening.
Changes in urination
This is another symptom that many men find difficult to talk about. But if this happens to you, know that you’re not alone. Prostate-related issues affect millions of men each year, making them among the most common health concerns men face as they age. If you experience difficulty urinating, a decreased force in the stream of urine, increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, and even nighttime dribbling, please get yourself checked out. While prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men, there’s a nearly 100% chance of survival if the cancer is caught early. Sadly, many men don’t get checked out, and if the disease is caught late, that survival rate drops to 30%.****
It’s important to realize that not all these symptoms mean cancer. To the contrary, symptoms can also be the result of an enlarged prostate and inflammation of the prostate—all of which can be managed when in a doctor’s care.
Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers
Many of us experience numbness or tingling, and it might not be serious. Sometimes it occurs because we sleep in a funny position, we have temporary pressure on a nerve, or it’s from repetitive motions such as typing or using tools. But if the feelings persist, it may be a result of carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, pinched nerves, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, or vitamin deficiencies. It could also be a symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition that occurs in some men between 20 and 40 years old, especially athletes.
As you can see, these uncomfortable symptoms may be caused by a variety of problems, all of which can and should be managed by a healthcare professional. So don’t ignore them!
Leg cramps
Muscle spasm pain is real! It causes a tightening of the calf or thigh and can be extremely uncomfortable. Experts tell us that leg cramping is likely due to muscle fatigue, though there are other medical conditions that might be to blame.
In addition to muscular strain or overuse, muscle cramps can also be caused by dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids and resting usually helps in these instances. But if you experience these cramps often, or while walking, it could be a symptom of vascular disease, or a partial or full blockage of your arteries, which is serious.
An enlarged testicle
It’s important for men to pay attention to their testicles and perform a testicular exam each month. It’s easy to do: simply stand in front of a mirror and look for any swelling or changes in the appearance of your scrotum. Hold one testicle at a time and check for hard lumps, nodules or unusual areas of firmness. Familiarizing yourself with the look and feel of your testes can help you stay aware of your own “normal.” For example, one testicle being larger than the other isn’t usually a need for concern, but you should call your doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary, especially if there’s a noticeable difference within a short period of time. While changes may be a result of varicose veins, it’s important to rule out testicular cancer.
Dry mouth
This is surprising to most people, but if you consistently have a dry mouth, pay attention to it!
Men are at higher risk of heart disease, which makes them more likely to take a lot of medications, which can cause dry mouth. Talk to your doctor and see if you may need to have your medications adjusted. While dry mouth is not necessarily an indication of health problems, it can lead to bad breath, loose teeth and cavities.
Sometimes dry mouth is a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke—so like many other physical changes, it’s something to talk to your healthcare professional about.
Increased anger or irritation
Now let’s talk a minute about mental health. It’s critically important. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 59 million US adults experienced a mental health episode in 2022. Yet compared to women, men are only half as likely to seek treatment.*****
If you’re experiencing exaggerated anger and irritation, sleep disturbances, loss of motivation or interest in things that used to bring joy, talk to a healthcare professional as soon as you can. They can help you. Above all else, understand that sadness, anger or irritation are not life-long conditions you need to handle by yourself. You have a lot of company, and there are people who understand and can provide support.
Erectile dysfunction
Fortunately, in past years, we’ve elevated the conversation about erectile dysfunction so that many men realize it’s a common condition, particularly with those of us who are aging. That said, we have a long way to go regarding eliminating the stigma.
While erectile dysfunction (ED) is a physical condition, it also has a significant impact on a man’s self-esteem, confidence and feeling of self-worth. For this reason alone, it’s critically important to talk to a healthcare professional. But it’s especially important to reach out to your provider if you experience sudden ED, as it can be a symptom and early sign of prostate cancer.
There are many ways we can help keep ourselves healthy. One meaningful thing we can do is to get a full check up and discuss symptoms with our healthcare provider. Or call, just to be sure all is okay. For more information on how Premier Medical can help, call us today at 845-565-4400 or visit us at https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/
*[https://www.theglobalstatistics.com/united-states-mens-health-statistics/]
**[https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-06-11_mens_health_month.htm]
***[https://www.healthdigest.com/347395/health-symptoms-men-should-never-ignore/]
****[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/survival-rates/gnc-20595702]
*****[https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness]