Men's Health
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Chicago Vitality
Men's Health & Testosterone Replacement located in Schaumburg, IL & Chicago, IL
If you don’t remember the last time you had a physical, it’s time to get a checkup. Men’s health issues are preventable when they’re caught early. The practitioners at Chicago Vitality in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Naperville, Illinois specialize in men’s health and testosterone replacement. Even if you know you’re healthy, it’s still important to become established with a primary care doctor who knows your medical history. Get started today by booking your first appointment online, or by calling the office.
Men's Health Q & A
Which health problems occur in men?
While men have to deal with many of the same health issues as women, your risk of certain complications is higher as a male. Plus, you have your own set of reproductive and sexual health concerns to worry about. Some of the most common health problems in men include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Prostate cancer
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low testosterone levels
These conditions — as well as most others — are usually preventable when you get screened regularly and treated early.
When do I need to start having prostate exams?
If you have a moderate risk of developing prostate cancer, you probably won’t need an exam until age 50.
Men in the high-risk category -- whether you're African American or have a next-of-kin relative who developed prostate cancer before age 65 -- should start their screenings between 40-45 years old. Prostate exams aren’t perfect, so if you aren’t at risk for prostate cancer, you might not need prostate exams until much later in life.
How do I know if I need to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
You should go through STD screening at least once a year if you have multiple sexual partners or regularly have unprotected sex. Not all STDs have obvious symptoms, such as burning while urinating or painful bumps. Some STDs surface, while others don’t.
You may be a carrier of an STD without even knowing it, and if you’re not careful, you can spread it to your partner.
Talk with your doctor about your sexual practices. While this may seem embarrassing and uncomfortable, you need to have those conversations for your health, and for your partner’s.
What should I expect during my annual physical?
When you come to the clinic for routine physicals, your doctor sits down and talks with you about any concerns you’re having. This discussion is followed up by a physical exam that includes checking your:
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Abdomen
- Lymph nodes
- Prostate (if needed)
This is also the time when your practitioner orders lab work. Checking your inflammatory markers and cholesterol levels helps your doctor determine whether you need any further testing.
