2023-07-09 13:16:29
News Flash: Importance of Regular Urological Check-ups for Men Emphasized by Experts
A recent study conducted by Plan International has revealed that a significant number of men between the ages of 18 and 35 tend to ignore health problems and avoid visiting a urologist. Experts are now emphasizing the importance of regular urological check-ups for men, highlighting the potential serious consequences of neglecting one’s health.
The study, which surveyed men in this age group, found that around 50% of them disregarded their health problems. Additionally, when it comes to pension provision, men also tend to lag behind. This avoidance of check-ups can have severe repercussions, particularly in the field of urology.
Dr. Christoph Pies, a renowned urologist and author, shed light on this issue in an interview with spot on news, a renowned news agency. According to Dr. Pies, surveys have shown that three out of four men have a fear of illness. This fear leads them to avoid medical examinations, fearing a negative diagnosis and its subsequent implications. The association of illness with weakness conflicts with the notion of being a strong man, hence the apprehension.
Men tend to develop avoidance strategies, with lack of time being the most common excuse for not visiting the doctor. Fear of a bad diagnosis and the anxiety surrounding prostate examination with a finger are other reasons contributing to men’s hesitation. As a result, men attend health check-ups significantly less frequently compared to women, with the provision rate being over 40% for women and just over 20% for men.
A standard urological examination involves various components, as explained by Dr. Pies. These include palpation of the testicles and groin, inspection of the genital area for inflammation and changes in the skin, assessment of the urethral opening, and, from the age of 45, palpation of the prostate with a finger from the anus. While commonly known as the “Little Harbor Tour,” this rectal exam helps urologists detect tumors on the prostate, albeit only those on the outside of the gland.
Statistically speaking, only one out of ten existing prostate tumors are discovered through such examinations. The ability to detect tumors that occur within the prostate gland remains limited, with the current approach being the determination of the PSA value in the blood, which individuals usually have to pay for themselves.
Dr. Pies emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and the recommended frequency of such examinations. He believes that routine checks, which are recommended and covered by health insurance companies, are essential. The age at which individuals should start undergoing specific exams varies. For instance, boys between the ages of 9 and 17 should be vaccinated against HPV, while men over the age of 20 should regularly examine their testicles for any abnormalities.
At the age of 45, urological care should commence, with an annual physical examination recommended. Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer should begin such check-ups even earlier, at the age of 40. Other essential examinations include colon cancer screening starting at the age of 50 and flu and pneumococcal vaccinations at the ages of 60 and 65, respectively.
Men often only visit the doctor when they experience acute symptoms. Dr. Pies highlights that this behavior is particularly prevalent in older generations, who tend to ignore signs of illness until they become severe. Lack of risk knowledge, short-sighted thinking, and repression mechanisms contribute to this lack of health awareness. Among middle-aged men, prostate inflammation and urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate are common. However, younger men are becoming more health-conscious, leading them to seek medical attention more proactively.
In Dr. Pies’ experience, the most common question from patients pertains to whether their condition is something serious, particularly when it comes to testicular and prostate cancer. Other concerns revolve around sexual function and appearance. Young men, in particular, tend to have inflated expectations and misjudgments regarding their sexual performance, penis size, and appearance. It is important for men to understand that the average penis length is nine centimeters when at rest and grows to about five centimeters when erect. Half of the population naturally falls below these values.
These insights provided by Dr. Pies underline the significance of regular urological check-ups for men and the need to overcome fears and misconceptions. By taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical attention, men can enhance their overall well-being and avoid potential health complications in the future.]
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