{"id":12076,"date":"2020-06-15T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2020-06-15T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=12076"},"modified":"2025-05-28T16:41:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T20:41:30","slug":"mens-health-and-pharmacists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/mens-health-and-pharmacists\/","title":{"rendered":"How pharmacists can promote men\u2019s health"},"content":{"rendered":"

June is Men\u2019s Health Month. It\u2019s a time of year dedicated to increasing health awareness for the guys in your life\u2014the sons, brothers, dad, grandfathers, uncles, and nephews you care about. There are many reasons why people don\u2019t seek healthcare. They\u2019re unaware of health risks. They\u2019re unsure, or embarrassed about health problems. Or, in some cases, they\u2019re uncomfortable talking about a physical vulnerability, like a health problem. In other words, men\u2019s health can be a sensitive topic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, as a pharmacist, you can leverage your role in healthcare to help bridge this care gap. Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team who can educate male patients and encourage proper screening or treatment when it\u2019s needed most.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem with men\u2019s health<\/span><\/h2>\n

Over the past 100 years, the human life expectancy has increased considerably. But this doesn\u2019t make up for the fact that the gender gap has been widening. According to the <\/span>National Center for Health Statistics<\/span>, men reach an average age of 76. Women reach an average age of 81.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only are men more likely to die younger than women, but they\u2019re also more prone to certain chronic conditions. Data shows that men are more likely to develop <\/span>heart disease<\/span><\/a> and experience their first heart attack at a younger age than women. Men are also twice as likely to be diagnosed with emphysema and four times as likely to have gout.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While obesity remains a growing problem among men and women, it\u2019s the differences in weight distribution that could signify other problems. In women, excess fat tends to distribute around the hips and thighs. In men, excess fat sits around the abdominal region. Without a proper diet or exercise plan, visceral fat can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to mental health, men are less likely to seek treatment for depression compared to women. <\/span>Higher suicide rates<\/span><\/a> among men may illustrate a larger problem with social norms. Some men may be more reserved about their emotions or be socialized to believe that it makes them weak to talk about problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with a heightened risk for these health issues, men are also faced with conditions that are specific to the male sex. Here are a few issues your patients might encounter\u2014and how you can address them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/h2>\n

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between <\/span>5% and 15%<\/a> of men<\/span> aged 40 to 75 years old. Pharmacists will often encounter prescriptions for Viagra or Cialis, which makes for a great opportunity to <\/span>address side effects<\/span><\/a> or other concerns. ED can be a subtle indicator of health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or mental health problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s uncomfortable to talk about sexual problems, so use discretion. If they have questions, show them you are non-judgmental and open to helping them. You can also assure patients that it\u2019s a relatively common problem among men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prostate cancer<\/span><\/h2>\n

Prostate cancer ranks second in the leading types of cancer for men in the U.S. It is much more common in older men. However, it is highly treatable and has a favorable prognosis when caught early.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a pharmacist, you can educate men on the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. You can also encourage men to get screened, especially if they\u2019re at risk. Men who are <\/span>50 years old<\/span><\/a> with an average risk should receive a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: Cancer screening for men: Guidelines by age<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Low testosterone<\/span><\/h2>\n

Testosterone levels can play a crucial role in men\u2019s health. Aging can cause <\/span>testosterone levels to drop<\/span><\/a> around a percentage point each year. Low testosterone levels contribute to a number of problems including:<\/span><\/p>\n