Men’s Health Specialist

Surveys show that most men only go to the doctor when they’re sick or worried that there’s a severe problem. But that approach to men’s health doesn’t give you the best opportunity to stay healthy. The doctors at Boerne Family Medicine provide men’s health exams to prevent disease and promote long-term wellness. 

Men’s Health Q & A

How does a routine physical exam promote men’s health?

There’s one vital reason to get in the habit of a yearly physical exam: to prevent disease and stay well.

The only way to protect yourself from chronic disease is to find it at an early stage while you can still take steps to prevent it from becoming a serious health problem, and the only way to identify early signs is with an annual physical exam.

What should you expect during an annual physical for men?

Your annual exam includes all the basics: a review of your medical history, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, routine lab tests, and a check of your heart and lungs.

But during this type of preventive exam, your doctor at Boerne Family Medicine takes extra time to learn about your health concerns and perform abdominal, neurological, and skin exams.

Depending on your age and overall health, your men’s health check-up may include:

  • Testicular and prostate cancer screening
  • STD testing
  • Heart disease screening
  • Diabetes screening
  • Colon cancer screening
  • Skin cancer screening
  • Immunizations

What specialized health care is available for men’s health?

The best thing about an annual exam is that it’s your time to talk with your doctor about any health issue you may have, whether it’s related to weight loss, dietary supplements, or finding ways to eliminate stress.

Some of the most common health issues men ask about include:

Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction

Levels of testosterone naturally decline as you age, dropping by about 1% a year after the age of 30 or 40. Low testosterone is treatable, but, as long as it goes undiagnosed, you may experience:

  • Reduced sex drive
  • Fewer spontaneous erections
  • Weight gain
  • Loss of muscle mass and strength
  • Osteoporosis
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue

Sports medicine

If you have any musculoskeletal challenges related to exercise or sports, your doctor at Boerne Family Medicine can assess the problem and develop an individualized program to improve strength and eliminate repetitive stress.

Mental health

Men face intense daily responsibilities that cause anxiety and depression. Low levels of testosterone also result in emotional changes such as sadness, trouble with memory, and lack of motivation.

When was the last time you had a checkup? If you’re overdue for an annual physical, or it’s time to reschedule, protect your health by calling Boerne Family Medicine or make an appointment online.