Introduction
Compared to women, men have higher death rates and have more serious illnesses. However, they are less likely to visit the doctor and are less likely to assess their health status. In terms of behaviour, men are more likely to smoke, be overweight and consume more alcohol.
Men have a lower life expectancy than women - 76 years, although this has increased by 3 years since 1986. For men, the major causes of death are cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The male reproductive life cycle commences with puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 years and continues on; males of up to 90 years of age have been known to father children.
Reproductive Health
The male reproductive system consists of a pair of testicles, a system of excretory ducts, the accessory organs (epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and Cowper's glands), and the penis. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and the male sex hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is essential for the development of primary and secondary male sex characteristics during puberty and for the maintenance of these characteristics during adult life.
Testosterone is responsible for:
- Maintenance of male sex drive
- Growth of the larynx and deepening of the voice
- Growth of the penis, testicles and scrotum
- Growth of the prostate gland, and secretion of prostate fluids
- Stimulation of sperm production
- Maintenance of the ejaculatory and erectile functions
- Fusion of bone ends
- Maintenance of muscle bulk
- Testosterone is broken down in the prostate gland and also in the hair follicles to form another hormone called dihydro-testosterone (DHT). This hormone is actually twice as potent as testosterone and the conversion of testosterone to DHT is controlled by an enzyme, 5 alpha reductase. Researchers have now established that it is DHT, rather than testosterone which is responsible for male pattern baldness and also for benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Testosterone influences male sexual behaviour and in an American study of over 4000 men, those with high testosterone levels were 43% more likely to get divorced than men with lower levels - and 50% less likely to get married in the first place!
Current thinking suggests that men experience a form of menopause, which is associated with a gradual fall in circulating testosterone levels. In some males this 'menopause' manifests in symptoms of tiredness, irritability, lowered libido, excessive sweating and hot flushes and even depression. Osteoporosis may also occur in a manner similar to that affecting post-menopausal women - male bone density falls by up to 15% between 40 and 70 years. There is even a male hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aimed at relieving so-called menopausal symptoms by raising testosterone back to normal levels.
Special Nutritional Needs
While women have special nutritional needs due to the requirements of their reproductive cycle, mens' needs differ in adulthood insofar as their body weight is greater than that of women and so their requirement is proportionally higher.
Preventative Health Care
One of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is being a male. This means that preventative health and avoidance of behaviours that contribute to other risk factors are important to maintain health.
Lifestyle creates special needs - men are more likely to smoke, be overweight and to consume alcohol.
- Smoking (if you must) reduces body levels of vitamin C so care should be taken to increase foods high in vitamin C and other antioxidants in the diet.
- A healthy diet and regular exercise are the most efficient ways to help reduce excess weight and increase fitness.
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 standard drinks per day.
