Some itches are just too embarrassing to scratch. But if you&#39;ve ever been, or currently are, bothered by an irritating itch &quot;down there,&quot; you know how urgent the need to scratch can be.

Quite often, the culprit in this embarrassing pelvic itch is fungus. Wherever moisture and heat get trapped on the body, fungus can grow and cause uncomfortable itching. One of the most common types of intimate fungal infections in men is<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/fungal-infections/what-is-jock-itch"> jock itch</a>.

What&#39;s Going On Down There? 
The human body is home to many different microorganisms, including fungi. Having a certain number of fungi living on the human body is normal. But when conditions favor fungi growth, such as warmth and moisture, the organisms can multiply rapidly, upsetting the natural balance.

It is typical for <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/fungal-infections/what-are-fungal-skin-infections">fungal infections</a> to occur in the genital area, where ideal growing conditions exist. However, fungal infections can also be found on the feet, the underarms, or the fold of skin below the breast.

Jock Itch 
Consisting of a red and flat itchy rash that appears on the inner thighs, tinea cruris, or jock itch, spreads outward in a circular pattern and clears in the center. The border of the ring is usually bright red and raised, and it can spread to both the genital and anal regions. It is very contagious and can be passed by direct skin contact or contact with contaminated items, such as a shared towel.

If you have jock itch, you&#39;re not alone&mdash;jock itch is second only to acne as the most commonly reported skin condition, and it&#39;s estimated that 10% to 20% of people will get a tinea infection sometime in their lives. It is usually fairly simple to cure, although symptoms may last for weeks. Your doctor will usually prescribe a topical antifungal cream that should be applied once or twice a day for 2 weeks. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry and avoid any clothing that might irritate the infected area. Infections that last more than 2 weeks or recur may require stronger antifungal treatment in either topical or oral form. Antibiotics also may be needed to treat secondary infections that can sometimes be caused by scratching.

Preventive Measures 
Follow these steps to prevent jock itch altogether, which is especially important if your infection tends to recur:

<ul>
	<li>Bathe or shower right away after a workout. Avoid using antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Dry your genital area well and apply powder, such as talc, to the skin between your leg and groin.</li>
	<li>Wear loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts, instead of briefs. Avoid nylon underwear. Change your underwear frequently, especially after activities that leave you hot and sweaty.</li>
	<li>Maintain a healthy body weight. Heavier people suffer more with perspiration buildup in their groin area than people of lower body weight.</li>
	<li>If you have a fungal infection on your feet or hands, treat it promptly before it has an opportunity to spread to the groin or other skin areas.</li>
</ul>

Other Causes of Itch 
A yeast infection is another type of fungal infection that can cause itching. That&#39;s right, men can get yeast infections, usually following sexual contact with a woman who has a yeast infection. And if both partners are not treated, they can keep reinfecting each other. Not every man exposed to a yeast infection will get one, but men who have diabetes or are uncircumcised are at increased risk.

Fungal infections aren&#39;t the only possible cause of pelvic itching. Your skin could be irritated by sweat and tight clothing, or you could be having an allergic reaction to soaps and detergents. It could also be the result of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, or it could even be a symptom of a <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/stds-sexually-transmitted-diseases">sexually transmitted disease</a>, such as chlamydia or genital herpes. Be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Medically reviewed in November 2019.

Stop Jock Itch

Most men associate virility with youth, so it&#39;s no wonder that the idea of eventually experiencing diminished virility or erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a dismal thought for a man. No one wants to feel old before his time or have age interfere with his ability to fully enjoy a sexual relationship with a partner. Understanding the causes of erectile dysfunction, how to prevent it, and how to cure erectile dysfunction without pills may help you feel more in control of your sex life through the years.

What&#39;s Happening with Erectile Dysfunction? 
Certain conditions or medications can interfere with a man&#39;s ability to achieve an erection. When this happens repeatedly, it is called erectile dysfunction. A fairly common condition, ED affects an estimated 15 to 30 million American men.

The causes of erectile dysfunction are varied. Countless muscles, tissues, veins, nerves, and arteries are involved in the natural processes that lead to an erection, so anytime this complex sequence of events is interrupted, ED can result.

Certain surgeries and injuries can cause erectile dysfunction. It can also be caused by diseases that affect the tissues, nerves, or arteries involved in erections. These diseases include diabetes, kidney disease, vascular disease, and neurological disease. Some medications, such as blood pressure medication, antihistamines, and antidepressants, may have ED-related side effects. For 10% to 20% of men, the culprits are psychological factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological factors cause erectile dysfunction.

Pill-Free Alternatives 
Instead of relying on medication for sexual satisfaction, there may be a medication-free way to cure erectile dysfunction: <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/weight-loss">losing weight</a>. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated a strong connection between weight loss and sexual function. In the study, of the 55 obese men with erectile dysfunction who lost at least 10% of their body weight through diet and exercise, about one-third reported improvement in their sexual function.

Another way to restore sexual vigor is to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/walking">start walking</a>. Research shows that physical activity -- even without a dramatic shift in weight -- may positively affect sexual function. In a study, men who were physically active had a lower risk of ED, whereas men who were sedentary had a higher risk of ED. Even when other health conditions were taken into account, men who lived a healthy lifestyle -- one including regular exercise -- were more likely to maintain their erectile function as they aged. It&#39;s never too late to begin these healthy habits; even men who increased their physical activity in midlife had a lower risk of developing ED compared with their inactive peers.

Not surprisingly, men with ED also have a higher risk of coronary artery disease. That&#39;s because unhealthy lifestyles contribute not only to the aging of blood vessels in the penis but also to the aging of blood vessels related to cardiovascular function. The bottom line: When you improve your ability to enjoy sex, you are adding years to your life as well.

Overwhelming Benefits 
Increasing physical activity may make the most sense for men whose erectile dysfunction is the result of obesity, obesity-related disease, or psychological problems. Not only is increased physical activity a great recipe for weight loss, but research also has shown it can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and mild feelings of depression -- all common psychological causes of ED.

There is one catch: Physical activity and weight loss may not improve sexual function if ED is caused by an underlying disease or by certain medications.

However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing additional medical conditions that may negatively affect your sex life. And some of the physiological effects of exercise -- increased blood flow to all parts of the body and improved circulation -- may have an effect on sexual function.

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/quit-smoking">If you smoke, quit! </a>Smoking is a major contributor to erectile problems, even in younger men. After only one day of quitting, you may begin to see improvement.

If you worry about losing your sexual function later in life, taking preventive measures now can lessen your chance of losing sexual ability later. Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that doesn&#39;t have to be. Talk with your doctor to see if you are at your ideal weight and whether weight loss might be an effective means of restoring -- or preserving -- your sexual health.

If weight loss isn&#39;t the answer to your personal situation, remember there are many other effective solutions for treating and managing erectile dysfunction. Engaging in an open and honest dialogue with your doctor about your sexual health will help you find the best solution for your specific condition.

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction & Cures for ED

The land that brings us giant pandas, the Great Wall, and amazing cuisine also serves up a mean cup of prostate protection.

Green tea has long been touted by the Chinese for its medicinal value. And, the green tea health benefits could include cutting a man&#39;s risk of advanced prostate cancer by half. How much do you need to drink?

More Protection 
In a study, men who drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day had half the risk of advanced prostate cancer compared with men who sipped less than a cup a day. Another way to ensure a healthy prostate: Avoid a diet high in saturated fat and include plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/prostate/what-diet-prostate-health" target="_blank">(Does your diet measure up?)</a>

Check Your Risk 
For a rundown of key prostate cancer risk factors, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/prostate-cancer/prostrate-cancer-risk-factors" target="_blank">go here.</a>

More Great News on Green Tea Health Benefits 
In addition to a healthy prostate, green tea can also help:

<ul>
	<li>Revive aging skin cells. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tea-health/is-tea-good-for-skin">Here&#39;s how.</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/anti-aging-skin-care/article/boost-memory-and-attention-with-green-tea">Boost your brain power</a>.</li>
	<li>Battle creaky knees. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tea-health/can-green-tea-relieve-arthritis" target="_blank">Here&#39;s the reason why.</a></li>
	<li>Keep your heart healthy. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/diet-nutrition/article/tea-leaf-reading-you-can-trust">Here&#39;s how much you need in order to protect your ticker</a>.</li>
</ul>

Basically, we can&#39;t say enough about green tea. So grab yourself a cuppa!

Follow This Eastern Beverage Wisdom for Your Prostate

You&#39;re tired and cranky, and your sex drive ain&#39;t what it used to be. You may even have some issues with erectile dysfunction. Could you be going through &quot;the change?&quot; Turns out, midlife hormonal fluctuations aren&#39;t just a &quot;woman thing.&quot; Men can experience menopause, too&mdash;in the form of low testosterone (low T).

Though the phrase male menopause&mdash;also known as andropause or, as some have dubbed it, &quot;men-opause&quot;&mdash;is a bit of a misnomer, the condition is real, says Robert Brannigan, a urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and associate professor of urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

What is low T? 
Whereas women experience a sudden drop in hormones that signals a change in their ability to reproduce, with male menopause the result is a gradual decline in testosterone. Because it happens slowly (over a period of years), the symptoms of male menopause (e.g., fatigue, sluggish sex drive, irritability, depression, muscle loss and erectile dysfunction) may be subtle and hard to detect.

Testosterone levels fall naturally as we age&mdash;on average, about 1&nbsp;percent&nbsp;a year after age 30. That means that by the time you reach 70, your testosterone level may have dropped by half from its peak. Though aging is the main cause of low T, other conditions and medications, such as testicular cancer, a scrotum injury, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and mumps, are all possible culprits.

Is male menopause common? 
According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, male menopause is relatively rare, affecting only 2&nbsp;percent&nbsp;of men over 40. Other stats show that 5&nbsp;percent&nbsp;of all men (and nearly 20 percent after age 70) suffer from low T. However, urologists, such as Steven Kaplan, director of the Iris Cantor Men&#39;s Health Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, argue that numbers don&#39;t tell the whole story.

&quot;To some degree, most men experience some manifestation of [male menopause] in the sense that, as we age, we&#39;re not the same in our 50s or 60s as we were in our 20s,&quot; Kaplan says. &quot;There are a lot of different reasons for that, but hormonal balance is a piece of that. Some men are bothered by it and experience symptoms, and others are not.&quot;

While the New England Journal of Medicine study defined male menopause as low testosterone plus at least three sexual symptoms (e.g., erectile dysfunction, poor morning erection, low desire), Brannigan says symptoms can manifest themselves differently depending on the patient. &quot;At the end of the day, every patient is individual and unique,&quot; he says. &quot;If his testosterone level is low and he has symptoms, we treat it. We don&#39;t insist that he have ED.&quot;

If your sex drive has taken a nosedive, your apparatus isn&#39;t working the way it used to, your muscles have gone flabby, or you have no energy, you may want to have your testosterone levels checked with a blood test. Normal testosterone levels range between 300 to 1,200 ng/dl. Brannigan recommends testosterone replacement therapy for men with levels below 300.

&quot;It&#39;s not a panacea, and I don&#39;t believe in wholesale screening of everyone, but I do believe there is a place for it,&quot; Brannigan says. &quot;It&#39;s not the fountain of youth, but if you&#39;re suffering from low T, hormone replacement therapy may restore some of the pep that you&#39;re accustomed to.

Medically reviewed in November 2018.

Is Male Menopause Real?

When you think about health problems that can affect your life the most as you age, what comes to mind? Heart issues or prostate problems? Low testosterone? One study points out it&rsquo;s actually a spare tire that gives men the most trouble.

Researchers from Odense University Hospital in Denmark polled 598 Danish men between the ages of 60-74, using a questionnaire that asked about quality-of-life factors such as physical ability, vitality, and social and emotional health. The researchers also measured the men&rsquo;s body composition and testosterone levels. The study found that a big belly had the biggest impact on a man&rsquo;s general health, and that as men&rsquo;s waistlines grew, their quality of life and sense of well-being tumbled. Low testosterone, by comparison, had little effect on the men&rsquo;s lives.

Obesity is not an option 
While low testosterone can impact everything from a man&#39;s bone and muscle mass to sex drive and hair loss, for instance, guys are more likely to feel the harmful health effects of being overweight. Some of those health risks include:

High blood pressure

<ul>
	<li>High LDL (&ldquo;bad&rdquo;) cholesterol</li>
	<li>Low HDL (&ldquo;good&rdquo;) cholesterol</li>
	<li>Heart disease</li>
	<li>Diabetes</li>
	<li>Stroke</li>
	<li>Cancer</li>
</ul>

The study is a reminder that keeping your gut from growing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and well-being as you get older. And a bonus: Shedding those extra pounds may even raise your testosterone levels. That, friends, is called a win-win!

C&#39;mon men, fight back 
If you&#39;re a guy whose day-to-day is more sedentary&mdash;and you&#39;ve been watching your belly get bigger in the process&mdash;it&#39;s time to kick things into gear and start moving. Some studies even show that adding more exercise to your day can help fight cancer. Plus, your ticker benefits from it, too! And if you find yourself falling to temptation in the foods you eat, remake your diet the right way.&nbsp;

Remember, there&#39;s nothing manly about a big belly. Lose it for good and reap the benefits of better health.

Medically reviewed in December 2019.

Belly Fat Is Worst for Well-Being in Older Men

You&rsquo;re feeling tired and weak, your sex drive is on the downswing, and you&rsquo;re gaining weight. These so-called male menopause symptoms &ndash; also known as andropause &ndash; could be the result of a decline in your testosterone and estrogen levels (yes, the female hormone). True, testosterone is the main male sex hormone, but a small amount of testosterone men produce is also converted to estrogen. And as testosterone levels decrease, estrogen levels do as well. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mens-health/health-guide/mens-health-guide/low-testosterone-causes-male-menopause">Could You Have Low T?</a>

To that point, male menopause is more complicated than advertisements about low T and testosterone supplements lead you to believe. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine describes how researchers recruited 400 healthy men between the ages of 20 and 50. All of them were given a drug that suppresses natural testosterone and estrogen production. They were then given various doses of testosterone gel or a dummy gel for 16 weeks. Half of the men were also given another drug to prevent testosterone from converting into estrogen. The results: Testosterone loss affected men&rsquo;s muscle mass and strength, while testosterone and estrogen loss both affected men&rsquo;s libido and erectile function. But it was the loss of estrogen, in particular, that appeared to promote a gain in body fat.

Male Menopause Symptoms Aren&rsquo;t Created Equal 
The study also found that male menopause symptoms crop up at different testosterone thresholds. Researchers identified that increases in body fat and waning interest in sex emerged at mild levels of testosterone deficiency. But muscle loss and erectile dysfunction didn&rsquo;t begin until testosterone levels continued to drop -- around 200 ng/dL or below. Generally testosterone is considered low when levels are below 300 ng/dL, and it&rsquo;s a sort of one-size-fits-all definition. But this study proves there&rsquo;s variability in the amount of testosterone needed in relation to overall men&rsquo;s health.

How Safe Is Testosterone Hormone Therapy? 
The verdict is still out on whether or not testosterone supplements actually do more harm than good. And that&rsquo;s a major issue since millions of men each year are prescribed testosterone gel, patches or shots for male menopause symptoms. Testosterone supplements also have potential side effects, including acne and enlarged prostate, but maybe the biggest worry is that the long-range health effects are unknown. (<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mens-health/health-guide/mens-health-guide/hormone-therapy-to-treat-low-testosterone" style="line-height: 1.6em;">Find out more about the benefits and risks of testosterone hormone therapy</a>.)

Medically reviewed in November 2018.

Male Menopause Isn’t Just About Low T

Having a fresh, healthy mouth not only looks and feels good. It may also have a surprising benefit for sexual well-being. Research suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene might help prevent erectile dysfunction (ED).

A limited number of studies have indicated an association between ED and chronic gum disease, also known as periodontitis. A meta-analysis of nine such studies published in March 2018 in the American Journal of Men&#39;s Health found that the two conditions may be linked. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the relationship, but the authors suggested that men with ED should be referred to a dentist for a full oral evaluation and treatment to try to address this potential contributing risk factor.

Inflammation may be to blame 
Gum disease is an infection in your gums caused by bacteria. The bacteria congregate and multiply in plaque, the deposits that form on and between teeth. Red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss are the usual signs of gum disease, but in some cases, you may have gum disease without knowing it.

An infection in your gums causes inflammation, which is your immune system&rsquo;s typical response when it comes to fighting invaders. The problem is, when the underlying infection that triggers inflammation isn&rsquo;t addressed, the bacteria and resulting inflammation may spread beyond your mouth and throughout the rest of the body.

Blood vessels are particularly vulnerable to the scourge of inflammation. This can contribute to a narrowing or blocking of blood vessels, as well as the transfer of bacteria to other parts of the body.

Inflammation appears to play a role in the hardening of blood vessels. According to the American Heart Association, a pair of studies published in 2020 linked gum disease to a higher rate of strokes caused by hardening of the blood vessels in the brain. Gum disease was also linked to blood vessel blockages in the brain that hadn&rsquo;t yet caused any symptoms. The studies suggested that treating gum disease, along with other risk factors for stroke, could reduce narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.

&ldquo;A healthy mouth is a healthy life,&rdquo; says Rita Medwid, a dentist based in Stuart, Florida. &ldquo;There is a direct relationship between the health of your mouth and your overall physical health.&rdquo;

Brush up on the basics 
Although there is not yet an established cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and ED, there&rsquo;s no reason to wait to take better care of your mouth. Follow these tips for healthier teeth and gums:

Practice the 2-minute drill. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Think of your teeth as a set of four quadrants. Spend 30 seconds brushing the outside and inside of the teeth in each quadrant.

Toss your brush quarterly. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. That&rsquo;s because a brush that is frayed or worn can&rsquo;t effectively clean your teeth and gums.

Thread those spaces. Just like brushing, flossing once a day should be automatic, and it may help boost your overall health.

Activate your saliva. Your body&#39;s best defense against cavities is saliva. Drink plenty of water to keep it flowing and skip sodas and sugary drinks.

Check in with your dentist regularly. Visit your dentist twice a year&mdash;or more often, as advised&mdash;to help prevent problems and treat them when they arise.

Not only will you enjoy a clean and healthy mouth, but maintaining your teeth and gums in this way may pay dividends for your sexual health and your overall well-being.

Sources:

Kellesarian SV, Kellesarian TV, Ros Malignaggi V, et al. Association between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction: A systematic review. Am J Mens Health. 2018;12(2):338-346. 
Paloma de Oliveira B, C&acirc;mara AC, Aguiar CM. Prevalence of Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis and its Association with Coronary Artery Disease in a Brazilian Subpopulation. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2017;51(2):106-112. 
National Institutes of Health. Periodontal (Gum) Disease. 2021. Accessed December 5, 2021. 
American Heart Association. Gum disease, inflammation, hardened arteries may be linked to stroke risk. February 12, 2020. 
American Dental Association. Brushing Your Teeth. Accessed December 5, 2021. 
American Dental Association. 5 Steps to a Flawless Floss. Accessed December 5, 2021. 
American Dental Association. Saliva. Accessed December 5, 2021.&nbsp;

Gum Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: What’s the Connection?

Here&#39;s an important tip if you&#39;re a man with chronic back pain. In this Health Smarts video, Dr. Mehmet Oz reveals a surprising source of back pain, especially in men: your wallet, guys!

Millions of guys drive with their wallet in their back pocket, but they can&#39;t figure out why they moan whenever they get out of the car. But sitting on your wallet while you drive is a recipe for lower back pain and - if you do it often enough&mdash;nerve pain that shoots down your leg. Riding with one cheek higher than other can trigger chronic pain in your back, hips, and shoulders. It can even set off foot cramps.

Sitting on your wallet throws off your alignment and compresses the sciatic nerve, which runs from each side of the spine down through the back of each thigh to the foot. A compressed sciatic nerve causes searing leg pain and numbness called sciatica.

But the fix is simple: Get that wallet out of your back pocket!

Next, do gentle stretching to restore alignment and relax tense muscles.

Then adjust your car seat, headrest, steering wheel and mirrors for maximum comfort.

And drive safely!

Is Your Wallet Causing Back Pain?

Is it getting harder to remember the key points of that big meeting you had at the office last week? If so, maybe it&#39;s time to check your alcohol consumption. Research shows that midlife drinking speeds up aging of the brain.

Drinking dangers 
In a British study published in the journal Neurology, researchers surveyed more than 7,500 middle-aged men and women several times about their alcohol use over a 10-year period. Then the researchers gave the participants three rounds of mental tests covering memory, attention and reasoning skills when the participants were between 55 and 80 years old. The results showed that men who drank about 2.5 or more drinks a day suffered faster declines in all these areas compared to men who drank less or not at all. In fact, the heavy drinkers started showed mental decline up to six years sooner than nondrinkers&mdash;some as early as age 55.

There was good news for light or moderate drinkers: In the study, enjoying up to two drinks per day didn&rsquo;t appear to have any effect on thinking skills. And women who had one drink per day actually showed less cognitive decline than women who abstained from alcohol.

Stay middle of the road 
You&#39;ve heard the term, &quot;Everything in moderation,&quot; right? It&#39;s okay to de-stress and enjoy a drink or two after a long day. But like anything else, there&#39;s more risk involved when you overdo it. So, if you&#39;re going to drink, make the choice to do it responsibly. And keep this in mind: There&#39;s increasing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may come with certain health benefits. And those benefits may also improve your heart health, too. Raise a glass to that one!

Mid-Life Boozing Speeds Up Brain Aging

Don&#39;t like tests? Too busy? Embarrassed? Go anyway. It could save your life.

5 Reasons Men Avoid the Doctor, But Shouldn't

When it comes to staying on top of their health and getting regular check-ups, women win it hands down. It&rsquo;s no secret that guys are great at passing on doctor&rsquo;s appointments &ndash; whether it&rsquo;s for a routine physical or they develop a symptom that really needs medical attention. &ldquo;Guys like to pretend like they know more than they do, that they&rsquo;re men of the world,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-kevin-soden">Kevin Soden, MD</a>. &ldquo;Women are more likely to say &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know&rsquo; or admit they need help.&rdquo;

As a man, there are some things you just don&rsquo;t talk about with your buddies, but that can&rsquo;t be true between you and your doctor. No matter how embarrassing the question, when it comes to your health, you need to ask it. &ldquo;It really isn&rsquo;t the questions asked, it&rsquo;s the ones that don&rsquo;t get asked that are the issue,&rdquo; says Dr. Soden.

Here are some of the questions you&rsquo;re too afraid to ask, but you have to anyway.

<ol>
	<li>Why do I have so much trouble getting physically aroused? It was never a problem before. 
	Diabetes, poor blood flow because of heart disease and certain medications are just a few reasons a man may have <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/what-is-erectile-dysfunction">trouble getting or maintaining an erection</a>. And once a man worries that he won&rsquo;t be able to get an erection, his anxiety and embarrassment may cause him to lose interest in sex. For some men, there&rsquo;s no cause other than age. &ldquo;As men get older, it can take a great deal of stimulation to get an erection. It&rsquo;s not like when you&rsquo;re younger,&rdquo; Soden says. 
	If you&rsquo;re having trouble getting excited, there are several solutions. &ldquo;The first thing people reach for is medication like Viagra and Cialis,&rdquo; according to Soden. If you don&rsquo;t like the idea of drugs, you can get injections of drugs directly into the penis, or use a vacuum device. &ldquo;But people like the idea of drugs because it&rsquo;s easier,&rdquo; Soden adds.</li>
	<li>Do I really need that digital rectal exam? 
	If you&rsquo;re over 40, yes, you do. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/colonoscopy-diagnosis-colon-cancer/what-is-a-colonoscopy">colonoscopy</a>&nbsp;is also a good idea, says Soden. These uncomfortable but vital procedures can catch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/prostate-cancer/article/what-to-know-about-prostate-cancer">prostate</a>&nbsp;or colon cancer early enough to treat them. Official guidelines say to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening at age 50 or 55, and to start colon cancer screening at 45 or 50. However, if you have an increased risk, you may need to start earlier. 
	Soden also recommends that men over 40 check their baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a substance made in the prostate that tends to increase with the presence of prostate cancer. While prostate cancer screening has become controversial and many medical groups question the value of routine screening, Soden does recommend getting it done early so you know if it changes. 
	Once you&rsquo;re approaching 45, get the exams more regularly, suggests Soden. One problem is that doctors often won&rsquo;t often push for the digital exam. &ldquo;They&rsquo;ll say, &lsquo;Do you want the exam?&rsquo; If the patient says no, they won&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; says Soden. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not fair to the patient. That&rsquo;s something you should do whether the patient likes it or not, because it&rsquo;s the easiest way to discover a nodule.&rdquo; If your doctor asks to do a digital exam, say yes.</li>
	<li>Why can&rsquo;t I remember where I put my keys/how to get to the grocery store/why I walked into this room? 
	Men get embarrassed when they can&rsquo;t do something as well as they used to, and that includes <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/memory-loss/what-causes-memory-loss">remembering things they used to know</a>. &ldquo;Men will sometimes ask why they forget things more often,&rdquo; Soden says. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a normal thing, even for younger people. One reason is we&rsquo;re so overwhelmed with all the things we have to do. Your brain gets overloaded.&rdquo; 
	It&rsquo;s not a problem if it happens every once in a while, says Soden, but if it starts to become a common occurrence, it might be time to get checked out. Same thing if it&rsquo;s something dangerous, like forgetting to turn off the stove. Otherwise, says Soden, &ldquo;Write notes and reminders to yourself and use your GPS.&rdquo;</li>
	<li>What can I do to stop feeling down? 
	<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mental-health-therapies/when-doctor-mental-health-therapy">Mental health</a> still carries a certain stigma, especially for men. No man wants to be perceived as weak, which is what they&rsquo;re afraid will happen when they admit they&rsquo;re depressed. &ldquo;Stress and depression are two issues that men don&rsquo;t want to admit they have. We&rsquo;re all overwhelmed with life at times,&rdquo; says Soden. A job loss or struggle, the death of a loved one, and even your kids leaving for college can all trigger bouts of depression. 
	Convincing a man to see a therapist can be like&hellip;well, getting him to ask directions. But a therapist can help, and you don&rsquo;t need to see one forever. &ldquo;When you look at who&rsquo;s willing to go to a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor, women are usually willing to go but it&rsquo;s difficult to get the men there,&rdquo; says Soden. &ldquo;But men in some situations may need short-term antidepressants.&rdquo;</li>
</ol>

4 Embarrassing Men's Health Questions, Answered

Give your favorite dishes a healthy makeover to prevent heart disease.

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Beards have come in and out of fashion for centuries. Over the years, they&rsquo;ve symbolized everything from masculinity to wisdom. Some men temporarily forgo shaving to raise awareness about cancer and other causes. Others may just like how they look with a beard, goatee, or even a well-manicured five o&rsquo;clock shadow.

But beards are like sponges, picking up dust, debris, and food throughout the day. They may require some maintenance to avoid irritating issues and skin complications, like acne and ingrown hairs, according to Vinod Nambudiri, MD, an internist and skin specialist affiliated with <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/grand-strand-medical-center">Grand Strand Regional Medical Center</a> in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

&ldquo;The beard area is similar to the scalp, with several hair-bearing follicles in close proximity to one another, so sometimes conditions that affect the scalp hair can also affect the beard hair,&rdquo; says Dr. Nambudiri. &ldquo;Similarly, the beard area is very much continuous with the skin of the face.&rdquo; Certain dermatological conditions that can affect the face could extend to the skin beneath your beard, he explains.

Facial hair pitfalls, explained 
If you&rsquo;ve got facial hair, you may confront some of the following common issues:

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that tends to affect the scalp. It may cause itching and white skin flakes to accumulate in your beard.

While there are many theories about what causes dandruff, experts don&rsquo;t have a firm grasp on the root cause. But stress, hormonal changes, forgoing regular shampoos, certain weather changes, or some health conditions like Parkinson&rsquo;s and the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/hiv-aids/article/breaking-stigma-essential-facts-hiv">human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)</a> may increase your risk. Sensitivity to hair dyes and other ingredients found in hair care products may also increase your chances of having dandruff.

Acne can develop when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then make their way inside, causing pores to become inflamed and pimples to form. If you have a beard, you may not shed dead skin cells as easily, which could lead to breakouts.

Ingrown hairs are those red, raised bumps that often appear after shaving or tweezing. They appear when hair emerges from the follicles, but curls back into the skin. Also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, ingrown hairs may be common when you&rsquo;re first growing out your beard. They can also occur when you shave your neck or around your beard as part of your trimming routine.

Irritation and itchiness can arise when you&rsquo;re trimming or manicuring your facial hair. Dull razors or using products with irritating chemicals or fragrances may break down the outer layer of skin that&rsquo;s meant to provide protection.

Spotty hair growth may be genetic, says Nambudiri. But if you have a round patch of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/healthy-hair-and-scalp/article/hair-falling-out-androgenetic-alopecia">hair loss</a>, it may be from an underlying autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata, a form of hair loss caused by inflammation, which is often manageable, he adds.

Skin infections can arise if you have a beard that&rsquo;s not routinely shampooed and your skin is irritated and itchy. Bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, are normally found on the skin. But if you&rsquo;re constantly scratching your beard, these germs can lead to folliculitis&mdash;an itchy and sometimes painful infection of the hair follicles&mdash;or boils, which are painful, pus-filled bumps caused by infected hair follicles. If not treated, folliculitis can lead to other more serious complications, like cellulitis, an infection that can potentially lead to other dangerous skin and blood infections.

Beware of barbershop trims: If your stylist fails to sanitize the razor, you may be more at risk for these infections.

How to avoid mishaps 
Neglecting your skin or not having a daily grooming practice is the biggest mistake you can make if you have facial hair, Nambudiri cautions. The good news is that a healthy beard maintenance routine doesn&rsquo;t have to be lengthy or complicated. Here are some of the ways to keep your beard in good shape:

<ol>
	<li>Wash your beard daily. In an ideal world, Nambudiri recommends washing your hair every day with a gentle beard shampoo. If you&rsquo;re experiencing dandruff, he suggests finding a dandruff-specific product that contains zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, which you should leave on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing out. 
	 
	Try washing your beard in a circular motion with a cloth, sponge or even a toothbrush for a few minutes to help free ingrown hairs. If you&rsquo;re short on time and have to skip the shampoo, rinse your beard with water and make sure it dries thoroughly. Just avoid going more than several days without shampooing. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t forget your skin. The skin beneath your beard shouldn&rsquo;t be neglected. If you&rsquo;re prone to breakouts use an over-the-counter anti-acne cream or cleanser than contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Remember to moisturize. Using a daily lotion or oil specifically formulated for beards can help alleviate brittleness and help maintain the texture of your facial hair. After you trim your beard, condition it with a few drops of oil. Pat a few drops onto your beard then comb or brush it through. This can also be done after showering. If you&rsquo;re prone to acne, skip this step since excess oil could lead to breakouts. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Comb your beard regularly. Just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair, your beard should be groomed daily to prevent itchiness and irritation. Use a comb designed specifically for beards, made of either wood or horn. Using a plastic comb can lead to split ends and static. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Take note after eating. It&rsquo;s easy for food particles to get trapped in your facial hair, so be sure to give your face a once-over after each meal. Removing particles promptly will prevent buildup of oils and bacteria that can lead to acne, infections and irritation, says Nambudiri. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use caution when shaving and trimming. If you&rsquo;re trimming your beard or you&rsquo;re ready to lose it once and for all, practice <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-and-beauty/slideshow/foolproof-tips-smooth-shaving">healthy shaving habits</a>, such as applying shave gel or cream or a warm compress to the skin to soften the hair before shaving. Opt for a single blade razor and avoid stretching the skin while shaving to help prevent ingrown hairs and irritation. 
	 
	Not sure when to trim or shave? A good rule of thumb is to evaluate how it&rsquo;s looking at the ends: If you notice split ends, it may be time to cut back or start over. Be sure to trim post-shower after your beard has dried.</li>
</ol>

If you&rsquo;ve taken steps to maintain a healthy beard but you&rsquo;re still having problems with issues like acne and dandruff, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Some underlying conditions, such as alopecia areata, may be treated with creams, injections, or oral medication, Nambudiri explains.

If you notice any inflamed areas or tender spots (especially if you have a fever), it&rsquo;s also important to see your doctor to rule out or treat severe infections and other more serious concerns.

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It finally happened. Ready or not, you&#39;ve reached the peak of ultimate responsibility. Congratulations &ndash; you&rsquo;re a dad! But maybe you don&#39;t feel as joyful as you expected, and instead you&rsquo;re down, stressed or short-tempered. You could be struggling from depression stemming from your newfound role as a father, according to one study.

You&rsquo;re not alone 
Researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago gathered data from 10,623 men who were surveyed for depression symptoms regularly over a 23-year period. During the study, about a third of the men became fathers, most often in their 20s. The researchers found that, among men who lived in the same home as their child, depression scores spiked 68% during the first five years of fatherhood. Men who didn&rsquo;t live with their kids, on the other hand, saw no such increase (but they were less happy to begin with). The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.

The reasons for your dark disposition 
Up to 10% of fathers suffer from depression, the researchers point out. Experts say the stress, financial worries and plummeting &ldquo;me time&rdquo; that accompany a new baby could be to blame. Other research has shown that these factors can take a toll on life satisfaction among dads and moms, cancelling out the joy a new bundle brings.

And the kids suffer, too, when dad is sad. Depressed fathers are more likely to disengage from their children and use harsh parenting tactics, such as spanking and yelling. In turn, that leads to more behavior disorders and stifles learning development in the kids. As parents&rsquo; roles have changed and fathers are taking on a bigger role in childcare, that danger grows, so it&rsquo;s even more important for fathers who are struggling to get help. 
 
How to mend your mood 
Remember dad, you&#39;ve got a lot to be thankful for and should do everything in your power to protect your family. If you and your partner are thriving, you boost the chances of your children thriving, too. So, if depression is in the cards right now, here&#39;s how you play the hand you&#39;re dealt and take control of your mental health:

<ul>
	<li>Strategize stress management. Between a hectic work schedule and raising a family, you&#39;re feeling a bit burnt out. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/depression/health-guide/major-depression-mdd/stress-triggers-major-depression-symptoms">But don&#39;t let stress take you out of the game. </a></li>
	<li>Tone up, pop. Getting fit can help you feel your best&mdash;physically and mentally. One study showed that it was <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/depression-treatment/how-does-exercise-treating-depression">better than an antidepressant</a> at lifting mood in the long term.</li>
	<li>Chart your progress. Logging your symptoms can help you figure out what makes you feel your best (or worst). <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/depression/health-guide/major-depression-mdd/tracking-depression-treatment">Use this checklist to give yourself a weekly checkup.</a></li>
</ul>

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Protect Your Heart 
Heart disease is the number one killer of men in the United States. Nothing ages you faster than mistreating your heart. Gain more control over your cardiovascular health by eating a diet low in saturated fat and sugar, working out regularly, and not smoking. For extra heart protection, follow these steps:

<ul>
	<li>Include fish in your meals each week. Choose fish such as salmon, haddock, mackerel, or tuna, which are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that eating fish two or three times a week may reduce your risk of heart disease. Omega-3 supplements are another option, but check with your doctor first.</li>
	<li>Stay active during your downtime. Studies show that people who engage often in leisure-time physical activities, such as taking a bike ride or brisk walk, have a lower risk of heart disease compared with people who pass their free time less actively. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/everyday-activities-fitness/how-more-active-at-home" target="_blank">Two hours per week of leisure-time activities</a> may decrease heart disease risk by as much as 61%. It just goes to show that playing like a kid can help you avoid aging.</li>
</ul>

Protect Against Cancer 
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and men are more likely than women to develop some type of cancer during their lifetimes. Make sure you&#39;re doing all you can to protect against cancer by eating a balanced and varied diet, exercising regularly, avoiding common carcinogens, and getting regular health screenings.&nbsp;

Protect Your Skin 
As your largest organ, the skin protects your entire body, so defending it against environmental hazards, such as too much sun exposure, is extremely important. The sun&#39;s ultraviolet rays not only age your skin by destroying elastin and promoting wrinkles but also injure the chromosomes in your skin cells. This damage can lead to skin disorders and cancers that may be life-threatening. Take these steps to keep your skin healthy and discover new ways to stay young:

<ul>
	<li>Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid spending too much time in the sun during peak hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and steer clear of tanning beds, which emit harmful UVA rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, to your face and exposed body areas 30 minutes before you go outdoors. How much should you apply? Enough to fill at least two shot glasses. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or when you are sweating heavily. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/sun-care/what-ingredients-sunscreens-protecting-sun" target="_blank">Look for these ingredients when shopping for for a sunscreen.</a> Also, cover up with a hat, sleeves, and shades whenever you spend an extended period of time outdoors. Even in warm weather, you&#39;ll stay cooler and more comfortable if your skin is shaded with light-colored, breathable fabrics.</li>
	<li>Perform routine self-examinations for skin cancer. Look for changes in the color, size, thickness, shape, or feel of a mole, freckle, or other mark. A new mole, or one that has irregular borders, has variable colors, or is larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter, should be examined by a doctor. Monthly skin self-exams and an annual total body screening by your doctor are important for the early detection of skin cancer.</li>
	<li>Eat carotenoid-rich foods. Save your skin from sun damage and wrinkles by eating carotenoid-rich foods, such as cantaloupe, apricots, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, and other fruit and vegetables that have deep green, yellow, orange, and red hues.</li>
</ul>

Protect Your Mind and Spirit 
Chronic stress can rob you of health and happiness. By hindering your immune system response, stress makes you more susceptible to infection, disease, and other health conditions and can cause wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. Stress also causes spikes in blood pressure, which could cause premature aging of the cardiovascular system. To neutralize these damaging effects, try to identify what stresses you, and then develop strategies to help you cope with these situations. Start with these steps:

<ul>
	<li>Leave job stress at the office. A study suggests work stress may be even more detrimental to your personal relationships than work exhaustion is. Close personal relationships help you avoid aging and stay healthy. Before you head home at the end of the day, take a few minutes to employ a stress reduction technique, such as meditation or deep breathing. Also, try taking the scenic route home from work. Research suggests that viewing natural scenery helps reduce tension.</li>
	<li>Set meaningful life goals. Choose a few goals that will make your life feel more meaningful, and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/relationships-family/how-make-dinner-family-meaningful" target="_blank">devise ways to achieve them</a>. This can help boost your psychological well-being, which in turn may improve your health.</li>
	<li>Slip some humor-packed pastimes into your weekly schedule. Whether you watch a funny movie, attend a comedy show, or just share good times with people you care about, be sure to set aside some time for age-reducing belly laughs. Research has credited laughter with not only the power to reduce stress but also the ability to relieve pain, improve immunity, and lower blood pressure.</li>
</ul>

BONUS STEP: 
Actively patrol your health and see your doctors on a regular basis. Make the most of the time with your doctor, and avoid misdiagnoses by being prepared and informed when you go to an appointment. Write down any symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem minor. For instance, if you have pain, track when it occurs and how long it lasts. Keep a list of the foods you eat daily as well as any medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly. Also include information about your chronic conditions and your regular activities. Take this information to your appointment, and discuss it with your doctor.

Follow these steps to avoid aging, and live life to the youngest!

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Vanity might be enough to motivate men to lose a beer belly, but good health is reason to lose extra weight, too. According to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/user/dr-david-katz">David Katz, MD</a>, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine, shedding that extra layer of belly fat can have a profound impact on how you look, feel, and perform in all areas of your life. Here are just a few ways that belly fat can mess with your health, as well as reasons why taking it off can help make your RealAge up to 3 years younger.

Losing belly fat can enhance your sex life 
That&#39;s right: Losing weight will improve your sex life. Researchers found that obese people were 25 times more likely to report sexual problems than normal-weight folks. &quot;Being heavier is going to interfere with self-esteem and the comfort of sexual activity,&quot; Katz says. Being overweight can also cause erectile dysfunction. Losing weight and exercise can help restore your libido and sexual function.

Belly fat can lower testosterone 
We don&#39;t want to say that all those extra pounds make you less of a man, but obesity is linked to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/low-testosterone">low levels of testosterone</a>&mdash;the sex hormone that puts hair on your chest, power in your muscles, and oomph in your sex drive. Low testosterone can also wreak havoc on your energy levels, motivation, and overall sense of well-being.

Belly fat promotes a couch potato lifestyle, and vice-versa 
Though it&#39;s possible to be fit and fat, 80% of people who are overweight or obese are not, says Noel Bairey-Merz, MD, director of the Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The couch potato lifestyle can make reaching for the remote feel like an endurance event. Your muscles go flabby, and your heart and lungs can&#39;t deliver enough blood and oxygen to your body. More important than going on a diet to drop a few pounds, Bairey-Merz says, is exercising regularly. Do that and the weight will come off.

Losing belly fat helps relieve joint and back pain 
Obesity and inactivity can lead to and worsen back pain, achy joints, and arthritis. &quot;Imagine putting a pack on your back and lugging it around,&quot; Katz says. &quot;It wears you out. It hurts your back and your joints. You&#39;re always tired. That&#39;s what that excess weight is doing.&quot; If you lose weight, the pain will clear up. Luckily, small losses add up to big benefits. Losing just 1 pound of weight will take 4 pounds of stress off your joints.

Losing belly fat helps prevent heart disease and diabetes 
Belly fat is an independent risk factor for death from heart disease. What that means is, even if you get A&#39;s on the rest of your health report card, belly fat alone increases your risk of dying from a heart attack. Unfortunately, men who are prone to belly fat are also more likely to have more plaque in their arteries, inflammation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, and/or heart disease, or to suffer heart failure. Losing weight, not smoking, exercising, and eating right can save you from that fate.