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.

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>.)

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

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>

Baby Blues Affect New Dads, Too

If you don’t like going to the gym, these easy lifestyle tweaks might just motivate you to move.

6 Workouts for Men Who Hate Exercise

Trouble performing in the bedroom? You&#39;re not alone. It&#39;s estimated that 1 in 10 men worldwide suffers from erectile dysfunction (ED), which is an inability to get or maintain an erection. If this sounds like you, check your middle. Belly fat doesn&#39;t just spell trouble for your heart and blood vessels. Having a spare tire is horrible for your love life, too.

How does belly fat affect you below the belt? Deep abdominal fat, known as omentum fat, takes up residence around your liver and other vital organs. When fat is released from the omentum, some of it goes straight to your liver and then on to your arteries. And omentum fat can do serious damage to your blood vessels. Clogged arteries and blood vessels reduce blood flow not just to your heart but also to other critical organs, including your genitals. Without good circulation down there, men can have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. And both men and women need increased blood flow in sensitive areas to maximize sexual pleasure.

Did you know? Carrying as little as 9 extra pounds increases your risk of blood vessel damage (and heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers). The good news? It doesn&#39;t take much to turn up your fat-burning furnace and get your energy levels, self-esteem, and sex life back on track. Here are four easy steps to lose belly fat fast:

1. Walk more. Walking is one of the best exercises for minimizing that gut. Taking a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps keep your fat cells from expanding. Burn even more belly fat by adding 10 minutes of weight training twice a week; increasing muscle mass will whittle your middle even faster.

2. Grab a tape measure. Waist size may be a better indicator of health than the numbers on your bathroom scale. Your waist should be a little less than half the number of inches in your height. And as a general rule, anytime a man&#39;s waist size reaches 40 inches, his health and sex life are at risk. (Women&#39;s waists should be no more than 36 inches.)

3. Grab the whole grains. When it comes to foods that burn belly fat, you can&#39;t beat whole grains. And it&#39;s a pretty simple trade-off. Just replace some of the processed foods in your diet with three daily servings of 100% whole-grain cereals, breads, and pasta to lose inches off your waist.

4. Get your ZZZs. In one study, dieters who slept 8&frac12; hours a night lost twice as much fat and retained more lean muscle compared with the folks in the study who slept only 5&frac12; hours nightly. The longer sleepers also burned an extra 114 calories a day. That type of additional calorie burn can translate into as much as 10 extra pounds lost a year!

Gut Check 
Losing that spare tire isn&#39;t just about getting healthy. It&#39;s about living a better life and feeling your best, too. Let&#39;s face it -- few things feel as good as a little extra room in your waistband. And looking in the mirror and liking what you see is a pretty great feeling, too.

Lose Belly Fat, Improve Your Sex Life

Over 80 percent of men older than 80 have an enlarged prostate. The prostate is the walnut-sized gland that sits just below a man&rsquo;s bladder. Its job is to produce a fluid that protects sperm as it&rsquo;s released from the man&rsquo;s body.

&ldquo;An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is due to an overgrowth of benign, or non-cancerous prostate tissue,&rdquo; says Samuel Nickles, MD, a surgeon at <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/summerville-medical-center">Summerville Medical Center</a> and&nbsp;Palmetto Adult and Children&rsquo;s Urology in Charleston, South Carolina.

When the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/enlarged-prostate/what-is-an-enlarged-prostate">prostate becomes enlarged</a>, it compresses the urethra, or the tube that allows urine to travel out of your body. That can cause lower urinary tract symptoms like a weak stream or having to urinate often, says Dr. Nickles.

What causes an enlarged prostate? 
Starting around age 25, all men&rsquo;s prostates start growing to some degree. Experts aren&rsquo;t sure exactly what causes the growth, but hormones like testosterone may play a role. It&rsquo;s also unclear why about 50 to 60 percent of men don&rsquo;t have any symptoms, while others experience:

<ul>
	<li>Frequent urination</li>
	<li>Incomplete bladder emptying</li>
	<li>Bladder leaks and dribbles</li>
	<li>A weak or stop-and-start flow of urine</li>
</ul>

&ldquo;Men with advanced BPH are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood in the urine and loss of bladder control as well,&rdquo; adds Nickles. Since the symptoms of BPH can mimic other conditions like prostate or bladder cancer, tell your urologist if you start experiencing them. He or she can confirm your diagnosis and help you find relief.

&ldquo;If you&#39;re uncomfortable because your bladder isn&rsquo;t emptying or it&rsquo;s keeping you up at night, call your urologist,&rdquo; says Nickles. &ldquo;If it&#39;s a problem to you, it&#39;s a problem to us&mdash;your urologist can recommend treatments to ease your symptoms.&rdquo;

How BPH is diagnosed 
&ldquo;BPH is diagnosed largely based on your symptoms,&rdquo; says Nickles. &ldquo;Your urologist will start by asking whether symptoms have been bothersome or if they&rsquo;ve been interrupting your life.&rdquo;

Your urologist may also perform:

<ul>
	<li>A rectal exam: This test can reveal changes to the size and shape of your prostate.</li>
	<li>A urine test: A urine sample can show if you have a bladder infection or UTI, rather than BPH. Urine testing also looks for blood, which can be a sign of BPH or other conditions like bladder cancer or bladder stones.</li>
	<li>A blood test: Your urologist may want to check your level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. If your PSA level is elevated, it could help confirm that you have BPH or indicate that you <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mens-health/article/prostate-cancer-controversy-should-get-screened">should get tested for prostate cancer</a>.</li>
</ul>

Some men also undergo a series of tests to show how well urine flows past the prostate, called urodynamic testing. Urodynamic testing could include taking images to reveal how well your bladder is emptying or using sensors to determine if the muscles along your urinary tract are working properly.

How BPH is treated 
Lifestyle changes can help get your BPH symptoms under control:

<ul>
	<li>Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which make you urinate more frequently.</li>
	<li>Add more fiber to your diet to help prevent constipation, which puts extra pressure on your urethra.</li>
</ul>

&ldquo;Some men require medications called alpha blockers, which relax the muscles of the lower urinary tract,&rdquo; says Nickles. &ldquo;This widens the urethra, relieving the pressure on it and allowing urine to flow more easily.&rdquo;

Another option is to try a type of medication called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This type of drug can slow prostate growth or shrink the prostate in certain cases. For severe prostate enlargement, additional procedures or surgery may be needed.

Will BPH interfere with your sex life? 
&ldquo;BPH doesn&rsquo;t cause <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/erectile-dysfunction-treatment/is-erectile-dysfunction-treatable">erectile dysfunction</a>,&rdquo; says Nickles. &ldquo;Erectile dysfunction (ED) is actually a blood flow issue, rather than a prostate problem,&rdquo; he explains. However, certain BPH treatments like alpha-blockers or surgery may cause sexual symptoms.

BPH and certain BPH treatments can sometimes cause retrograde ejaculation as well. Retrograde ejaculation happens when your semen travels back towards your bladder, instead of being released when you orgasm. This isn&rsquo;t medically dangerous, but it can make it harder for your partner to get pregnant.

Does BPH cause prostate cancer? 
An enlarged prostate doesn&rsquo;t cause or increase your risk of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/prostate-cancer/article/what-to-know-about-prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a>, says Nickles. However, both men with enlarged prostates and those with prostate cancer can have an elevated PSA level. If your PSA count is high, your doctor may send you for additional tests to make sure you don&rsquo;t have cancer.

Essential tips for living with an enlarged prostate 
Here are four tips that may help ease uncomfortable BPH symptoms:

<ol>
	<li>Avoid over the counter medications like decongestants, which can make the muscles around your urinary tract tense up.</li>
	<li>If prescriptions like your antidepressant or diuretic are making your symptoms worse, ask your healthcare provider about switching to a different drug or lowering your dose.</li>
	<li>Avoid fluids before bed, especially nightcaps: Alcohol makes you urinate frequently and it interferes with your natural sleep cycle.</li>
	<li>Try &ldquo;double voiding&rdquo;: After urinating, wait a few seconds, and then prompt yourself to go again to fully empty your bladder.</li>
</ol>

Daily life with BPH can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but healthy habits and strong communication with your urologist can help you get your symptoms under control.

Essential Facts About Enlarged Prostate

You know that a healthy diet can help prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other health woes. Turns out, what you eat affects your prostate, too. Along with exercise and not smoking, one of the most crucial modifiable risk factors for preventing prostate cancer&nbsp;and enlarged prostate is diet.&nbsp;

Lose weight&nbsp; 
Carrying too many pounds? Make it priority to lose weight. The most consistent finding is that body size influences your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mens-health/article/ways-to-protect-prostate">prostate cancer risk</a>, says June Chan, ScD, associate professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and urology at the University of California San Francisco. Men who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and of dying from the disease.&nbsp;

&quot;If men overeat, in theory, they&#39;re increasing their risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer,&quot; says Elizabeth A. Platz, ScD, MPH, head of cancer epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.&nbsp;

Eat less meat and dairy&nbsp; 
Guys who eat a lot of meat (especially&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/diet-nutrition/article/red-meat-really-that-bad-for-you">red meat</a>), drink lots of milk or gobble dairy-based foods tend to have a higher risk of prostate cancer, Platz says. Beef, processed meat (e.g., bacon,&nbsp;hotdogs, and deli meat), poultry with the skin and full-fat dairy appear to be the prostate&#39;s biggest foes, Chan adds.&nbsp;

That goes not just for cancer, but for an enlarged prostate, which is linked to diet,&nbsp;as well. &quot;Men who eat red meat are three times more likely to have an enlarged prostate, and those who eat dairy are twice as likely to develop an enlarged prostate,&quot; says men&#39;s nutrition expert Jim White, RD.&nbsp;

Eat more veggies&nbsp; 
To keep your prostate happy, bulk up on vegetables. Adding three or more servings of veggies a day to your diet can cut your risk of prostate cancer in half. The cruciferous kind (e.g., broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts) may have an especially potent effect &mdash;especially if you eat three or more servings a week, which can lower your prostate cancer risk by an extra 41 percent. Some studies suggest that lycopene, a chemical found mainly in tomatoes, can also slow prostate cancer growth.&nbsp;

A diet that&#39;s good for the prostate is also good for your overall health. Instead of looking for one or two magic ingredients, focus on what your plate looks like day in and day out. &quot;Aim for a Mediterranean-type diet with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/diet-nutrition/slideshow/ways-eat-more-grains-without-even-trying">more whole grains</a>&nbsp;and vegetables, minimal intake of sugar and sweets, and less protein from meat,&quot; Chan says. &quot;If you&#39;re eating animal sources, choose fish or skinless poultry.&rdquo;

How Are Prostate and Diet Linked?

Got some vacation time built up? Forget whatever excuses you&#39;ve been using for not taking it, and plan a mini holiday. Right now! Research shows that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/video/health-topics-a-z/stress/why-you-shouldnt-skip-your-vacation">regular getaways</a> may increase longevity by preventing heart disease. In fact, men in a nine-year study who took at least one vacation per year were almost 30% less likely to die from a heart-related cause compared with the men who kept their noses to the grindstone.

Holiday for Your Heart 
The study tracked the health of 12,000 middle-aged men who were at high risk for heart disease and surveyed them to see how many vacations they took each year. Regardless of the men&#39;s overall health and income, their risk of dying from heart disease was clearly connected to their willingness to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/mens-health/article/for-healthy-heart-dont-skip-vacation">take a break</a>. Researchers suspect that vacation-takers may have better heart health because time off helps reduce stress -- one of the biggest contributors to heart disease. Vacation time also provides opportunities to do other good-for-your-health things, like reconnecting with family and friends, and pursuing fulfilling interests.

Planned Relaxation 
Keep in mind, vacations don&#39;t have to be extensive or expensive. Even a short weekend away -- or one night -- can be restorative. In fact, the study didn&#39;t measure the length of the participants&#39; vacations. And you don&#39;t have to wait for a vacation to start managing stress better. Start relaxing more right now with daily stress-reduction strategies, such as deep breathing, meditation, and positive visualization.

Vacations Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

As you get older, it&rsquo;s important to replace bad habits with healthier ones.

The 9 Worst Health Mistakes Men Make

As men age, they experience symptoms like decreased muscle mass, reduced energy levels and weight or body fat fluctuations. But when are these symptoms considered normal signs of aging versus a more serious health condition like low testosterone? &nbsp;

Low T, or hypogonadism, occurs in 10 percent of men between ages 40 and 60, and 20 to 30 percent over 60, according to Christopher Starks, MD, a urologist and men&rsquo;s sexual health expert with StoneSprings&nbsp;Hospital Center in Dulles, Virginia.&nbsp;

When does testosterone drop?&nbsp; 
Dr. Starks says he begins thinking about treatment for low testosterone when a man&rsquo;s levels fall below 350 nanograms per millimeter (ng/ml), but beyond that, it&rsquo;s tough to tell when hypogonadism begins to take hold. &ldquo;One of the things that&rsquo;s very difficult when you&rsquo;re talking about low T is that there&rsquo;s no specific age range,&rdquo; says Starks. It may depend on your baseline levels, which are different for every man, he says.&nbsp;

Not only are everyone&rsquo;s base levels of testosterone different, but a number of factors can change levels in the same man, too. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Andrology of nearly 11,000 men found that their testosterone levels were, on average, at their highest in spring and lowest in fall. Daily fluctuations happen too&mdash;testosterone surges late at night and into the early morning hours.&nbsp;

Causes and onset&nbsp; 
Starks says there are a number of potential causes beyond age. Certain injuries to the testicles or testicle removal can cause a drop in testosterone. So can drug use&mdash;opioids, marijuana and alcohol can also cause hypogonadism, as can prescription medication like steroids and some antidepressants.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/type-2-diabetes/slideshow/what-you-need-to-know-type-2-diabetes">Diabetes</a>, depression and systemic illnesses like HIV are other possible causes. &ldquo;Obesity is certainly a risk factor,&rdquo; adds Starks.&nbsp;

When it comes to low testosterone, the signs&nbsp;rarely appear all at once, says Starks. &ldquo;I typically find a slower, more insidious onset,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s rare that libido goes from normal to low in a month.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Telltale signs of low T&nbsp; 
A change in libido is the most telling symptom, according to Starks. &ldquo;If someone says his libido has dropped and that is in concert with a lab value of lower testosterone, I take that seriously,&rdquo; he says. Other sexual symptoms of low T include fewer erections, a lower sperm count and changes in testicle size.&nbsp;

How you can tell if you have low testosterone&nbsp; 
Pay attention to your body. Have you gained a little flab last year despite sticking with a healthy diet? Do weights in the gym or objects around the house feel heavier? Fat gain and muscle and strength loss could be signs of low T, as can osteopenia and bone pain&mdash;so <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/bone-joint-muscle-health/article/5-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones">take care of your bones</a>.&nbsp;

Other symptoms, like depression, fatigue and trouble sleeping or concentrating, are a little harder to spot. &ldquo;There are a number of conditions that can masquerade as low T,&rdquo; Starks says.&nbsp;

Treatment options&nbsp; 
Starks begins thinking about treatment when he finds both symptoms and low lab test levels. &ldquo;If the testosterone levels are, say, 305 ng/ml, but energy and libido are great, then that might be normal for that man,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be right for men who don&rsquo;t want any&mdash;or any more&mdash;children. Taking an outside source of testosterone will get your levels up, but at the cost of sperm production. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be a better alternative for men who want to have children.&nbsp;

Beware of fitness magazine and website ads for supplements that claim to raise testosterone. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think there are many foods or dietary supplements that will raise testosterone,&rdquo; says Starks. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s not much you can take orally that&rsquo;s going to significantly impact testosterone levels.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Eating right and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/fitness-exercise/slideshow/exercise-hacks-to-jumpstart-your-weight-loss">exercising</a>&nbsp;will help, according to Starks. It&rsquo;s important to keep your weight and fat levels down. &ldquo;Fat tissue really burns through testosterone,&rdquo; says Starks. &ldquo;It converts testosterone to estrogen and at a very high rate.&rdquo; Keep the weight off, says Starks, and you can add &ldquo;more testosterone&rdquo; to the list of benefits of a good diet and enough exercise.