Comedian George Carlin identified today's every-guy in his comic rap, “Modern Man,” as a "fully equipped, factory-authorized, hospital-tested, clinically-proven, scientifically formulated medical miracle."
While that paints an image of a hyper-healthy 21st century male, it's missing some 21st century medical facts.
The truth is men are underscreened, doctor-phobic, and more than occasionally out of the loop.
Women are 100 percent more likely than men to see a doctor about preventive care, and that's created a wellness gap.
Men’s life expectancy is 76.4 years; it's 81.2 for women. And if they’re 55 to 64, they’re far more likely to face the threat of heart disease, car wrecks, and alcohol-related conditions.
But it doesn't stop there. The wellness gap is especially noticeable when it comes to sexual health.
Most women see a gynecologist regularly for pelvic exams, mammograms, and more.
Men usually don't get a check-up for sexual issues until something comes up (or fails to). It doesn't help that GPs are notoriously bad at talking to patients about their sexual concerns, activities, or orientation.
So guys, listen up! It's time to start the conversation with your doc about your sexual health.
Here are the issues to discuss:
1. Safe-sex practices
2. Sexual problems, because the health of your sex organs reflects blood flow to your heart, kidneys, brain and other organs
3. Drug, alcohol and tobacco use, because drinking and using tobacco increase your risk for HPV-related throat cancer
4. Wrap it up by requesting screenings for sexually transmitted diseases
Now, aren't you glad we had this chat?
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