A healthy man is a happy man, but that requires paying attention to your body and noticing if something isn’t going right down there. Besides erectile dysfunction, there are many other common men’s health issues to think about, such as STDs and testicular cancer that could be life-altering if not caught early. The hardest part? Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
So how can you tell that there might be an issue? For the most part, you’ll be able to spot if something isn’t quite right. Common STDs like HPV and Genital Herpes will usually result as blisters, rashes, pain while urinating, or visible open sores. Signs can be easily overlooked, so if you see that something isn’t right, see a doctor right away.
Often overlooked is regular self-examination. The best way to stay vigilant in spotting signs of testicular cancer is to check for yourself. Random lumps (which can be painless), heaviness or firmness in a testicle, or swelling in the leg could be signs of an early case of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in every 263 men will develop this form of cancer in their life, so be smart and check yourself down there. Not sure how? Pariah Underwear, a line of men’s underwear, includes instructions on how to do a self-exam (plus, half of the proceeds go towards funding research for testicular cancer) so you’re reminded when you get dressed to stay on top of your health.
It doesn’t stop there. If you’re over the age of 50, weird activity downstairs could even be a sign of prostate cancer. Urinating often, burning sensations, or blood in your urine are red flags.
Keep an eye out for signs like these to make sure that you’re the healthiest you in 2018. Scheduling routine examinations with your doctor is the best way to make sure everything is working how it’s supposed to.