Men's Health: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Men's Health?
A primary care doctor, such as a family doctor or internist, is usually the main doctor for men's health. A urologist (a doctor for the urinary tract and male reproductive system) or a cardiologist (a heart doctor) may help with specific problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is men's health?
Some conditions affect only men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many major risks men face, such as colon cancer and heart disease, can often be prevented. If caught early, they can be managed more effectively.
Compared to women, men are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and delay regular checkups or medical care. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States.
Symptoms
Heart disease can be silent. It may not be found until a man has signs of a heart attack, an arrhythmia, or heart failure.
- Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, nausea or vomiting, and extreme tiredness.
- Arrhythmia (a heartbeat that is too slow, too fast, or uneven): fluttering feelings in the chest.
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, tiredness, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
Low testosterone can cause low sex drive, problems having an erection, low sperm count, and sleep problems such as insomnia. It can also cause less muscle size and strength, bone loss, more body fat, depression, and trouble concentrating. Some men with low testosterone have no symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be a normal part of aging, and other conditions can cause them too.
Causes and who gets it
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In 2017-2020, 50.6% of men had high blood pressure. Diabetes, overweight and obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and drinking too much alcohol also raise the risk of heart disease.
Testosterone is a hormone made by the testicles. It is important for a man's sex drive, bodily development, and physical appearance. Testosterone levels may start to slowly decrease around age 30 to 40. This occurs naturally. Other causes of low testosterone include medicine side effects, such as from chemotherapy. Testicle injury or cancer, low thyroid function, and too much body fat can also cause it.
How doctors diagnose it
Screening tests look for a disease before symptoms appear, when it is often easier to treat. The tests you need depend on your age and health history. They may include screening for certain types of cancer, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health conditions.
High blood pressure has no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your provider about testing for diabetes and checking your cholesterol.
To check for low testosterone, your provider will likely order a blood test. You will also be checked for other causes, such as medicine side effects, thyroid problems, or depression.
Treatment
Healthy daily choices can help prevent health problems. Good steps to start with are:
- Get the screening tests and checkups recommended for your age.
- Quit smoking, or do not start.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Pay attention to your mental health and get support if you need it.
- Talk with your provider about your family health history.
For low testosterone, hormone therapy may help. The medicine is man-made testosterone, called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can be given as a pill, gel, patch, injection, or implant. TRT has risks, including infertility, an enlarged prostate that makes urinating hard, blood clots, and worsening heart and blood vessel disease. TRT is avoided in men with prostate or breast cancer. If you see no change after 3 months, TRT is less likely to help. See your provider for regular checkups if you start TRT.
When to see a doctor
Talk with your provider if symptoms of low testosterone bother you. Heart disease can be silent, so you may still be at risk even if you have no symptoms.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for chest pain or discomfort that lasts two minutes or more. Do the same for fainting, severe trouble breathing, or sudden weakness, dizziness, or a change in vision.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can arrange screening tests, check your blood pressure, and follow up on healthy habits. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
What health screenings do men need?
It depends on your age and health history. Screening may include checks for certain cancers, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health conditions. Talk to your provider about which tests are right for you.
Is heart disease the biggest health risk for men?
Yes, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States.
Can heart disease happen without symptoms?
Yes, heart disease can be silent. It may not be found until a man has signs of a heart attack, an arrhythmia, or heart failure.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone means a man has too little testosterone, a hormone made by the testicles. It can affect sex drive, mood, and changes in muscle and fat.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Men's Health
- CDC - About Men and Heart Disease
- MedlinePlus - Could you have low testosterone?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
