As we get older, we experience more aches and pains, find lumps and bumps, and generally start to feel much more worn down by the passage of time. While 40 isn’t exactly old, it’s often a moment in our lives where we begin to consider our lifestyles and think about what we could be doing to make sure we’re a bit healthier and more aware of our physical condition. There are a number of common disorders that men can face as they pass 40, and while some can be quite anxiety-inducing, there are ways to mitigate the risks of these disorders or treat them should they occur.
As men age, they may start to experience a decrease in their penile function. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as reduced blood flow to the area, nerve damage, or even low testosterone levels. While this may be a natural part of aging for some men, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem.
Here we’ve listed 3 of the most common disorders that many men face after they hit 40, and what you need to know about them.
High Cholesterol
You’ve probably heard about this countless times from adverts or even your GP. It’s important to note that cholesterol itself isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it serves quite an important tasks in the human body. According to Clinic for Him, “Cholesterol in our blood actually helps in the construction of our cells, as well as the production of hormones like testosterone and adrenals, and also helps your body to produce vitamin D.”
The problem is, however, that excessive amounts of this substance can cause restriction of your blood flow and lead to high blood pressure and in severe cases, heart disease and stroke. Dr. Michael Blaha, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins, states, “High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but it is also one of the most modifiable through lifestyle changes and medication.” Medication for high cholesterol is available in the form of statins, but it’s important to consider your diet when reducing your cholesterol levels. Cutting down on saturated fats found in processed foods, fatty meats, and dairy, and increasing your consumption of unsaturated fats found in nuts, oily fish, and avocado, can really help to reduce your cholesterol levels too.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Erectile Dysfunction
Many men can feel embarrassed when discussing this issue but it’s much more common than people think. There are a number of contributing factors to this disorder and it’s not something to be ashamed of. In fact, men can experience this at any point in their lives and this can be a result of everything from physical injuries to mental health disorders and even more severe issues such as heart disease and diabetes. It’s important to speak to your GP about this problem who will be able to help you identify the cause of the problem.
Dr. Andrew McCullough, a urologist at NYU Langone Health, explains, “Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of more serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.” However, there are many ways to deal with this problem, even without a prescription. You can buy sildenafil online, which is basically non-prescription Viagra, known as Viagra Connect. You can often find this over-the-counter medication at a cheaper price through places like Chemist Click. While this is a very useful medication, remember to speak to your doctor first who’ll be able to advise you on whether it’s okay for you to take it or not.
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, can significantly improve erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction.
Osteoarthritis
When it comes to aches and pains, it’s important to speak to a medical professional if you’re concerned, especially if they get progressively worse or last for long periods of time. Osteoarthritis can occur around your 40s and this is where cartilage wears away around your joints, especially around your hips, knees, and spine. This is the most common form of arthritis and it’s said that one of the best ways to reduce your chances of developing it is by having a healthy diet and doing plenty of exercises, especially weight-bearing activities.
Dr. Joanne Jordan, a rheumatologist at the University of North Carolina, notes, “Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are key strategies in managing osteoarthritis. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the joints, reducing the strain on them.”
