Learn the real story behind commonly held beliefs about men's health.
Myth: A man's age doesn't affect his fertility.
Myth: Men are more likely to get prostate cancer than any other cancer.
Myth: Men are more likely to attempt suicide than women.
Myth: Men should consume five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Myth: Hair loss comes from your mother's side of the family.
Myth: Men are better drivers than women.
Separating truth from myth about men's health can be a challenge. Here's a look at six of the most common misconceptions.
Myth: A man's age doesn't affect his fertility.
Truth: Men may not have the same ticking biological clock as women, but men in their 40s and older are more likely to have infertility problems than younger men. They are also more likely to father children with health problems.
Researchers believe that these fertility issues may be related to a decrease in sperm count, sperm's ability to reach an egg, and/or the quality of sperm produced. A 2008 French study found that a father's impact on miscarriage was much stronger when men passed age 40. Recent studies have found associations between older fathers and increased risk of Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism.
Much of this research is relatively new, and shouldn't necessarily discourage men from having children at an older age. But for men who want children, having them at a younger age may help prevent infertility issues. Men can help protect their fertility by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Myth: Men are more likely to get prostate cancer than any other cancer.
Truth: Prostate cancer is actually the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. About one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his life, and one in 33 men will die of the disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men—lung cancer is the first.
Being African-American can increase your risk for prostate cancer, as can having a family history of prostate cancer. Men with the disease often have no symptoms. If they do experience symptoms, the most common are blood in their urine, the need to urinate frequently, inability to urinate, and constant pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. While these symptoms can be caused by health issues other than prostate cancer, it's always important to let your doctor know if you experience any of the symptoms listed. Also, talk to your doctor about whether you should be screened for prostate cancer.
Myth: Men are more likely to attempt suicide than women.
Truth: Three times more women than men attempt suicide—but men are more likely to actually die from suicide, often because they use deadlier means, such as guns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 percent of suicide deaths in 2004 were among men.
Nine out of 10 people who commit suicide suffer from a mental disorder such as depression, from substance abuse, or both. Men may be particularly at risk because they are less likely to seek help for depression. Also, their symptoms can sometimes be difficult to recognize. According to the Mayo Clinic, men often focus on the physical symptoms of depression—such as headaches, sleep and digestive problems, and chronic pain—rather than on emotional issues.
Men and women who seek help for mental illness or substance abuse can help reduce their risk for suicide. If you suspect that you or someone you know is depressed, it's important to talk to a doctor. For more information about men and suicide, please visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
Myth: Men should consume five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Truth: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that men aim for nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Seven servings is recommended for women.
The recommended servings are greater for men because more than two-thirds of men are overweight or obese, and men have a higher death rate than women for heart disease and certain cancers. The risk for those diseases can be reduced by consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables. According to the National Cancer Institute, only 23 percent of adults eat at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Only 4 percent of men consume nine. African-American men consumed fewer servings per day than Caucasian men, and also were at greater risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other diet-related diseases.
For examples of serving sizes, and suggestions for adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, please visit fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.
Myth: Hair loss comes from your mother's side of the family.
Truth: If your mother's father and brothers have full heads of hair, that doesn't necessarily mean you will too. Heredity does play an important role, but the trait for hair loss can be inherited from either side of your family tree.
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent male pattern baldness, which affects 25 percent of men by age 30 and two-thirds of men by age 60. Although the vast majority of men with hair loss have male pattern baldness, there are other factors that can cause balding, including medications, certain diseases, and poor nutrition. Men who experience sudden hair loss should talk to their doctor.
Myth: Men are better drivers than women.
Truth: Men are significantly more likely than women to speed, not wear seat belts, drive drunk, experience road rage, take risks, drive while tired, and drive distracted. They have a 77 percent higher risk of dying in a car accident than women.
Men can protect themselves and others by wearing a seat belt, following all traffic laws, and not driving after drinking or when angry or drowsy.
