Men’s Health Awareness Week: Common Myths and Facts About Men’s Health
By Newsmeter Network
Men’s health remains one of the most neglected areas in preventive healthcare. Many serious conditions go undiagnosed until they cause significant harm. A number of misconceptions about men’s health contribute to this problem, preventing early detection and timely treatment.
Experts recommend that men undergo regular health check-ups, adopt healthier lifestyles, and address health concerns without delay.
To raise awareness about these issues, International Men’s Health Week is observed from June 9 to 16. As part of the campaign, Dr. V. Vishnu Vardhana Reddy, Senior Consultant Urologist, Laparoscopic and Transplant Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals, debunks common myths about men’s health.
Myth: Prostate cancer only affects older men
Fact: While the majority of prostate cancer cases occur in men over 65, a significant number of diagnoses are made in men in their 40s and 50s. Though the risk is low in men under 40, it increases steadily with age:
Less than 0.005% in men under 39
Around 2.2% in men aged 40 to 59
About 13.7% in men aged 60 to 79
Myth: A big belly is normal with age
Fact: Abdominal fat or “central obesity” is not just a sign of aging—it’s a major health risk. It’s associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and even certain cancers. A growing belly is more often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle than an inevitable part of aging.
Myth: Snoring is harmless
Fact: Persistent snoring may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a potentially serious condition that becomes more common with age and obesity. OSA can lead to daytime fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and impaired concentration. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, sleeping on one’s side, and reducing alcohol intake can help manage it.
Myth: Moderate drinking doesn’t affect male fertility
Fact: Even moderate alcohol consumption can harm male fertility. It may reduce sperm count, affect sperm quality, and disrupt hormone levels. Alcohol also increases oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and impact sperm function. Over time, this can lead to decreased testosterone levels, abnormal sperm morphology and motility, and reduced semen volume.
Myth: Sexual health doesn’t affect overall health
Fact: Sexual health is closely linked to mental well-being. Issues like dissatisfaction, anxiety, and conflicts in one’s sexual life can significantly impact both personal and professional life. A healthy sexual relationship plays a key role in a man’s physical and mental health.
A large-scale health risk assessment in India conducted in 2021 found that over 60% of women and 46% of men were classified as unhealthy. The study looked at several factors from nutrition and lifestyle habits to immunity, physical activity, and existing health conditions, to arrive at this conclusion. It also pointed to a high prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease across the population.
While women were found to be in a more vulnerable position health-wise, the data reflects a deeper, collective issue, that preventive health often takes a back seat for both genders. Men’s Health Awareness Week is a reminder that checking in on our health isn’t a luxury or a gendered concern; it’s something that deserves attention before illness becomes inevitable.
(The writer Dr. V. Vishnu Vardhana Reddy is a Senior Consultant Urologist, Laparoscopic and Transplant Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals)
