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Men's health

What puts a man’s health at risk as he gets older? The top risk factors are common and often preventable. From cardiovascular disease, to prostate cancer and even chronic respiratory disease – healthy aging threats can be significantly reduced through simple lifestyle changes. Take an active role in your health and read our resources for more information.

Screening for prostate cancer: What you should know about the PSA test
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Improved treatments provide relief for men with lower urinary tract symptoms
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'Plumbing' problems? Ultrasound an easier way to detect bladder obstructions
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  • Evidence Summary

    Testosterone replacement in men with sexual dysfunction.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2024)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Patient education: Prostate cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)

    UpToDate - patient information
    The prostate-specific antigen test and rectal examinations are two forms of prostate cancer screening. Screening has both risks and benefits. Routine screening is not recommended for everyone. Speak with your health care provider about whether screening is a good option for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate cancer: Screening

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
    Men aged 55 to 69 years should discuss if they should get screened for prostate cancer with their doctor. Screening offers a small potential benefit, but also potential harms like an untrue positive test result. Men 70 and older should not get screened.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Testicular Cancer: Which Treatment Should I Have for Stage I Seminoma Testicular Cancer After My Surgery?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with stage I seminoma testicular cancer to decide on treatment choices after surgical removal of the testicle. It outlines options such as having radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and surveillance and compares the benefits, risks, and side effects associated with each option.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Testicular Cancer: Which Treatment Should I Have for Stage I Nonseminoma Testicular Cancer After My Surgery?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with stage I nonseminoma testicular cancer to decide on treatment choices after surgical removal of the testicle. It outlines options such as having surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the pelvis and lower back, chemotherapy, and surveillance, and compares the benefits, risks, and side effects associated with each option.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate cancer: Should I choose active surveillance?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men who have low-risk localized prostate cancer to decide on whether to use active surveillance or have surgery or radiation by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Knowing Your Options: A Decision Aid for Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer to decide on treatment methods. It facilitates the process by outlining and comparing the four options: active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, and cryoblation.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men considering a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test decide on whether or not to have a test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate Cancer Screening with PSA Testing

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps primary care clinicians, urologists, adult men, their families decide on whether or not to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate cancer: Patient FAQ

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test because the harms outweigh the benefits. The harms of screening include: false positives, over-diagnosis, infection, erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and biopsy complications.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate cancer - 1000-Person tool

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    The Canadian Task Force on Prevent Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test. The potential harms of screening and follow-up treatment do not outweigh the small benefits.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate cancer: Infographic

    Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care
    Prostate cancer screening with a PSA test is not recommended because there are more potential harms than benefits.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Localised prostate cancer - intermediate risk

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with localized, intermediate-risk prostate cancer to decide on treatment options. It facilitates the process by outlining and comparing five treatment options: watch and wait, active surveillance, low dose brachytherapy, radiotherapy and neoadjuvant hormones, and surgery.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Urinary incontinence

    Patient.co.uk
    Urinary incontinence is when you pass urine (pee) without meaning to. Treatment depends on the cause. Cut down on caffeine, avoid drinking late at night, lose weight if overweight, avoid constipation and ask your doctor about what might be causing incontinence.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate problems: What can I do myself?

    Informed Health Online
    An enlarged prostate can cause you to urinate (pee) frequently. Limit fluids before bed, consume diuretic drinks (e.g., alcohol and caffeinated drinks) in moderation, and review your medications.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Benign enlarged prostate

    Informed Health Online
    If you have an enlarged prostate keep watch for any changes, and talk to your doctor about potential medications.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Benign enlarged prostate: Which medications can help?

    Informed Health Online
    Medications such as alpha blockers (tamsulosin) and enzyme inhibitors (finasteride), on their own or in combination, can relieve symptoms of benign enlarged prostate. Each has side effects and other pros and cons. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatment is right for you.
  • Evidence Summary

    In obese men, diet and exercise programs can lead to weight loss

    Health Technol Assess (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Successful aging goes beyond good physical health

    The International Journal of Aging and Human Development (2020)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Prostate cancer

    Mayo Clinic
    Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race, family history, and obesity. The presence of symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the cancer, with earlier stages potentially having no symptoms and later stages being accompanied by blood in the semen, bone pain, and problems urinating. Reduce your risk of prostate cancer by eating a healthy diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and speaking with a health care provider about your risk.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Premature ejaculation

    Mayo Clinic
    Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates during sex sooner than he or his partner would like. It is a common sexual issue. It can have different causes, and different treatments are available. Speak with your doctor if you experience premature ejaculation.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Erectile dysfunction

    Mayo Clinic
    Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection for sex. Ongoing erectile dysfunction can cause stress and affect confidence and relationships. Talk to your doctor if you experience erectile dysfunction. There are ways to prevent and treat it.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Best home remedies for premature ejaculation

    HealthLine
    Sexual concerns such as premature ejaculation are relatively common, it can affect up to 1 in 3 men. Premature ejaculation can cause frustration and anxiety, and might cause someone to avoid sex. This webpage lists home remedies to help this condition.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Premature ejaculation

    Patient.co.uk
    Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates more quickly than him or his partner would like. This can become frustrating or cause distress. This web page provides ways to help delay ejaculation.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate Cancer: Should I Have Radiation or Surgery for Localized Prostate Cancer?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with localized prostate cancer to decide on whether to have radiation or surgery to remove prostate by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate cancer screening: Decisions for men with a family history of prostate cancer.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men, unaffected by prostate cancer, aged 40 to 79 years with a family history of the disease decide on whether or not to have a prostate cancer screening test (PSA) by outlining and comparing the two options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Understanding genetic tests for men who have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer: Information and decision aid.

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men who are considering genetic testing because they have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer by outlining the options such as having a mutation search, predictive test, and deferring the decision.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with erectile dysfunction who cannot take pills decide on whether or not to try injection treatments by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options such as counseling, sex therapy, or seeking other ways to express intimacy.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate Cancer Screening: Making the Best Choice

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men decide whether or not to get screening for prostate cancer by comparing the benefits and risks of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men decide on whether or not to have a prostate cancer screening test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Enlarged Prostate: Should I Take Medicine?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) decide on whether or not to take medicine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Kidney infection

    Mayo Clinic
    Kidney infections require prompt medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you experience fever, back/side/groin/abdominal pain, frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, or pus or blood in your urine.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Male menopause: Myth or reality?

    Mayo Clinic
    Low testosterone causes changes in sex and sleep patterns. A healthy diet and exercise can help maintain your strength and energy. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns and be wary of herbal supplements.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Male condoms

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections. Carry condoms with you and use them correctly. This resource includes frequently asked questions about using condoms.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Belly fat in men: Why weight loss matters

    Mayo Clinic
    For men, a waist size larger than 40 inches signifies an unhealthy amount of belly fat and increases the risk of health problems. Slow weight loss through healthy eating and physical activity can help keep excess weight off.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Penis health: Identify and prevent problems

    Mayo Clinic
    Problems of the penis include issues with erections, with the foreskin, discharge or blood from the penis, pain, rash or swelling and can be a sign of other health conditions or medication side-effects. Practice good hygiene, safe sex and stay active to maintain your penis health.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

    Mayo Clinic
    Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Testosterone therapy can increase the risk of sleep problems, blood clots, enlarged breasts and more. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits if considering this type of hormone therapy.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Benign enlarged prostate: What are the pros and cons of surgery?

    Informed Health Online
    Surgery is not usually needed for benign enlarged prostate. It may be an option, however, if the enlarged prostate is causing urinary tract infections or bladder stones, or if other treatments are not helping. The transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered to be the standard surgical approach. There are other variations of TURP, as well as laser treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out what treatment is right for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    A visual guide to low testosterone

    WebMD
    A slow drop in testosterone is a normal part of aging. But low testosterone can cause visible changes to the body, osteoporosis, reduced sex drive, mood changes, or poor concentration. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Enlarged Prostate: Should I Have Surgery?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with benign prostatic hyperplasia considering surgery decide on whether to have surgery or keep using medicine to treat symptoms by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Erection problems: Should I take medicine?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with erection problems decide on whether or not to take medicine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Hair loss

    Mayo Clinic
    Hair loss can affect men and women and is more common as we age. Effective treatments include medications, surgery or laser therapy. Wigs or hairpieces are an alternative. See your doctor if you have sudden or patchy loss of hair.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Prostate Cancer Decision Aid for early-stage Patients

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men diagnosed with low or intermediate-risk early stage prostate cancer decide on a treatment option by outlining and comparing the risks and benefits of each option.
  • Blog Post

    Testosterone treatment in men: What you need to know

    Research highlights the potential benefits and harms of testosterone treatment in men who have low testosterone levels without a related medical condition.
  • Blog Post

    Evidence-based insights on 3 types of cancer screening

    Do you have questions around cancer screening? See what the research has to say about screening for prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Sneak peek: the answers are not always so cut-and-dry.
  • Blog Post

    To screen or not to screen? What role do web-based decision aids play in decision making around prostate cancer screening?

    Are you in the process of making a decision about prostate cancer screening, or at the very least starting to think about it? See what the research has to say about the use of web-based decision aids during this time.
  • Blog Post

    The up-and-up on treating premature ejaculation

    Premature ejaculation is a frustrating experience that can bring any man down. On the up-side, there are many treatments that can help.
  • Blog Post

    Beyond taboos: The sexual life of older adults

    While certain health conditions can affect libido and sexual capacity, many people still want and need intimacy, or have sexual desires, as they grow older. However, there seem to be taboos and preconceived ideas about the sexuality of older adults.
  • Blog Post

    The men’s sheds : A safe and inclusive space for older men

    Developing activities to promote social activity among older men, especially those who are lonely or socially isolated, is complex. "Men's sheds" can have beneficial effects on mental health and social well-being by allowing men to work, break social isolation and give back to their community.
  • Blog Post

    Erectile dysfunction treatment options

    Erectile dysfunction may be an awkward topic of discussion for some, but it’s a very common condition that affects up to half of all men over the age of 40. Find out what the research says about erectile dysfunction treatment options.
  • Blog Post

    'Plumbing' problems? Ultrasound an easier way to detect bladder obstructions

    Lower urinary tract symptoms (problems urinating) could be caused by an obstruction. The usual procedure for detecting an obstruction is invasive and uncomfortable. Evidence shows a simpler method is just as accurate.
  • Blog Post

    Improved treatments provide relief for men with lower urinary tract symptoms

    It isn’t something we tend to talk about, or even think about, until there’s a problem. Lower urinary tract symptoms are annoying at best and debilitating at worst. New research shows that combination drug treatment can offer improved long-term symptom relief for this common condition.
  • Blog Post

    Screening for prostate cancer: What you should know about the PSA test

    The PSA test is an option for men thinking about being screened for prostate cancer but the harms may outweigh the benefits.