In the last few years, employers finally turned their attention to women's health, from fertility benefits to
While men encounter fewer bodily changes throughout their lives than women, they also tend to avoid seeing the doctor more — according to a Cleveland Clinic survey, 65% of men say they avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible and 20% admit to lying to their doctor due to fear or embarrassment. The CDC estimates that women are 33% more likely to see a healthcare provider than men.
This means men are more likely to wait for symptoms to become unbearable, increasing the chance of a serious diagnosis and
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"Even though it's true that you are getting older, there's usually a reason behind why you're feeling so tired," says Dr. David Shusterman, urologist and founder of NY Urology. "At that point, it's good to start seeking medical help from people who understand prostate and testosterone management."
One major bodily change men should look out for is prostate enlargement. While it's normal for the prostate to get bigger as men age, it rapidly starts to grow around someone's 40s. If an individual is having a hard time urinating or getting up to urinate more often at night, this might be a sign to see a urologist, says Dr. Shusterman. From medication to surgery, he notes that prostate treatments have become far less invasive in the last few decades.
"For prostate enlargement procedures, we can go through your veins which have no pain receptors," he says. "We do almost everything through your blood vessels because it's much safer, much easier and much more effective."
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Men can also expect to lose testosterone as they age, which can come with symptoms like fatigue, loss of lean muscle and depression. If an individual is diagnosed with Low Testosterone Syndrome, they may be able to get testosterone therapy to up their testosterone levels and mitigate their symptoms
Dr. Shusterman underlines the importance of men being in tune with their bodies and more willing to address changes despite feelings of shame or pride. He notes that erectile dysfunction, while a sensitive subject, could signal heart problems and high blood pressure, but the individual has to seek care to find out.
"When you check under the hood, you notice all kinds of abnormalities that need to be treated," says Dr. Shusterman. "That reluctance to seek help can lead to a much higher likelihood of complications."
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Dr. Shusterman understands that stigma isn't the only factor stopping men from accessing care. He believes that if employers aren't giving their workers affordable health plans, flexibility and paid time off, then they don't truly prioritize the health of their employees. As an employer himself, Dr. Shusterman knows work-life balance is key, especially for healthcare workers.
"I discourage anyone from doing a lot of overtime and working too much," he says. "Your life cannot simply be all about work. Everyone has to take some time off."
Dr. Shusterman emphasizes that it takes both employers and employees to improve health across a company. If employees don't have the tools and time to seek care, then employers shouldn't be surprised by high rates of absenteeism and presentism due to deteriorating physical and mental health.
"I tell people that your health is your greatest asset," says Dr. Shusterman. "Your job, first and foremost, is to maintain your health."
