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Men's Health Archive

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Erectile dysfunction: Is it a sign of hidden health problems?

Doctors increasingly view erectile dysfunction as a potential early warning sign rather than just a sexual health issue. Research shows persistent erectile dysfunction is often tied to cardiovascular disease, and the two conditions share an array of risk factors.

Can taking Valtrex for shingles affect my birth control?

Women on birth control who develop shingles may worry Valtrex could reduce protection. Find out if this antiviral impacts contraceptives.

BPH treatment options when drugs are not enough

When medications and lifestyle changes no longer control symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a range of surgical and minimally invasive procedures can restore urine flow. Each option offers different trade-offs in side effects, recovery, and duration of relief.

Should men over 70 with a family history still get a PSA test?

A 77-year-old man with a brother who died of prostate cancer weighs the pros and cons of PSA screening with age, health, and risk in mind.

Can my birth control pills change the dose of thyroid medication I need?

Find out how estrogen-containing birth control can affect thyroid hormone replacement, and why your levothyroxine dose may need closer monitoring.

Taking charge of prostate cancer

Men with low-risk prostate cancer continue to choose active surveillance as their course of action, meaning they monitor their cancer and don’t seek treatment unless it becomes worse. While this wait-and-see approach may appear passive in nature, it’s an opportunity for men to take charge of their health and make lifestyle changes that could improve their cancer outcome and offer protection against other health risks, like heart disease.

Is your medication killing your sex drive?

Low libido can include both less desire for and less satisfaction with sex. A variety of medications can dampen sex drive by altering hormone levels or nerve signals, dulling sensation in the genitals, or triggering fatigue or mood changes. They include some antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, antiseizure drugs, opioids, chemotherapy, hormone blockers, oral contraceptives, and fertility drugs. People whose medications affect their libido can ask their doctor to adjust the dose or timing or substitute another drug without sexual side effects.

What could cause a painful breast lump in a man?

A new, tender lump in a man’s breast doesn't necessarily mean cancer. But it should not be ignored. Gynecomastia is one possible cause, but there are others.

Do all erectile dysfunction drugs have the same side effects?

Erectile dysfunction medicines act similarly but can vary in side effects, duration of action and food interactions.

Symptoms of early-stage prostate cancer

Prostate cancer often develops quietly, with few or no early warning signs, and can resemble normal age‑related prostate changes. When symptoms arise, they usually involve subtle changes in urination. Doctors combine careful questioning, physical examination, blood tests, and modern scans to distinguish harmless enlargement from serious disease.

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