Men’s Health

Main Street Medical’s experienced and friendly doctors make it easier for men to talk about, and understand their own health needs. Our doctors can help guide you towards a healthier lifestyle and teach you how to avoid health problems that typically affect men, such as

• High blood pressure
• Heart conditions
• Weight management
• Prostate concerns
• Urinary problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Lack of general physical fitness

If any problems exist, our doctors can help you with advice, treatment and/or a second opinion.

 

Men’s health

Australian men are more likely than Australian women to get sick from serious health problems. Their mortality rate is also much higher. Men die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex-specific health problem. Overall, for every two women who die, three men die.

This figure holds true among children too. In deaths due to accidents or drowning, boys account for two out of three deaths.

Male deaths outnumber female deaths in every age group apart from the over-65 years, and only because so many men die before reaching retirement. Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits and only attend when their illness is in its later stages.

 

High-risk groups

Australia ranks high in life expectancy rates. Only three other countries – Iceland, Japan and Hong Kong – have higher life expectancy rates for men. However, Australian men don’t live as long as Australian women. On average, Australian men can expect to live 79 years, compared to women who can expect to live 84 years.
Certain male population groups in Australia have a lower life expectancy than 79 years, including:

• Australian Aborigine and Torres Strait Islander men
• Migrant men
• Men who live in rural and remote areas of Australia
• Socially disadvantaged men
• Men with disabilities
• Men who are in prison
• Non-heterosexual men, including gay, bisexual and transgender males
• Intersex people.

 

Top 10 causes of premature death in men

According to data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2016, the leading causes of death for Australian men include, in order from first to last:

• Ischaemic heart disease
• Trachea and lung cancer
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Cerebrovascular diseases
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases
• Prostate cancer
• Colon and rectum cancer
• Diabetes
• Blood and lymph cancer, including leukaemia
• Suicide.

 

Some deaths are more likely for men than women

Some causes of death are related to sex (or gender). For example, a man cannot die during childbirth, because only women have babies. Similarly, a woman cannot die from prostate cancer, because only men have a prostate gland.

However, according to 2016 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, men outnumber women in many causes of non-sex-related deaths. For example:

• Suicide – 75 per cent of deaths are male
• Trachea and lung cancers – 60 per cent of deaths are male
• Blood and lymph cancers (including leukaemia) – 58 per cent of deaths are male
• Ischaemic heart disease – 57 per cent of deaths are male
• Colon and rectum cancers – 55 per cent of deaths are male.

Prioritizing men’s health is not just a personal commitment but a critical aspect of overall well-being that impacts families and communities. By staying informed about common men’s health issues, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet, men can significantly improve their quality of life.

Remember, early detection and prevention are key—don’t hesitate to consult healthcare professionals for regular check-ups and screenings. Let’s take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.