Mens Health

What is men’s health?

Men’s health focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating health problems that affect men.

Most medical disorders affect both men and women, but some are particularly common in men. These include:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Sleep apnea
• Colorectal cancer
• Hair loss

Some conditions affect the male reproductive system and therefore only occur in men.

What men’s health conditions might affect me?

The main conditions that affect only men include:

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

ED is an inability to get or keep an erection. If you experience this problem frequently, you might have a cardiovascular disorder that affects blood flow to your penis. There are many other possible causes of ED.

Low testosterone

Low testosterone levels can cause what’s known as andropause — the male menopause.

While men don’t experience the same physical changes as women in midlife, their testosterone levels can fall low enough to cause problems like fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and low libido (lack of interest in sex).

Prostate conditions

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem that causes issues with urination. You could also get prostate cancer, which has similar symptoms.

Cancer can also affect the penis and testicles, but this is less common.

What men’s health services might I need?

Men’s health services that Maryland Primary Care and Urgent Care offers include:

Well-man exams

Your well-man exam or annual physical is an essential procedure that helps prevent ill health and treat diseases at an early stage.

Your provider checks your health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, and lung sounds. Then, they will examine your penis and testicles and perform a prostate exam.

Lab services

For your convenience, Maryland Primary Care and Urgent Care provides on-site lab services to screen for diseases, help with diagnosis, and monitor health problems.

Preventive care

Preventive care services focus on lowering your risk of ill health. In addition to your well-man exam, you might benefit from weight loss, nutrition and diet advice, an exercise program, quitting smoking and alcohol, and stress management.

Maryland Primary Care and Urgent Care is an adult primary care practice with dedicated and experienced providers offering comprehensive men’s health services.

To find out how you could benefit from their expertise, call the office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.

What happens if a physical reveals a medical problem?

If a physical examination reveals a medical problem, rest assured that we are fully equipped to assist you promptly. Our team will diligently handle all necessary paperwork while also exploring the possibility of providing immediate treatment during your visit. With access to in-house laboratories at many of our locations, we strive to offer efficient care that may eliminate the need for a follow-up appointment. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the necessary medical attention and support without unnecessary delays.

How often should men under 50 have a physical exam?

Men under the age of 50 are recommended to have a physical exam every three to five years. It is important to keep track of these appointments and schedule them regularly. If unsure about the timing of your last physical exam, it is advised to consider having one to ensure your health and well-being are monitored appropriately.

Should men have yearly physical exams at a men’s clinic?

Men should consider having regular physical exams as part of their healthcare routine. It is recommended that men older than 50 years of age have a yearly physical exam at a male clinic, while men younger than 50 should aim to have a physical exam every three to five years. If there is uncertainty about the last physical exam or if it cannot be remembered, this may be a sign that it’s time for another check-up. Regardless of how healthy one feels, scheduling a regular checkup with a healthcare provider is crucial. These checkups can help confirm one’s well-being or detect any potential health issues at an early stage, which can be crucial for maintaining good health.

Can patients visit your location for medical attention?
Yes, patients have the flexibility to seek medical attention our location.

What tests are typically conducted during a physical exam at your clinic?

During a physical exam at our office, a comprehensive set of tests are typically conducted to assess various aspects of your health. These tests include:

1. Medical History Review: Your provider will inquire about any health concerns, lifestyle behaviors (like smoking and diet), exercise habits, vaccination status, and personal and family medical history.
2. Pulse Measurement: Checking your pulse helps detect potential heart conditions.
3. Weight, Height, BMI Assessment: Determining whether you are at a healthy weight by considering factors like height, gender, and age through calculating the body mass index (BMI).
4. Blood Pressure Screening: Important for detecting hypertension, a condition that could lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
5. O2 Saturation Measurement: Assessing the oxygen saturation in your blood to ensure you are within a safe range.
6. General Appearance Evaluation: Observing your overall appearance, memory, mental quickness, skin quality, and mobility to gather information about your health.
7. Heart and Lung Examination: Using a stethoscope to listen for irregular heartbeats, murmurs, or signs of heart and lung diseases.
8. Head and Neck Examination: Examining various areas like the throat, teeth, gums, ears, nose, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid, and carotid arteries to assess your overall health.
9. Blood Panel Testing: Analyzing fatty substances, lipids, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other factors to check for conditions like diabetes.
10. Prostate Check (for men over 50): Assessment for prostate cancer through digital examination to detect signs of prostate enlargement or tumors.
These tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of your health and help your provider tailor treatment plans or interventions as needed.

What can men expect during their physical exam at our office?

Men visiting our office for their annual health clinic medical exam can expect a comprehensive evaluation of their overall health status. The physical exam will start with a review of their medical history, including discussions on lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sexual health, diet, and exercise. The healthcare provider will also update their vaccination status and family medical history during this assessment.

The exam will include measurements of vital signs such as pulse, weight, height, and BMI to assess the individual’s cardiovascular health and determine if they are at a healthy weight. Additionally, screening for high blood pressure, known as hypertension, will be conducted to identify any potential risks to overall health.

Evaluation of oxygen saturation levels will be performed to ensure that the individual’s blood is adequately oxygenated, crucial for maintaining good health. Physical appearance, including memory, skin health, and mobility, will be observed to gather further insights into their overall well-being.

Further examination will involve listening to the heart and lungs to detect any irregularities or signs of heart or lung disease. The head and neck will also be thoroughly examined, including the throat, tonsils, teeth, gums, ears, eyes, and thyroid gland, among others.

Blood panel testing will be conducted to assess lipid profile, blood sugar levels, and other indicators of diabetes and heart health. Finally, starting at age 50, men will undergo a prostate check for signs of prostate cancer or enlargement.

Overall, men can expect a thorough and detailed physical exam at our office that covers various aspects of their health, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and assessment of their well-being.

How long does the physical exam typically take at Maryland Urgent Care?

The physical exam at Maryland Urgent Care typically lasts around half an hour. However, it is worth noting that Maryland Urgent Care is known for its efficient service, with many patients being able to see a provider in less than 15 minutes.

Will my men’s health appointment be covered by insurance?

Men’s health appointments are often covered by health insurance plans as part of preventive care services. To determine the coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs for your specific appointment, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider directly. As coverage details may vary among different insurance plans, it is essential to inquire about the specific terms and conditions applicable to your policy. Checking with your insurance provider will give you a clear understanding of what services are covered and any potential cost-sharing responsibilities you may have during your men’s health appointment.

Do I need a referral to schedule a men’s health appointment at your clinic?

In general, you can typically make an appointment for men’s health services at our clinic without the need for a referral. However, it is advisable to verify with your insurance provider to ensure that your specific plan does not require a referral for such appointments.

How can I prepare for my men’s health appointment?

When preparing for your men’s health appointment at Maryland Primary Care and Urgent Care, it is essential to take proactive steps to make the most of your visit. To ensure a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider, consider compiling a list of any symptoms, concerns, or questions you may have. Additionally, gathering information about your medical history, medications, and any previous test results can provide valuable insights for your provider.

During your well-man exam, your healthcare provider will assess various health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, and lung sounds. They will also conduct examinations of your penis, testicles, and perform a prostate exam to monitor your overall health status. Furthermore, our on-site lab services are available to screen for diseases, aid in diagnosis, and monitor any health conditions, offering convenience and efficiency in your care.

In addition to these services, preventive care plays a crucial role in maintaining your well-being. Alongside your well-man exam, you may benefit from weight loss guidance, nutrition advice, exercise programs, smoking and alcohol cessation support, and stress management strategies. By taking a proactive approach to your health and sharing relevant information with your provider, you can work together to address your health concerns and promote overall wellness effectively.

Can I discuss sensitive health concerns during a men’s health appointment?

Men’s health conditions such as erectile dysfunction and urinary system problems aren’t always easy to discuss. At Maryland Primary Care and Urgent Care in Lanham, Maryland, we understand the sensitive nature of men’s health concerns. Dr. Sherif Hassan provides expert care for all conditions affecting men with respect and empathy. Our healthcare providers offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for open and confidential discussions. You can feel comfortable addressing any sensitive health topics during your appointment with us.