Men's Health
Table of Contents
- Depression
- STD Testing
- Health Issues
- Seek Regular
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Substance Abuse
- Smoking
Health Issues:
Part of the MPACT mission is to address the physical, emotional, and social health of men who have sex with men. Colorado has some of the best resources available to empower men to take control of their own health. However, prevention of acute medical conditions begins with knowledge. Do you know where you stand with your health?
Seek Regular Health Care
Don't let fear of homophobia or the stigma associated with homosexuality prevent you from identifying yourself as gay or bisexual to your doctor or seeking routine health care. Instead, take charge of your health. Check with your doctor about routine screenings recommended for men in your age group. If you're not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, schedule regular screenings for HIV and other STDs. Share any other health concerns you may have with your doctor as well. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment is often the key to long-term health.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is a common issue among men which killed 28,000 people since 2006. The prostate is located just below a man’s bladder and increases in size once exposed to cancer. This preventable disease affects nearly 203,000 men in the United States.
Risk factors for prostate cancer include, but are not limited to:
- Someone over the age of 50
- Being African American
- Having a family history of a father, brother or son previously affected
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Different men have different symptoms. Some men do not have symptoms at all. Some possible symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- Difficulty in starting urination.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
If you suspect you could be at risk for prostate cancer, ask your doctor to perform a PSA blood test to check for increased levels of hormone or a rectal exam. This quick and simple exam could save your life.
Referrals are available through the MPACT program and web site.
Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. The colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, empties out into the rectum and cancers involving the colon can also affect the rectum as well.
Risk Factors are:
- 50 years of age or older
- Male or female
- Having colorectal polyps
- Having inflammatory bowel disease
Please remember your risk increases with age.
Symptoms include:
- Blood in your stool
- Stomach pain, aches or cramps that won’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
If you believe you could be at risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor and get screened. 60 percent of deaths caused by colon cancer are avoidable.
Testicular Cancer
Although this cancer is rare in comparison to other cancers, testicular cancer is most common in males between the ages of 15 – 34. This type of cancer is very treatable if detected early, which can be done by regular self examinations of your testicles. Talk to your doctor about information on how and when to begin self examinations.
Substance Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse is common among gay men. Sometimes substance abuse is a way to cope with shame and overcome fear, denial, anxiety or even revulsion about gay sex. In other cases it offers a buffer against rejection. Gay men who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, violence or hate crimes also are at risk of drug and alcohol abuse.
If you have a substance abuse problem, remember that help is available.
- Aspen Pointe
- 5069 N. Academy Blvd.
- Colorado Springs, CO. 80918
- 719-572-6296
Community Public Health Departments are also available to assist with resources and referrals. Please see the resources page for more information.
Smoking
Gay and bisexual men are more likely to smoke than are heterosexual men. Potential reasons include increased stress and depression due to social alienation.
Smokers face many health risks, including cancer. If you smoke, take the first step and decide to quit. Then take advantage of the many resources available to help you successfully quit smoking.
Are YOU “The Biggest Quitter?”
- Been thinking about trying to quit smoking?
- Or have you already quit, and need help to stay quit?
- Your Pride Center’s new Biggest Quitter class is for you!
- When: Every Thursday evening at 5:30pm
- Where: Your Pride Center, 2508 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs
Group support has been proven to increase your odds of successfully quitting. In this confidential environment facilitated by former smokers, they meet to discuss their goals, challenges and successes, and to encourage each other in one of the hardest things most of us will ever do – kick the habit!
Cost: $0. Just bring yourself, and your desire to quit or to stay quit.
Tackle Depression
Depression is a common issue for gay men and men who have sex with men. Contributing factors may include lack of a domestic partner, anti-gay violence and community alienation. In some cases depression is related to a history of attempted suicide, child abuse or recent sexual dysfunction. The problem may be more severe for men who remain in the closet or those who don't have adequate social support.
Left untreated, depression may lead to risky sexual behavior and a downward spiral of emotional, behavioral, health, and even legal and financial problems. If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or seek help from a mental health provider. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings may be the first step toward getting treatment.
Consider utilizing one of these resources if you think you may have depression or suicidal thoughts:
- Suicide Prevention Partnership
- 3595 E. Fountain Blvd Colorado Springs, CO. 80918
- 719-596-5433
- www.sppppr.org/
- Cedar Springs Behavioral Health System
- 2135 Southgate Rd,Colorado Springs, CO. 80906
- 719-633-4114
STD Testing
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a major public health challenge in the United States. CDC estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year — almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age. Yet, most infections have no symptoms and often go undiagnosed and untreated, which may lead to severe health consequences, especially for women. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Talk to a health care provider about which STD tests are right for you.
Having an STD can create worsening problems for those living with HIV/AIDS, so it is important to be screened frequently. Take control of your health and get tested today.
STD testing is available at your local public health departments. The best way to prevent an STD is to practice safe sex.