10 Questions Men Should Ask Their Doctor for Better Health Care ...

However, you should talk to your doctor about what the options are if the test indicates a problem, says Kosowsky. "Prostate cancer is a very slow-growing cancer. Even if you have it, it's not likely to kill you. And an elevated PSA may just be a sign of normal aging."

If you do have an elevated PSA, one option is to have a needle biopsy. But even if the biopsy reveals cancer, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting with a repeated PSA test every six months. "We are doing more and more watchful waiting because we know that many men are overtreated for prostate cancer," says Ulchaker. Plus, treatment options such as the removal of the prostate or radiation therapy can have unwelcome side effects, such as erectile dysfunction ? the inability to sustain an erection ? and loss of bladder control.

2. With an annual physical now covered by insurance, what screenings do I need?

Men over 50 should have annual physicals that include blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Their fasting glucose, or blood sugar, levels should be tested every three years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

"Of these, the most important is screening for high blood pressure," says Carolyn Clancy, M.D., director of AHRQ. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68 million adults have high blood pressure, and more than half do not have it under control. Normal blood pressure is around 120 over 80. "What's important is to know and write down your numbers each time," says Clancy. "If most of the time, your blood pressure is 90 over 60 and then suddenly it's 130 over 80, that's more concerning than for someone who is usually 120 over 80." If your blood pressure is high, your doctor will want to check it more often and may suggest you monitor it with a home blood pressure machine.

3. I'm not feeling as sexually vital as I'd like. Could something be wrong with my health?

"If you have a decreased libido [sex drive], a morning test of your testosterone level is an appropriate screening," says Ulchaker. "If the test is normal, most urologists do not recommend additional testosterone."

If the problem is erectile dysfunction, you have multiple options, including oral medications, such as sildenafil, or vacuum erection devices, says Ulchaker. But you may not need such measures. Obesity, smoking and diabetes can all interfere with sexual function. Taking off a few pounds, giving up cigarettes or managing your diabetes could make all the difference.

And don't forget the side effects of the medications you take. Some types of drugs, such as antidepressants, statins and blood pressure drugs, also can cause erectile dysfunction. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the medicines ? both prescription and over-the-counter ? you take regularly.

4. I'm urinating more than usual. Should I be concerned?

"As men get older, more develop voiding dysfunction," says Ulchaker. "The number one reason behind urinary urgency is caffeine. Alcohol also stops the kidneys from reabsorbing water." The result: you pee more frequently. Cut back on both, and your peeing problem may cease.

5. I haven't been sleeping well. Is that a cause for concern?

The CDC reports that 50 million to 70 million adults have a sleep problem, and nearly 37 percent of people ages 55 to 65 fall asleep unintentionally during the day at least once a month. One common sleep problem affecting more than 18 million Americans, especially men, is sleep apnea ? a pause in breathing ? which can disrupt sleep and increase the chance of developing cardiovascular problems. You're at higher risk for sleep apnea if you're overweight and over age 40.

Don't forget to take some common-sense steps to improving your sleeping habits. These include:

• Limiting caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and large meals close to bedtime;
• Keeping regular sleep hours;
• Avoiding exercise in the hours right before bed.

Next page: Are you at risk for heart disease? ?

Source: http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-03-2013/questions-men-should-ask-doctors.html

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