Men’s health: Facts and myths

Does shoe size mirror length of the male organ?

This is a myth that has been around for centuries. ther were studies made on this matter. One of the more recent ones is the observation which included 104 men, conducted by two urologists at St. Mary’s in London. They found no statistically significant correlation between the shoe size and the stretched (erect) penile length. So, men with small feet need not worry. Your privacy is secure.

Are men with thicker hair more virile?

This is another myth. Men with thinner hair and bald men are not less virile than their hairy peer. High free testosterone and total testosterone in the blood are associated with greater virility and also with baldness. Those men with a lot of hair on the chest are not necessarily more virile or with greater sexual prowess than those with little or no hair on the chest.

Does wearing a hat or using a blow-dryer cause baldness?

There is no clinical proof that wearing a hat or a cap normally, or using a hair-dryer properly causes baldness or thinning of the hair. It is best for hair health not to subject it to severe trauma of any form, physical, thermal or chemical. Daily shower or bath, without using hair conditioner and/or replenishing the hair with moisturizer is bad for the hair.

Does wearing a brief bad for the sperm?

Extreme and prolonged heat affect sperm count, but there is no definite and clear medical evidence and consensus that wearing a proper-size brief adversely impact sperm count or its quality, or that boxers are safer than briefs.

Is 18 the peak for sexual performance for men?

Although it is a physiologic fact that men’s production of testosterone is highest at 18, it has been found that this does not equate to peak sexual performance. The hormone level also varies somewhat according to diet, activities, and genetic make-up. Many have their peak performance after their mid-twenties, following more experience and practice.

Does shaving make beard thicker?

The thickness and texture of our hair depends on the size and shape of our hair follicle. Shaving, even more than once a day, does not make beards thicker and coarser. This is true with any hair in the body.

Should men use skin moisturizers?

Men’s skin, like women’s, needs enough moisture to be healthy and younger-looking. Facial moisturizers for men are carried by all cosmetic brands because they are popularly used and have a large market for them, just like body lotions and after-shave skin healers. Applying facial and body moisturizers twice a day, and more often in hot and dry seasons, is a wise practice. And also the use of lip balms. Dehydration and sunlight are two arch-enemies of our body.

Do “real” men use cologne?

Yes, cologne is in, for men, even for James Bond. This billion dollar beauty industry carries cosmetics of all variety for women and men, and men’s cologne is one of them. A hint of cologne is a part of the attire, especially at gatherings. Many use cologne, or after shave aromatic lotion, as a part of the daily grooming routine.

Is gurgling toothpaste enough for me?

While we see this in movies where a tough guy presses the tube of toothpaste into his mouth and simply gurgles the cream and fly out of the house, the reality is that, for proper dental hygiene, we need to religiously floss and brush our teeth, and gurgle with mouth rinse to kill the germs in our mouth. Dental health is important for over-all health. And this goes for men too, tough guy or not.

Do men get breast cancer?

Yes, men develop breast cancer also, but it is rare, compared to women. About one in 1,000 is the risk for a man to get breast cancer. This is associated with high level of estrogen in man, due to chronic liver disease, alcoholism, and obesity. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States, next to lung cancer.

Is there such a thing as fracture of the penis?

There is no bone in the penis, although when fully congested and erect, it could feel like it has a bone in it. The anatomical structure that is responsible for this is called tunica albuginea, a fibrous sheath that is stretched tight during erection when blood fills the penis. When this sheath tears, it is called penile fracture. This condition happens during sexual activity but fortunately it is rare. Treatment involved surgery.

Do men develop osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is usually associated with women. This common condition that causes weakening of the bones and increases the risk for fracture also happens among men. But since men have larger skeletons and do not go through severe hormonal changes and bone loss as women do during menopause, it occurs less in men. As men get older, the risk of developing osteoporosis rises, especially among those who smoke, drink heavily, those on steroids, those with gastrointestinal illnesses, and those who are sedentary or immobile.

Do only men get beer belly?

Women can get it also. Any excess calories ingested, especially fat, can increase belly fat, leading to beer belly. Calories from beer is only one of the culprits. And it easy to lose count when drinking beer or other alcoholic drink, especially with the appetizers that go with it, like barbeque meats of various kinds.

Do grilled meats increase cancer risk?

Yes, eating red meat in itself, in whatever form or method of cooking, increases the risk for cancer and also for death rate in general. Those who eat very little or no red meat, and eating fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, have been found to have better longevity. As far as grilled meats are concerned, there are two types of potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in them. One is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs, found in the flames and smoke that results when fat and juices drip on the heat source. The PAHs stick to the surface of the meat. The other is heterocyclic amines or HCAs, formed when extreme heat causes a chemical reaction between normally present amino acids and sugars in the meat and the creatine in the muscles of the meat. Placing aluminum foil under the meat so it does not touch the grill, pre-cooking the meat in a microwave and throwing away the juices, reducing the grilling time, and removing charred areas on the meat to remove most HCAs could help reduce the carcinogens. Avoiding barbequed meats is an obvious option to lower the risk for cancer.

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