Men's Wellness: A Starting Guide

Where to start

Men's wellness covers two things at once: the everyday habits that protect your heart, strength and mood, and a handful of specific concerns that many men find hard to talk about, such as erection changes, a lower sex drive, or changes in urination. This guide helps you sort out which page to read first. It does not diagnose anything, and it does not replace a visit to a doctor or nurse.

One idea runs through the whole section: the same symptom can have many causes, and a "low testosterone" explanation is only one of them. The Endocrine Society guideline recommends diagnosing low testosterone (hypogonadism) only in men who have symptoms and signs consistent with testosterone deficiency and clearly and repeatedly low blood levels. [1] Symptoms alone are not enough.

Match what you notice to the right page

The everyday foundations

Habits matter for the heart, and the heart matters for erections and urination too.

• Move: UK guidance for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) plus strengthening activities on at least 2 days. [9]
• Heart health: cardiovascular disease is more likely in men than in women, and smoking, heavy drinking, extra weight and inactivity make it more likely. [10]
• Alcohol: UK advice is no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, spread over 3 or more days. [11]
• Sleep: in one small laboratory study, a week of five-hour nights lowered daytime testosterone by 10% to 15% in ten healthy young men. [6]

See Everyday health habits for men for more.

Supplements and "boosters"

Marketing for "testosterone boosters" and "male enhancement" is heavy; the evidence is thin. A review of 50 "T booster" products found that only 24.8% contained any ingredient with published data showing a rise in testosterone. [12] The US Food and Drug Administration warns that many male enhancement products are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients. [13] Read the claim check before buying anything.

What a visit can look like

For erection problems, a doctor or nurse may ask about lifestyle and relationships, check your blood pressure and examine you. [2] For urinary symptoms they may ask you to keep a record of what you drink and how often you pass urine, test a urine sample and may suggest a PSA blood test. [4] PSA is a protein made by the prostate; the test is discussed with you because it can be inaccurate and lead to tests or treatment you do not need. [14]