Men's Health

Harlingen Family Care Clinic

Family Medicine & Aesthetics located in Harlingen, TX

Being a healthy man requires more than just keeping up-to-date on your routine physical. There are particular health care concerns that are specific to the functioning of the male body that are important for you and your doctor to monitor. Rolando Posada, MD, and the team of dedicated health care providers at Harlingen Family Care Clinic in Harlingen, Texas have a proven track record of success in keeping men in good health. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more.

Men's Health Q & A

What conditions are particular to men’s health care?

Men’s bodies are uniquely susceptible to the following conditions: 

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, after skin cancer. Screenings for prostate cancer are done with a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen blood test. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing prostate health with your doctor at age 50 for average-risk men, age 45 for high-risk men, and age 40 for men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is fairly uncommon, but it can be a deadly disease if left untreated. Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men between 20 and 54 years of age. The American Cancer Society recommends having a testicular exam each year at your yearly physical.

Low testosterone

It’s estimated that nearly a quarter of all men over 30 have low testosterone. Your testosterone levels can be measured by a blood test that’s usually performed in the morning when your hormone levels are at their highest. 

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that is significant in puberty, fertility, and sexual desire. Men have higher levels of testosterone than women, and it’s thought to influence the development of characteristics that are traditionally considered to be more male, such as muscle bulk, physical strength, bone mass, and body hair.

What are the effects of low testosterone?

The symptoms of abnormally low testosterone can be significantly troublesome. They include:

  • Low sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased body hair
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Development of breast tissue

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to let your care providers at Harlingen Family Care Clinic know about them. If they suspect that low testosterone might be the cause, you can get your testosterone levels checked and receive a recommended course of treatment.

What is the treatment for low testosterone?

If it’s determined that you have abnormally low testosterone, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. The goal of this therapy is to increase the amount of testosterone in your body by delivering it through an external source. Testosterone can be administered in a few different forms, such as:

  • Pill
  • Patch
  • Gel (applied to your skin)
  • Liquid (injected into your body)

The team at Harlingen Family Care Clinic will work with you to determine which method is best suited for your particular needs and preferences.

If you have any concerns about men’s health, the knowledgeable team at Harlingen Family Care Clinic is ready to help. Call the offices to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.