Common Myths About Men’s Health
Beliefs about men’s health pass from father to son, between friends and across the internet, and many of them are wrong. Some are harmless. Others keep men away from the doctor until a problem is advanced. Here are twelve common myths, with what reliable sources actually say.
Key points
- Feeling well does not rule out high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
- Most prostate symptoms are caused by benign enlargement, and erection problems are not an inevitable part of aging.
- Mental health conditions are medical conditions, and seeking help is a sign of good judgment.
Myth 1: “If I feel fine, I am healthy”
The facts: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes usually cause no symptoms in their early stages. The CDC notes that heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a man has the signs of a heart attack, an abnormal rhythm or heart failure. Regular checks are the only way to find these conditions early.
Myth 2: “Heart disease is an old man’s problem”
The facts: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, and the processes that lead to it begin decades before symptoms. In 2017 to 2020, about half of U.S. men had high blood pressure. Know your numbers from early adulthood.
Myth 3: “Urinary trouble means prostate cancer”
The facts: The NIDDK describes benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement that is not caused by cancer, as the most common prostate problem in men older than 50. A weak stream or night-time urination usually has a benign cause. They should still be checked, because the symptoms overlap with those of more serious conditions.
Myth 4: “Every man should have a PSA test every year”
The facts: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 make an individual decision about PSA screening after discussing the benefits and risks with their doctor, and that men aged 70 and older should not be screened routinely. Screening can find cancer early, but it can also lead to false alarms and to treatment of cancers that would never have caused harm.
Myth 5: “Erection problems are just part of getting older”
The facts: The NIDDK states that erectile dysfunction is not a routine part of aging. It becomes more common with age, but it often has identifiable causes, such as blood vessel disease, diabetes, medicines or stress, and it can be treated. It can also be an early sign of another condition worth finding.
Myth 6: “Real men do not get depressed”
The facts: Depression affects men of all ages and backgrounds. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that men are less likely than women to have received mental health treatment and more likely to die by suicide. In men, depression may show up as anger, irritability or risk-taking. It is a medical condition, and treatment works.
Myth 7: “Seeing a doctor is only for when you are sick”
The facts: Preventive visits screen for hidden conditions, update vaccines and identify risks. Men who wait for symptoms often meet their doctor at a later and less treatable stage.
Myth 8: “Skin care and sunscreen are not for men”
The facts: Skin cancer does not distinguish by gender. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that men wash their face daily, moisturize, check their skin regularly and wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever outdoors. A product such as our Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 fits easily into a morning routine.
Myth 9: “Osteoporosis only affects women”
The facts: Men lose bone with age too, and fractures in older men are serious. MedlinePlus advises men with risk factors, such as long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking or heavy alcohol use, to discuss screening with their provider.
Myth 10: “Supplements can make up for a poor lifestyle”
The facts: No pill replaces a balanced diet, physical activity and sleep. A multivitamin can fill small gaps; it does not undo the effects of smoking, heavy drinking or inactivity. Products that promise more testosterone or muscle deserve particular skepticism.
Myth 11: “Snoring is just annoying”
The facts: Loud, regular snoring with pauses in breathing or daytime sleepiness can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. It is diagnosable and treatable.
Myth 12: “A little chest pain will pass”
The facts: Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, shortness of breath, nausea or a cold sweat can signal a heart attack. Waiting it out costs heart muscle. Call 911.
A few quick ones
- “Shaving makes hair grow back thicker.” It does not; the blunt cut tip only feels coarser.
- “Wearing a hat causes baldness.” Male pattern hair loss is hereditary.
- “Men do not need to check their testicles.” Routine screening is not recommended, but knowing what is normal for you and reporting a lump or change promptly is sensible.
- “Sweating out a fever is the cure.” Rest, fluids and monitoring are what help.
Why myths persist
- They are simple and often flattering.
- They excuse avoidance.
- Health is rarely discussed openly among men.
- Online sources vary enormously in quality.
How to check a health claim
- Look for the source: government health agencies, professional medical societies and major hospitals are generally reliable.
- Check the date.
- Be skeptical of anything selling a product alongside the claim.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
What to do instead
- Book a checkup and learn your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Mention symptoms early, including the awkward ones.
- Keep up with screening and vaccines.
- Look after sleep, diet, activity and your mind.
If your doctor recommends home blood pressure checks, see our Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor.
The bottom line
Most men’s health myths share a theme: do nothing and hope for the best. The evidence points the other way. Get checked, ask questions and act early. Browse everyday health essentials in our men’s health range.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Men and Heart Disease.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
- National Institute of Mental Health. Men and Mental Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for Prostate Cancer.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Skin care tips for men.
- MedlinePlus. Health screenings for men age 65 and older.
- MedlinePlus. Sleep Apnea.
More men's health guides
Understanding Preventive Health Checkups for Men
What happens at a men's health checkup and how often should you go? Learn what is checked at each age and how to prepare…
Men’s Personal Care and Hygiene Essentials
The essentials of men's hygiene and grooming: handwashing, daily washing, oral care, shaving without irritation, nail and foot care, and what to keep at…
Understanding Prostate Health Awareness
Learn what the prostate does, the difference between an enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer, urinary symptoms to report and screening advice.