Men's Health: Questions Your Doctor Wishes You Would Ask

There’s a common belief that men avoid the doctor at all costs—particularly the dreaded annual exam. Seeing a health care provider (HCP) regularly is key to staying healthy and catching any serious issues early. But you also need to make sure you’re getting the most out of your exams, which means asking the right questions and bringing any concerning symptoms to your doctor’s attention.

This question can break the ice between you and your doctor and can prompt them to start a conversation about healthy lifestyle behaviors. Remember, the purpose of an annual exam isn’t just to discuss what’s going wrong, because in many cases, especially if you’re still relatively young, you may not have any acute concerns.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death across the world. By bringing up this question, you are inviting your doctor to talk about your risk and assess your current cardiovascular health status.

They also have a big impact on your health (not to mention your hairline). “Before your appointment, ask your parents what they know about illnesses that run in your family or what older relatives died from,” says Dr. Kiss. “For example, did your grandfather pass away from a heart attack at 49 even though he was the picture of health? That’s a risk factor for you to also have coronary heart disease.”

Let's face it. Sex is an awkward topic to talk about. However, your sexual function is an indicator of your overall health. "A decline in sexual function is associated with other problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, or medication side effects, so be open and talk to your doctor if you feel it’s harder to get an erection or maintain one," says Ernst von Schwarz, MD, a Los Angeles-based cardiologist.

Sure, a prescription might be able to help a given issue, but always ask if there’s a non-medication approach you can take first. “Don’t be afraid to ask about alternatives,” says Dr. von Schwarz.