How herpes on your penis can lead to serious long-term health issues – and why younger men are most at risk

MEN are less likely to seek help with their health than women, despite being at higher risk from some of the most serious diseases.

And knowing the signs to look out for in both their physical and mental health at all ages can save lives.

Each year, one in eight men dies of coronary heart disease in the UK compared to one in 14 women.

Around 200,000 men are ­diagnosed with cancer, which is 21 per cent higher than the ­diagnoses among women.

Mental health is also a huge concern with three-quarters of suicides in England and Wales being among men, and nine per cent of men are dependant on alcohol — more than double the number of women.

Today, Sun on Sunday Health’s Dr Jeff Foster explains the ­biggest risks to men in each decade.

He said: “It is still true that men are typically not good at seeking help when they are unwell or show signs of serious illness.

“Knowing what conditions to be aware of at each stage of the life cycle can lead to a much healthier way of living and even be life-saving.”

Here is Dr Jeff’s guide to the most common conditions in different decades:

20s to 30s

NEW figures have shown that cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis in England soared last year.

And it is in this age range that men are at the highest risk of all sexually ­transmitted infections than in any other decade of life.

In fact, 20 per cent of this age group have experienced an STI including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and genital herpes. If left untreated, some can carry a long-term risk of infertility or even heart problems.

This is also the most worrying age for male mental health issues.

The leading cause of death in men aged 20-30 is intentional self-harm, accidents or accidental poisoning, such as from alcohol or drugs, accounting for a quarter of all deaths.

30s to 40s

FROM age 30, the risk of some of the most common health threats among men begin to rise.

Around 2,400 Britons are ­diagnosed with testicular cancer each year, most between the ages of 30 and 34.

 Caught early and treated, it has a 98 per cent survival rate.

From the age of 30, around one per cent of the heart’s reserve capacity is lost per year and your metabolism starts to slow, so a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a good diet is vital to lay solid ­foundations for older age.

40 to 50

ERECTILE dysfunction affects half of all men at some point in their lives. But the onset is most common in your 40s, likely related to the fact that testosterone drops by one per cent each year after 30 with symptoms including low sex drive, fatigue, loss of body hair, obesity and low mood.

Signs of low testosterone is seen in up to 12 per cent of men aged over 40 — but medication can help.

Free NHS health checks start at this age as men now find themselves in the highest risk category for high blood pressure, Type Two diabetes and high cholesterol.

50 to 60

MALES aged 50-54 have the highest suicide rate in the country. Encouraging men to share problems with those close to them or talk to medical ­professionals if they feel ­symptoms of depression, such as consistent low mood and fatigue, can be life-saving.

Bladder cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer in men and typically occurs after 50 — be aware of any blood or pain when you pee.

Benign prostate enlargement and swelling, osteoarthritis and a decline in eyesight are all ­common from 50 onwards.

60 to 70

ONE in five men dies from heart disease before the age of 75 and it remains the most common cause of death in men during this decade. Coronary health, supported by a healthy lifestyle, food and exercise is key to ­prolonging your old age.

Free NHS bowel cancer screening also starts at 60 as the risk increases significantly in this age group, with 56 per cent of all cases diagnosed in males.

70 to 80

THIS is the decade that sees the peak incidence of prostate ­cancer. Dementia rates are also high with one in 11 people over 65 suffering — 35 per cent of them men. Parkinson’s disease affects almost 60,000 in their 70s with men 1.5 times more likely to develop it than women at this age.

80-plus:

BOWEL cancer cases are at their highest between 85 and 89.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s ­disease are the leading cause of death in men aged 80 and over, accounting for 15 per cent.

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