How pharmacists can promote men’s health

June is Men’s Health Month. It’s a time of year dedicated to increasing health awareness for the guys in your life—the sons, brothers, dad, grandfathers, uncles, and nephews you care about. There are many reasons why people don’t seek healthcare. They’re unaware of health risks. They’re unsure, or embarrassed about health problems. Or, in some cases, they’re uncomfortable talking about a physical vulnerability, like a health problem. In other words, men’s health can be a sensitive topic. 

Fortunately, as a pharmacist, you can leverage your role in healthcare to help bridge this care gap. Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team who can educate male patients and encourage proper screening or treatment when it’s needed most.

The problem with men’s health

Over the past 100 years, the human life expectancy has increased considerably. But this doesn’t make up for the fact that the gender gap has been widening. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men reach an average age of 76. Women reach an average age of 81. 

Not only are men more likely to die younger than women, but they’re also more prone to certain chronic conditions. Data shows that men are more likely to develop heart disease and experience their first heart attack at a younger age than women. Men are also twice as likely to be diagnosed with emphysema and four times as likely to have gout. 

While obesity remains a growing problem among men and women, it’s the differences in weight distribution that could signify other problems. In women, excess fat tends to distribute around the hips and thighs. In men, excess fat sits around the abdominal region. Without a proper diet or exercise plan, visceral fat can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. 

When it comes to mental health, men are less likely to seek treatment for depression compared to women. Higher suicide rates among men may illustrate a larger problem with social norms. Some men may be more reserved about their emotions or be socialized to believe that it makes them weak to talk about problems.

Along with a heightened risk for these health issues, men are also faced with conditions that are specific to the male sex. Here are a few issues your patients might encounter—and how you can address them.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between 5% and 15% of men aged 40 to 75 years old. Pharmacists will often encounter prescriptions for Viagra or Cialis, which makes for a great opportunity to address side effects or other concerns. ED can be a subtle indicator of health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or mental health problems. 

It’s uncomfortable to talk about sexual problems, so use discretion. If they have questions, show them you are non-judgmental and open to helping them. You can also assure patients that it’s a relatively common problem among men. 

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer ranks second in the leading types of cancer for men in the U.S. It is much more common in older men. However, it is highly treatable and has a favorable prognosis when caught early.

As a pharmacist, you can educate men on the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. You can also encourage men to get screened, especially if they’re at risk. Men who are 50 years old with an average risk should receive a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE). 

RELATED: Cancer screening for men: Guidelines by age

Low testosterone

Testosterone levels can play a crucial role in men’s health. Aging can cause testosterone levels to drop around a percentage point each year. Low testerone levels contribute to a number of problems including:

• Decreased libido
• Fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Osteoporosis

If low T levels are confirmed, some men may be started on testosterone replacement therapy. The next time they pick up their AndroGel could be a chance to counsel on proper administration and side effects. Other men may be inclined to try a supplement or herbal product to boost their testosterone, which could also warrant your medical advice.

How to communicate with male patients

Social norms can create barriers in communication surrounding men’s health issues. Growing up, some men are taught to hide their emotions, be strong, and ignore pain. These attitudes can be harmful when it comes to their health.

However, since many men stop by the pharmacy for medications or other items, they may be more likely to talk to a pharmacist out of convenience. 

It’s important to remember that not everyone communicates in the same ways. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when counseling men versus women. Personality, among other factors, can determine how you communicate to your patients and how they respond.

Here are a few ideas you can try when talking to male patients.

Show empathy, not pity

No one wants to feel helpless or out of control. Health issues can make patients feel weak, and challenge a person’s identity as a provider or leader of a family.

Show them you acknowledge what they’re going through. You can also give them a choice when recommending medications or lifestyle modifications to help them feel as if they took action of their own accord. 

Be direct

A lack of clarity can hinder open communication with men. Being direct can help generate engagement with a given treatment plan and prevent any misunderstandings. Provide concrete solutions and use active listening to ask specific questions starting with how, what, when, or where. Some direct questions may include:

• How long have you been in pain? 
• How often do you drink alcohol or smoke tobacco?
• When do you take your medications?
• What is your diet like? 
• What is your sleep schedule like?

Encourage goal setting 

Men may be motivated by achieving goals when getting treatment. Remind them of their blood pressure goals or other health metrics. Recommend they do a challenge. For instance, exercise 20 minutes every day for 30 days and record weight changes at the end of it. 

Overcoming obstacles can act as milestones and keep men engaged with their health. Just make sure the goals you help set are realistic and relevant to their health issues.

Promote men’s health in the pharmacy 

Ultimately, it’s not a question of the importance of men’s health issues. It’s about building awareness and educating men on their risk factors and treatment options. As healthcare professionals, pharmacists can help men help themselves by remaining advocates for their wellbeing and encouraging them to visit their doctor for screening and treatment. Other resources for male-specific issues may also be useful to some patients. Organizations like Men’s Health Network seek to raise awareness and support men’s health across the globe.