Four in five men aged 18 to 34 have never talked to their family about their sexual health, according to a poll in the United States. Yet this is the age at which they should take control of their health. This is what millennials should talk about.

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Testicular cancer

Men are known to postpone their visits to the doctor, a very ugly habit considering that the average age at which testicular cancer is contracted is 33 years and that testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged 15 to 29 years. (Here are the signs of testicular cancerthat you should not ignore.) About 7% of such cancers would reach children and adolescents. According to Testicular Cancer Canada, the incidence of testicular cancer has more than doubled among this group in the last 40 years. "Men should have an annual checkup and their testicles should be checked at that time," says Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron, an Illinois fertility specialist. If you feel lumpy or uncomfortable at this level, make an appointment with your doctor, knowing that this cancer affects young men in their twenties or thirties. "The good news is that this cancer is treated and is very well cared for if taken at an early stage. The bad thing is that it can affect sexual health and that the removal of a testicle, associated with the treatments, can reduce fertility, she says. "It's better to freeze sperm before you start treatment if you want to be a father one day."

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Infertility

Paternity is not usually a priority for young men. Not yet ! Yet, there are many things that a man in the prime of life can do that compromises his ability to have children later. "Smoking marijuana is detrimental to sperm health, and taking steroids to increase muscle mass can dry up sperm production," says Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron. Finally, all this is reversible to the extent that the sperm regenerates every three months, she adds, but many men do not understand the risks they pose to their sexual health when they talk about it to doctor. Here are some natural ways to fight male infertility .

Depression

Signs and manifestations of depression differ in men and women. Men are more likely to be tired, angry and irritable when they are depressed. Depression, like other mental disorders, affects families, but many men are reluctant to talk about it for fear of being judged and stigmatized. "A lot of men come to see us for their low libido and when we deepen, we see that they show signs of depression or marital problems," says Jain Brahmbhatt, urologist in Orlando, Florida. A good discussion with your loved ones and your doctor about mental health is the first step in dealing with the ravages of depression and getting your life back (mental and sexual) in hand.

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Obesity

Like all other men, overweight or obese millennials are at increased risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer. But being overweight can also affect your fertility or sexual desire. Fat cells produce estrogen, the female hormone, says Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron. "It negatively influences sperm and impairs fertility." And it can also reduce sexual desire. The doctor will need to check your weight and BMI at each visit and tell you where you are and what you can do to maintain a healthy weight and a fulfilling sex life. Feed yourself by choosing these great foodscan help you feel better. "For a fulfilling sex life, it is better for men to make certain changes as long as they are young," concludes Dr. Brahmbhatt.

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Sexually transmitted diseases.

Every year, millions of new cases of sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed in North America, and a disease like syphilis, which had virtually disappeared, would be progressing in Canada as Health Canada progresses and can have tragic consequences if it is not not treated in time. "It's never too early to talk about your sexual health," says Dr. Brahmbhatt. When it comes to STDs, all adults and teenagers should be tested at least once for HIV, which can cause AIDS. Other STD tests should be based on lifestyle and medical history. "The idea," says the doctor, "is to start talking to men early to make them aware of the risks of STDs and to encourage them to protect themselves because it is easier to prevent than to heal.

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Diabetes

Men with type 2 diabetes are known to be at increased risk for erectile dysfunction. Diabetes can damage the nerves, affecting the penis, and it can also affect the blood vessels, especially the smaller ones that irrigate the penis. Early detection of abnormal blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and suffering all of its consequences such as erectile dysfunction, says Sijo Parekattil, an urologist at South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Florida. "We want men to consult to guide them on the road to good health and to identify all risk factors as soon as possible," says the urologist.

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Testosterone drop

A low level of testosterone, the male hormone, is linked to health problems such as decreased sexual desire, loss of sleep, mood changes. "This problem sometimes affects a family, so it's a good idea to ask your loved ones if they have low testosterone levels," says Dr. Parekattil. Opting for testosterone replacement therapy may be tempting for many millennials seeking to stimulate their masculinity, but you should know that this practice involves risks such as shrinkage of the testicles and decreased sperm production. "If there was a contraceptive pill for men, it would be testosterone-based," says the doctor. Test your level of testosterone and see with your doctor if testosterone replacement therapy in your case has more advantages than disadvantages. There are more natural ways to boost your testosterone production - by lifting weights for example.

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Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer also seems to have a family component, suggests Dr. Brahmbhatt. Talking with your loved ones can help you better understand the risk and adopt early detection and prevention measures. "If you're under 35, but your father has had prostate cancer, you should have tests sooner than someone who does not have a family history." See how to reduce the risk of cancer of the prostate . "If you get prostate cancer before age 35," says the urologist, "there are prostatectomies that keep the nerve bundles that can spare sexual functions, but if you wait too long, then the likelihood of the operation affecting your function sex is higher. "