Medical tests all men ought to embrace

Besides HIV, James Sekandi, almost clocking 40 years old, a data researcher, has only done two tests; PSA, to determine his prostrate status and lipid. However, he did a lipid profile after it was mandatory at a part time job upcountry. “Lipid profile is a blood test to check your lipid levels. Lipids are fats that cannot dissolve in blood. High lipid levels increase your risk for heart disease and a heart attack or stroke. It is tested to measure cholesterol levels and triglycerides with a high blood pressure above 40 years,” Leonard Abesiga, a gynaecologist at Mbarara Referral Hospital, says.

HIV
Alex Kwokwijuka, a business consultant at MTAC, didn’t have a clue about male specific tests because he is skeptical about the western medicinal tests. He thinks they are a major cause to the emerging ailments, people suffer from. Interestingly, some men once they are married, they stop going for HIV tests. Kwokwijuka and Ben Oketch know their HIV status when their wives are going for antenatal care. Most men below 40 years have neither had malaria or HIV tests.

Testosterone
Frank Asimwe, a physician at Mulago Hospital, says depending on the health status and lifestyle, testing is a personal initiative and not age specific. He says, children ranging from two to 10years or even adolescents, ought to check the testosterone levels. If ones’ testosterone (male hormone) level is low, they will not develop full potential at puberty. If it is ineffective before their adolescence, they may have delayed or incomplete puberty; may not grow to full potential of sexual organs. The hormone is vital for enlargement of organs hence has an implication in maturing. It is better to know before they go in puberty so that their testosterone levels are well.

Sperm analysis
Leonard Abesiga, a gynaecologist at Mbarara Referral Hospital, notes that between 18-20 years, one ought to have a sperm analysis, when they are planning to get children. This helps them find out whether they are fertile or not, especially when they are shooting blanks or empty semen during ejaculation. Also an imaging and ultra sound examination of their testicles is recommended, if the patient feels pains or signs of discomfort.

Prostate cancer test
Asimwe adds, from puberty into adulthood, a prostate cancer test is done to help diagnose and follow up prostate cancer in men. Asimwe, who did a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) only since he is in his 40s, assures that for any African man aged 40 and one who has witnessed prostate cancer in their family history background, they must take a PSA. Testing high PSA may indicate prostate cancer. Their sexual drive goes low and high thus their testosterone levels should be checked. Imaging is helpful to view the prostrate size.
Also, Luteinizing hormone (LH) test is followed to detect the welfare of the testicles. High levels of LH symbolise a problem of the testicles and low level affects the pituitary gland.

Heart and valves
According to Abesiga, the Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram tests determine the electric activity of the heart and monitor the functioning of valves respectively. Between 40 years and 45 years, they ought to be tested to avoid risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and other problems associated with it.

STDs
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease contracted through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Abesiga advises, “It isn’t an age specific issue as long as one is sexually active and sees signs of syphilis, they ought to test. In this test the presence of bacteria is detected in the tissue, body fluid or blood. It is done to reduce chances of contracting and spreading HIV and damaging body organs such as the blood vessels, brain and others.”

Tips
•Sickle cell status is a must for one to undertake before marriage. This helps to prevent disappointments or medical costs in the future once married to another carrier. If one is a carrier, it is advisable to marry a non-carrier to have stable offspring.
•HIV test at any stage is vital to confirm one’s status. It is imperative to adhere to medication to avoid viral spread and keep healthy if tested positive.