We’re Keeping an Eye on the Storm

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, our team at MD Now is monitoring the storm closely. Our patients and staff are important to us, and clinics will remain open for as long as conditions are safe. To stay up-to-date on clinic hours of operation and the re-opening of our clinics, please check our individual clinic pages for details.

While clinics are closed, we will be offering Virtual Visits. Click here for hours of operation or to schedule a Virtual Visit.

We hope that everyone stays safe.

June Is Men’s Health Awareness Month

General Health, Urgent Care Blog

Every June, we observe Men’s Health Awareness Month to promote healthier eating and exercise habits, but most importantly, to inspire men to prioritize their health and educate them on the actionable steps to prevent disease.

It’s important to carve time out for health care needs, even though they can be de-prioritized because of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For men, checking testosterone levels and getting an overall health evaluation is essential for diagnosing and treating symptoms that may be occurring, plus it can reveal health issues that may not ever have surfaced from a symptom standpoint. Catching these early can allow for proactive treatment.

What Are Some Problems That Can Arise From Low Testosterone?

Having low testosterone can cause several problems in men. In fact, testosterone affects men’s moods, muscle strength, and even memory. On top of that, it can lower their sex drive and cause erectile dysfunction. For these reasons, testosterone can be checked as a possible cause of your symptoms.

What Are Signs of Low Testosterone?

Getting a testosterone screening as you get older is important because your body naturally produces less testosterone as you age. Knowing when testosterone levels should be checked is easier than you may think, as certain signs may indicate low testosterone levels. That said, what are the signs of low testosterone? Some of the most common symptoms include:

Low sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Problems with memory/concentration
Depressed mood
Fatigue
Irritability
Muscle weakness
Loss of muscle mass

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, one of our expert health care professionals can provide a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, check your testosterone. MD Now will provide referrals for quick appointments with a specialist if low testosterone is determined to be a cause of your symptoms.

How Is a Testosterone Screening Done?

To check your testosterone levels, a doctor will have to take a blood sample. The sample is obtained by placing a small needle into a vein in your arm. From there, a small amount of blood is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for testing. The whole process usually takes less than five minutes and is no different from the regular blood work performed during your yearly physical.

If your screening results come back in the normal range, your doctor can run other tests to determine why you feel the way you do. When the problem is identified, you’ll work with your physician to determine the best treatment plan.