Written by Dr. Arravindh Vivekananthan, MBBS (MAHSA University)
Medical Director, Dr. Prevents PJ Old Town
Published: 25/09/2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes
Men’s health concerns often go unaddressed due to cultural stigma and reluctance to seek medical care. As a medical professional specializing in men’s health at our PJ Old Town clinic, I’m addressing the three most common and significant health issues affecting Malaysian men today. Whether you’re in Petaling Jaya, Section 14, Ara Damansara, or anywhere within 5km of our men’s health clinic, expert male healthcare is available with complete confidentiality and professional care.
Understanding Men’s Health: Why Specialized Care Matters
Men’s health encompasses unique physiological and psychological challenges that require specialized medical attention. At Dr. Prevents PJ Old Town, our men’s health clinic sees patients from Taman Paramount, SS2, and surrounding areas who benefit from targeted male healthcare services that address both common and complex conditions.
Alarming Statistics for Malaysian Men:
- 70% of men avoid regular health checkups
- Heart disease affects 1 in 4 Malaysian men
- Diabetes prevalence: 18.3% in adult males
- 40% of men over 40 experience erectile dysfunction
- Prostate issues affect 50% of men over 50
- Mental health problems often go undiagnosed
Top 3 Men's Health Issues: Comprehensive Analysis
1: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – The Silent Epidemic
Most Common Men’s Health Concern: Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 40% of men over 40 and is often the first sign of underlying cardiovascular or hormonal problems.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Medical Definition: Persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, occurring for at least 3 months.
Prevalence by Age:
- Ages 30-39: 15-20% of men
- Ages 40-49: 25-30% of men
- Ages 50-59: 40-45% of men
- Ages 60+: 60-70% of men
Physical Causes:
- Cardiovascular disease: Poor blood flow to penis
- Diabetes: Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone levels
- Neurological disorders: Nerve signal interruption
- Medications: Side effects from common drugs
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity
Psychological Causes:
- Performance anxiety
- Stress and depression
- Relationship problems
- Work-related stress
- Self-esteem issues
Comprehensive ED Treatment at Our Men’s Health Clinic
Advanced Diagnostic Testing:
- Complete medical and sexual history
- Physical examination including genital assessment
- Blood tests: testosterone, glucose, lipid profile
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Psychological evaluation when indicated
- Specialized tests: penile duplex ultrasound if needed
Treatment Options Available:
First-Line Medications:
- Sildenafil (Viagra): Most commonly prescribed, 4-hour effectiveness
- Tadalafil (Cialis): Longer duration (36 hours), daily options available
- Vardenafil (Levitra): Fast-acting, food-independent
- Avanafil (Stendra): Newest option, rapid onset
Advanced Treatments:
- Testosterone replacement therapy: For hormonal causes
- Vacuum erection devices: Non-medication option
- Penile injections: For severe cases
- Lifestyle modification programs: Diet, exercise, stress management
- Counseling services: Individual and couples therapy
Success Rates:
- Oral medications: 70-85% effectiveness
- Combined treatments: 90-95% success rate
- Lifestyle modifications: 30-40% improvement alone
- Psychological counseling: 60-70% success rate
Prevention and Lifestyle Management
Evidence-Based Prevention:
- Regular cardiovascular exercise (150 minutes/week)
- Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Weight management (BMI under 25)
- Smoking cessation programs
- Limited alcohol consumption
- Stress management techniques
- Regular sleep schedule (7-9 hours)
2. Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism) - The Hidden Health Crisis
Affecting 30% of Men Over 40: Low testosterone is increasingly common among Malaysian men, often underdiagnosed and undertreated, significantly impacting quality of life.
Understanding Low Testosterone
Normal Testosterone Levels:
- Young adult men: 300-1000 ng/dL
- Gradual decline: 1-2% per year after age 30
- Low testosterone: Below 300 ng/dL
- Severely low: Below 150 ng/dL
Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Physical: Decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced bone density
- Sexual: Low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced fertility
- Emotional: Depression, irritability, lack of motivation
- Cognitive: Poor concentration, memory problems, fatigue
- Sleep: Insomnia, poor sleep quality
Common Causes:
- Age-related decline: Natural aging process
- Obesity: Excess fat converts testosterone to estrogen
- Diabetes: Affects hormone production
- Sleep disorders: Poor sleep reduces testosterone
- Chronic stress: Elevates cortisol, suppresses testosterone
- Medications: Opioids, steroids, certain antidepressants
- Medical conditions: Liver disease, kidney disease, HIV
Comprehensive Testosterone Assessment
Advanced Testing Protocol:
- Morning testosterone levels: Multiple measurements for accuracy
- Free testosterone: Bioavailable hormone assessment
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): Protein binding evaluation
- LH and FSH: Pituitary hormone assessment
- Estradiol levels: Hormone balance evaluation
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: Overall health assessment
Specialized Diagnostic Services:
- Same-day blood testing available
- Follow-up monitoring protocols
- Hormone optimization programs
- Nutritional assessments
- Body composition analysis
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Treatment Options at Our Men’s Health Clinic:
Testosterone Injections:
- Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
- Advantages: Precise dosing, cost-effective
- Monitoring: Regular blood level checks
- Effectiveness: Rapid symptom improvement
Testosterone Gels/Creams:
- Daily application: Consistent hormone levels
- Convenience: Easy home administration
- Absorption: Through skin for steady release
- Precautions: Avoid skin contact with others
Testosterone Pellets:
- Long-acting: 3-6 month duration
- Convenience: Minimal maintenance required
- Steady levels: Consistent hormone release
- Procedure: Minor office-based insertion
Treatment Monitoring:
- Regular blood tests every 3 months initially
- Symptom assessment and improvement tracking
- Side effect monitoring and management
- Dosage adjustments based on response
- Annual comprehensive health evaluations
Expected Benefits:
- Week 2-3: Increased energy and mood
- Month 1-2: Improved libido and sexual function
- Month 3-6: Muscle mass increase, fat reduction
- Month 6-12: Bone density improvement, optimal benefits
Safety and Monitoring
Potential Side Effects:
- Acne and skin reactions
- Sleep apnea worsening
- Breast tenderness
- Ankle swelling
- Mood changes
Important Monitoring:
- Regular prostate examinations
- Cardiovascular health assessment
- Blood count monitoring
- Liver function tests
- Lipid profile tracking
3. Prostate Problems - The Aging Male's Challenge
Affecting 50% of Men Over 50: Prostate issues become increasingly common with age, ranging from benign enlargement to serious cancer concerns.
Types of Prostate Problems
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
- Most common: 50% of men in 50s, 90% in 80s
- Symptoms: Urinary frequency, urgency, weak stream
- Impact: Sleep disruption, quality of life reduction
- Progression: Gradual worsening without treatment
Prostatitis:
- Bacterial prostatitis: Infection requiring antibiotics
- Chronic prostatitis: Long-term inflammation
- Symptoms: Pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction
- Age group: Can affect men of all ages
Prostate Cancer:
- Second most common cancer in men
- Risk factors: Age, family history, ethnicity
- Early stages: Often asymptomatic
- Screening importance: Early detection saves lives
Comprehensive Prostate Health Assessment
Screening Protocol at Our Men’s Health Clinic:
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE):
- Physical assessment of prostate size and texture
- Detection of abnormalities or lumps
- Quick, minimally uncomfortable procedure
- Essential component of prostate evaluation
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Testing:
- Normal levels: Under 4.0 ng/mL for most men
- Age-adjusted normals: Higher acceptable levels with age
- PSA velocity: Rate of increase over time
- Free PSA ratio: Helps distinguish cancer from BPH
Advanced Diagnostic Options:
- Prostate ultrasound: Detailed imaging assessment
- Urine flow studies: Objective measurement of symptoms
- Post-void residual: Bladder emptying assessment
- Prostate MRI: When advanced imaging needed
- Biopsy coordination: When cancer suspected
Treatment Options for Prostate Problems
BPH Treatment:
Medications:
- Alpha-blockers: Relax prostate muscles (tamsulosin, doxazosin)
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Shrink prostate (finasteride, dutasteride)
- Combination therapy: Both medication types together
- Natural supplements: Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- TURP: Transurethral resection of prostate
- Laser therapy: Various laser techniques available
- UroLift: Prostate lifting procedure
- Rezum: Steam therapy for prostate tissue
Prostatitis Treatment:
- Antibiotic therapy: For bacterial infections
- Anti-inflammatory medications: For chronic inflammation
- Alpha-blockers: For urinary symptoms
- Pelvic floor therapy: Specialized physiotherapy
- Lifestyle modifications: Diet, stress management
Prostate Cancer Management:
- Active surveillance: For low-risk cancers
- Surgery: Radical prostatectomy when indicated
- Radiation therapy: External beam or brachytherapy
- Hormone therapy: For advanced cases
- Referral coordination: To specialist oncologists
Prevention and Early Detection
Prostate Health Maintenance:
- Regular screening: Annual PSA after age 50 (45 if high risk)
- Healthy diet: Anti-inflammatory foods, limit red meat
- Regular exercise: Reduces BPH risk
- Weight management: Obesity increases prostate cancer risk
- Limit alcohol: Excessive drinking worsens symptoms
Premier Men’s Health Clinic Serving 5km Radius
Areas We Serve:
- PJ Old Town: Premier men’s health clinic location
- Section 14, Petaling Jaya: 5 minutes via Jalan 14/29
- Ara Damansara: 8 minutes via Federal Highway
- Taman Paramount: 6 minutes via Jalan Othman
- SS2, Petaling Jaya: 7 minutes via Jalan SS2/24
- Taman SEA: 9 minutes via Jalan Templar
- Section 13: 10 minutes via Jalan Universiti
- Bandar Utama: 12 minutes via LDP Highway
- Damansara Perdana: 15 minutes via Sprint Highway
About Dr. Arravindh Vivekananthan:
Dr. Arravindh Vivekananthan, MBBS (MAHSA University), brings extensive experience in diagnosing and treating men’s health issues to his role as Medical Director at Dr. Prevents PJ Old Town. With specialized knowledge of men’s health conditions common in Malaysia’s tropical climate, Dr. Arravindh combines evidence-based medicine with personalized patient care. He is particularly skilled in addressing hormonal health, prostate concerns, and preventive care specific to men, ensuring comprehensive treatment while promoting patient education and early intervention. His multilingual abilities and understanding of diverse cultural healthcare needs make him a trusted healthcare provider for families throughout the Petaling Jaya region.