5 Doctors Every Man Should Have on Speed Dial

By Seth Czarnecki

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

The stereotype of the guy who avoids his annual checkup exists for a reason—most men don't like going to the doctor. However, having a contact list of physicians and specialists who can tackle pressing medical needs is essential to maintaining health and detecting issues before they become more serious.

Save this cheat sheet of the doctors all men should have available:

1. Primary Care Physician

Having a primary care physician that you know and trust is an excellent way to prevent and proactively treat illness. This is the doctor who will take care of your general health needs. The primary care physician is also the gatekeeper to the referrals needed to the specialists listed above. By building a relationship with a primary care physician with whom you feel comfortable, it will be easier to be open and honest about your health needs and concerns.

2. Cardiologist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Additionally, between 70 and 89 percent of sudden cardiac events occur in men. So it's essential you focus on your cardiovascular health, and having a cardiologist handy helps. A cardiologist is a physician with additional training in heart disorders. An early diagnosis can make treating heart issues more successful.

3. Sports Medicine Specialist

Staying active is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Still, as men get older, muscles and joints refuse to take the same beating they had in the past, and injuries can occur. A sports medicine specialist treats injuries related to athletics. This may be an orthopedist or a physical therapist. Not only do these specialists help treat ailments, they can provide tips to prevent the injury from happening again.

4. Urologist

Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical and medical diseases of urinary tract system and the male reproductive organs. For instance, a urologist treats men who experience penile pain or who have a lump in the testes. A primary care physician will refer a patient to a urologist if he is experiencing early signs of prostate cancer.

5. Endocrinologist

As men age, a man's testosterone levels may diminish and result in a variety of conditions, including erectile dysfunction, diminished sex drive, and depression. An endocrinologist can help address these issues. Endocrinology is the field of medicine that addresses any hormone imbalances and the symptoms that occur as a cause of them.

Rafael Pajaro, MD, reviewed this article.