The Menfit concept is intended to improve men’s health. In an interview, urologist Dr. Horst Hohmuth explains what is important.
Who wouldn’t want to be fit and healthy into old age? Achieving this “is a lifelong task,” says Dr. Horst Hohmuth. In his book “100 Questions for Your Urologist,” the specialist in urology, andrology and sports medicine takes his patients on a journey through the four pillars of men’s health – with the Menfit concept he developed.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he explains why health care should begin in adolescence and how his concept can contribute to improving lifestyle.
You developed the Menfit concept: what’s behind it?
Dr. Horst Hohmuth: The four pillars of the Menfit concept include prevention, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and sexual activity. I was inspired by the doctors in ancient China, where doctors were paid for healthy patients and had to treat the sick at their own expense. This system aimed to reduce and minimize the risk of illness by instructing people to lead a healthy lifestyle – so that people had as few illnesses as possible.
What inspired you to develop the four pillars of men’s health?
Dr. Hohmuth: As a urologist, andrologist and sports medicine specialist, I was motivated to support patients in improving their lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of disease and help them to help themselves. One of the reasons why I created this concept is the importance of prevention – through nutrition. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of serious illness and keep you fit and productive even in old age. These are preventive and precautionary measures that begin in adolescence. It is a lifelong task.
Why do you think prevention is so important?
Dr. Hohmuth: If you look at the frequency of the diseases and consider that the number one cause of death in Germany is cardiovascular disease, then these are often diseases that are triggered and exacerbated by the lifestyle in an affluent society. And that is why we need these guidelines. Early detection means that treatment can be initiated – and in the early stages of cancer, for example, a cure can be offered. Most people do not know this.
Do you have any concrete tips for prevention that men can follow in their everyday lives?
Dr. Hohmuth: Young men between the ages of 16 and 45 should systematically palpate their testicles once a month and look for changes on the surface – this can sometimes be done easily and inexpensively via social media, which is what I offer. Another example of prevention is prostate cancer screening for men aged 45 and over, which is very important because it is the most common type of cancer in this age group. In addition, if there are risk factors such as smoking or pollution, regular bladder cancer screenings and urine tests should be carried out. These are the preventive measures in our department.
What do you recommend regarding healthy eating?
Dr. Hohmuth: Based on scientific studies, I have put together nutritional recommendations that reduce the risk of prostate cancer: They are based on Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisine. Important foods are cooked tomatoes, pomegranates, turmeric in combination with black pepper and chili peppers. On Instagram, I also show an antioxidant mix for the prostate, consisting of a glass of tomato juice with a pinch of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper.
Do you have specific recommendations for sports and sexual activity?
Dr. Hohmuth: Study-based recommendations include 30 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of endurance training three times a week. Endurance training should ideally be carried out as interval training to improve cardiopulmonary performance. Strength training is important to increase muscle mass and thus the basal metabolic rate and testosterone levels. When it comes to sexual activity, the principle “use it or lose it” applies. Regular ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Masturbation can also be a private way to remain sexually active and prevent prostatitis.
You mentioned male menopause in your book. What are the common symptoms and when should men see a urologist?
Dr. Hohmuth: Classic symptoms of testosterone deficiency are loss of libido, lack of motivation, lack of energy, weight gain without changes in eating habits, and mood swings that can even lead to depression. If testosterone deficiency is suspected, it is important to see a urologist, as clinically relevant hypogonadism, i.e. testosterone deficiency, is often easy to correct and can significantly improve quality of life.
But why is urology also important for women?
Dr. Hohmuth: Around 40 percent of our clients are women – often with issues such as recurrent urinary tract infections. This can also be the case with young women who get a bladder infection every time after sex. But kidney stones, blood in the urine and tumors also affect women. In addition, women in the menopause often have incontinence problems that can affect their quality of life. That’s why we have a relatively high proportion of women in our patient population – but children are also included.
What are important aspects of pediatric urology?
Dr. Hohmuth: Pediatric urology is actually a subspecialty within urology. It is important that the descent of the testis, i.e. the migration of the testicles from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum, occurs in a timely manner – this must be completed by the end of the first year of life. Otherwise, a delay can lead to fertility problems. Urinary tract infections in children are an alarm symptom for all parents: recurrent urinary tract infections are often a symptom that can indicate malformations such as reflux disease, which are treatable. However, if they are not recognized, secondary damage to the kidneys can occur.
What about feelings of shame? In your opinion, is that still an issue today?
Dr. Hohmuth: My book is intended to help break these taboos and remove feelings of shame. It actually teaches you that you can talk about it openly, that we are also the professional point of contact for this wide range of topics that concern the body, sexuality and the genital area. However, many people today are no longer as ashamed to talk about sexual problems as they used to be.