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This men’s health week, our community addresses men’s health, fertility issues & toxic masculinity
MMS Staff
17 Jun 2024
3-min read
June 12 - 18 this year is Men’s Health Week.
The occasion aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases in men. The timing coincides with Father's Day to leverage the increased attention on men's health around that holiday.
We all know the importance of regular checkups and prostate cancer screenings, but what about the other things impacting men's health and well-being?
This Men's Health Week, we're taking a deep dive into the health issues that often get swept under the rug for guys.
We asked our community: “What are some things about men’s health that aren’t spoken about enough?”
And here’s what they said -
Fertility issues
Mental health is associated with fertility issues! When a couple faces trouble getting pregnant, it is NOT always a physiological issue with the female partner. Fertility issues do arise because of the male partner and when diagnosed, there is a tiny section of men who are open to working on it physically, mentally and emotionally for the wellbeing of the couple and their future as parents. But I have observed that is the case only with the wise few. Some men seem to perceive it as an attack on their masculinity! They live in shame and/ or denial and project their internal chaos onto their partners and the people around them, leading to depression, aggression, emotional turbulence, mood swings, and eventually poor physical health and a broken marriage/ relationship. I believe that with the right medical treatment for their fertility issues, seeking therapy for their mental health is also essential, along with lots of patience, strength to break the stigma, and love for self and others. That's how miracles are made! Being a man is much more than what makes you male. Your masculinity isn't something that needs proving. Please take care of yourselves. ❤️ - Manisha Manoharan
Health awareness
I think the transitions in life and its impact, that is never spoken of. Men in general do not really have much self awareness of health to be honest. And for those who do, find it hard to accept. - Shubhoneet Chatterjee
Self-care and preventative care. I'm so tired of men dismissing their own health. - @mariemakesart
The way the change in Women's health and empowerment reshapes their (men’s) health and empowerment. - @corne.lia.444
Sexual abuse
Men and boys survive sexual abuse as well and usually do not have a safe person or space to talk about it and receive support. Which compounds the trauma. - @hermitnorthernwoods
Toxic masculinity
Conforming to patriarchal norms of masculinity. ‘And boys don’t cry’ - @ms.eshaleemadgavkar
Being able to cry, which is going against the norm, a brave thing to do, to me is manly af. - @16_thunderstorm
Mental health and trauma
Victims of domestic violence, depression. How they are so called ‘not allowed’ to feel emotion even though they are human. - @qveenora3
Men are never allowed to feel their emotions let alone express them. Also child sexual abuse is higher for boys but goes unreported. - @metalpsychologist
Men’s mental health. Depression in men. So many men go through depression alone. The pressure of masculinity ensures that men neither talk about it nor take the required rest and self care. - @riceinmybelly
Everything, they just don’t talk. - @kieranshepard69
Consent
Infant circumcision is non-consensual genital mutilation. - @wdc_nathan
Body image
Struggles with body-image, for example small hands and height. (I'm a woman but that's something I've seen a lot) - @ma.thilde7569
As Men's Health Week comes to a close, it's clear that the journey toward better health is far from over. The insights shared by our community highlight a range of issues — from mental health and fertility to the impact of societal expectations — that deserve more attention and action.
Men's health is multifaceted, and addressing it effectively requires breaking down the barriers of silence and stigma that often surround these topics.
For better health outcomes, it is important for men to seek regular medical advice, engage openly with health professionals, and embrace self-care practices that include mental, emotional, and physical health.
It's equally important for society to reshape its understanding of masculinity, allowing men the space to express vulnerabilities without judgement.
Creating more awareness programs, enhancing access to mental health services, and encouraging open discussions about health at all ages can help this generation of men and next. Let’s provide better health education, and dismantle the toxic norms that hinder men’s health.
What are some topics about men's health that you think need to be urgently addressed. Tell us in the comments below.
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