Which Women’s Health Conditions Affect Men?

It is a given that the genetic makeup of men and women differs tremendously. The variations majorly lie in genes, anatomy, and hormone levels. These differences also dictate the diseases that attack women and men. That means, due to the biological differences, women may be more prone to some ailments than men and vice versa. However, there is a loophole here that highlights that even men can be affected by some of the so-called “women’s diseases” due to several reasons, and it is essential to know which ones can occur for both.

List of conditions that affect both men and women

It is crucial to know that there’s a possibility of their occurrence irrespective of your biological makeup. MedsNow presents a list of the most common female diseases that could affect men too. 

• Osteoporosis –

This condition marks the weakening of bones, especially in women after their menopause, making them more vulnerable to fractures. While losing bone mass is mostly seen in women, men could be at risk too. Ideally, men lose bone mass at the same rate as women. Doctors recommend undertaking bone density tests since various factors could worsen the condition. Some of them include kidney and thyroid problems, deficiency of vitamin D, excessive use of steroids, some depression medications, etc.

• Yeast infections –

Also known as thrush, yeast infections usually affect the genitals and skin around the genitals for both men and women. Popularly known as Jock itch for men, these infections lead to itchiness, redness and irritation around the penile area. Thrush treatment for men mainly involves a doctor recommended anti-fungal medication that helps overcome the condition within a week. 

• Breast cancer –

While women are more prone to breast cancer due to a higher amount of breast tissue, this deadly disease has been on the rise in men due to certain genetic makeup or conditions like obesity. Men tend to overlook the symptoms leading to further complications and irreparable damage when the diagnosis comes out. 

• Thyroid problems –

The thyroid gland that rests in the middle of the lower neck is responsible for regulating your metabolism. Both excessive production or lowering of hormone production by this gland can result in conditions called Hyper or Hypothyroidism, respectively. Both the health conditions affect both men and women with symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, memory loss, etc. 

• Eating disorders –

While both bulimia and anorexia are most commonly diagnosed in women, the rising needs and peer pressures of wanting to look better have led to many men facing them too. And because of the lack of awareness, the diagnosis gets delayed leading to further complications. 

• Bladder infections –

UTIs occur in older men and women, both of whom are at risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. The condition restricts your bladder from emptying fully, further leading to bacterial growth and infections. Additionally, men facing kidney stones or the abnormal narrowing of their urethra also face high risks of bladder infections. 

• Male Menopause –

Menopause marks a significant phase in a women’s life. The ceasing of menstruation due to hormonal changes brings about a host of discomforting menopause symptoms like hot flashes, hair loss, insomnia, etc. But did you know that male menopause, known as Andropause, also exists? The condition occurs because, with age, the production of testosterone in men reduces. 

• Lupus –

There is a major lack of awareness about Lupus in men. Most people are misinformed that the condition only occurs in women leading to underdiagnosis in men. Some of the common symptoms in both men and women include joint pain, swelling, chest pains, dry eyes, fatigue and rashes. 

• Autoimmune diseases –

Like women, men with a genetic history of autoimmune diseases face a higher risk of contracting conditions like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, Lupus, etc. The symptoms mostly get ignored because they are different for men and women, but there is no gender bias in these conditions. 

As you must have seen so far, there are a lot of female medical problems that, irrespective of gender, age or risk factors, can occur in men (or people with male genital organs) too. Healthcare professionals recommend scheduling regular check-ups and noticing abnormal signs and symptoms to avoid further complications. Remember, nothing is embarrassing enough if it can save your life.