Despite today’s progressive and innovative social landscape, the subject of men’s health is often avoided. Oftentimes, men are hesitant to discuss their health with their friends, significant others, and even their doctors. This avoidance harms individuals’ psychological, mental, and emotional well-being and may also negatively affect physical health.
Although there are numerous ways in which neglecting health topics can adversely affect individuals, one prevalent issue is erectile dysfunction. Many men hesitate to discuss their health openly or honestly, making it even harder to address a topic as emotionally sensitive and socially stigmatized as erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, discussing such health matters is crucial; it is the only way for men in distress to seek help. There are safe, affordable, and convenient options available for accessing prescription treatments, but the initial step is to acknowledge and openly talk about the condition itself.
The Unhealthy Balance in Men’s Health
Erectile dysfunction has been and continues to be an incredibly delicate issue for many men, primarily because of the ways in which it is wrapped up in the concept of masculinity. For starters, men are already far less likely than women to seek professional medical help on a basic level. A recent study by the CDC revealed that women are over 30% more likely to seek medical help than men are in any situation. However, when speaking about sex-related issues, the chasm between the two grows even larger. Women are more than 40% more likely to seek out professional medical help in relation to sexual health than men are.
Much of this has to do with the stereotype of the ‘strong, quiet man’ and the detrimental role it has played in culture. Many men believe that to ask for help is a sign of weakness; one that shows vulnerability to those around them and therefore must be condemned. Combine this with the health issue in question being erectile dysfunction, something which has been explicitly and erroneously linked to masculinity for years, and it becomes an even more complex issue.
Avoidance of Sexual Health-Based Discussions
Not just older demographics, who might typically be defensive and reserved about sexual topics, even younger generations are increasingly hesitant to engage in discussions about sexual health. A recent UCLA study surveyed individuals aged ten to twenty-four and discovered that 48% of participants believed that movies and TV shows should avoid any sexual content.
These strong beliefs among the youth reflect not only the politicization of natural and healthy topics like sexual health but also highlight how issues like ED can become even more stigmatized by societal consensus.
Erectile Dysfunction Problems
In various media portrayals, the term ‘erectile dysfunction’ frequently serves as both a setup and a punchline. When this condition is discussed publicly, it is often through a lens of humor or ridicule. This is why men require organizations that are prepared to address ED seriously and offer genuine solutions.
In fact, erectile dysfunction affects a significantly larger portion of the population than most recognize, impacting over thirty million men in the United States alone. This condition is not restricted to older men; it is also prevalent among younger men.
“The rates are also not insignificant for younger age groups as well, including just under 20% of those who are 18-24 years old experiencing it,” says Dr. Nahid Punjani, a physician and urologist at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Final Thoughts
The social stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction is a self-perpetuating cycle of unhealthiness and dishonesty. Men don’t seek out professional help for their erectile dysfunction because of this stigma, but these same men not speaking openly about it or being honest about their problems is what helps to cultivate the stigma in the first place. Erectile dysfunction is a common health problem, but one that no one should have to struggle with in silence.