In a world where we fight for gender equality every day, there is obvious attention towards the oppressed genders. Throughout the year, we celebrate and push for women's or trans rights. In this pursuit, we tend to sideline the importance of 50% of our population - the male population. Today is International Men's Day and it has given us all a wonderful chance to talk about reproductive health issues for males. We see special panels, portals and what not specializing about women's health. Females have indeed been oppressed for a long time in history. But gender equality aka feminism calls for the upliftment of all genders. As our contribution to the acknowledgement of this day, we would focus primarily on male reproductive health.
Male Reproductive Health - The challenges
Reproductive health issues for males are often lost in conversations. With our society's rigid beliefs that men do not feel pain (Mard ko dard nahi hota), we shut down all discourses focusing on their health. However, there are several issues that men face daily. Here are the top challenges that men suffer from concerning their reproductive health. Erectile Dysfunction: One of the most common problems experienced by males is impotence. Bollywood has somehow started the discussions with movies like Shubh Mangal Savdhan, to shatter the stigma around these issues. Yet we see fewer patients coming forward. Erectile dysfunction affects a man's self-esteem also. Common signs of impotence are reduced sex drive, trouble in getting or keeping an erection. Low sperm count: A condition that affects the probability of conceiving, low sperm count, is caused by various factors. If it is diagnosed at the right time, the condition can be effectively treated. People with low sperm count may experience low sex drive, pain or swelling in testicular region, decreased facial hair and other indicative signs. Low testosterone level: The male hormone levels affect their overall sexual health. Such reproductive health issues for males are not easily recognized and results in various other ailments. Common symptoms are insomnia, changes in body fat, depression and infertility. Testicular cancer: Though cancer is considered peril for everyone, some cancers like that in testes is often not given the disease burden it deserves. Again, it is directly related to how we view men's health. Symptoms include lumps, swelling in testicular region, pain, lower abdomen pain and enlargement of testicles. Related read: Sexual Health: Know The Basics of Sexual And Reproductive HealthMale Reproductive Health Tips
The observances like International Men's Day are meant to promote and celebrate the participation of men in all fields. As the inputs from men cannot be overlooked, so can't their health. Here we offer few male reproductive health tips that men can inculcate in their lifestyles.- Exercise regularly
- Increase your intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc
- Perform relaxation exercises and minimize stress
- Lose excess weight
- Limit the amount of alcohol you consume
- Make sure you are well-rested and get enough sleep
- Add antioxidants to your diet
- Quit or avoid smoking
- Watch our for symptoms and know when to get help
- Keep a check on your scrotal temperature - don't go too much in the hot tub
- Have frequent (consensual) sex
- Avoid eating soy
Takeaway
We have to take the responsibility of enhancing the gentle in 'gentlemen'. The first step towards it is to take care of the men in our lives. We can no longer fail to notice reproductive health issues for males. The celebration of International Men's Day calls for a public eye on male reproductive health, mental health and a lot more. Also, read about: 10 Health Issues Most Men Ignore For more information and free personalized guidance, speak to Credihealth medical expert at +918010994994.
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