Understanding Men's Health Issues: Addressing the Silent Crisis
In recent years, a growing number of experts and professors have turned their attention to critical male health concerns such as male menopause, infertility, androgen therapy, and physiological function. Despite being recognized as a specialized field only for about 30 years, andrology emphasizes the health issues affecting the urban “problem man,” who may be someone close to you.
The Silent Struggles of Men's Health
Untreated conditions like **menopausal syndrome**, heart failure, physiological dysfunction, and prostate issues have become pressing health threats among men. Alarmingly, these conditions are now appearing at younger ages.
A Worrisome Statistic: 90% of Men Avoid Seeking Treatment
Statistics from several major hospitals indicate that out of 100 men suffering from urological disorders, up to **90** refuse to consult a specialist. This refusal can delay ideal treatment timing when it is crucial. At a recent forum focused on andrology, numerous health professionals voiced their concerns about this disturbing trend. Influenced by societal norms and stigma, many men prefer to suffer in silence rather than acknowledge their health issues, compounding their challenges.
During an interview at Xinhongqiao Hospital, a patient suffering from prostatitis shared his experience: “As a man, I feel immense pressure. If I confess my illness, not only my family worries, but friends and relatives also comment, adding to my psychological burden. It took a long time before I decided to visit the hospital despite my condition." Experts urge society to change outdated perceptions about men's health, encouraging a deeper understanding and regard for their well-being.
The Rising Incidence of Male Diseases Among Younger Generations
According to Professor Wang Yixin from the Shanghai Andrology Institute, there's been a troubling trend toward the “younger onset” of male diseases. For instance, symptoms of male menopause, previously common in individuals over 60, now often present in men around 40. Data reveals that the prevalence of male menopause symptoms among this age group has increased from **0.8%** in the 1980s to **2.4%** today—a **twofold rise**. Experts warn that failing to address health concerns promptly can have irreversible impacts on both the individual and their families.
An Unequal Focus in Healthcare Services
As men remain reluctant to seek treatment, there appears to be an imbalance in the healthcare system regarding urological services. Currently, there are only a handful of municipal hospitals offering specialized urology departments, falling short compared to the availability of gynecological services. The only comprehensive hospital in Shanghai with a dedicated urology department is Renji Hospital. According to Professor Wang, most men visiting the urology department are already referred from other specialties, often with conditions that have significantly progressed.
Encouraging Proactive Male Health Awareness
In conclusion, addressing male health issues requires breaking the silence and confronting the stigma surrounding them. **Awareness** and **education** about these health problems are essential, urging men to prioritize their health and seek timely medical advice. It’s time for society to shift its perspective on men’s health, making urology a recognized and common area of healthcare that every man should feel comfortable discussing.
Men must understand that health is a personal responsibility, and taking proactive steps towards awareness and treatment can vastly improve quality of life.