June is recognised as Males’s Well being Month, but many South African males nonetheless keep away from visiting healthcare amenities. Skilled nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng spoke to the African Reporter concerning the explanation why so many males delay looking for medical consideration or keep away from common well being screenings.
Mofokeng cited a mix of social, psychological, and systemic components—together with societal norms round masculinity, perceived inconvenience, denial and concern, unfamiliarity with the well being system, lack of understanding, and broader cultural and socioeconomic challenges.
“Many males ignore or delay therapy for well being points till the situation has superior,” she mentioned. “In my unit alone, we see quite a few circumstances of younger males who’ve tried to take their very own lives.”
Altering this sample, Mofokeng mentioned, requires breaking by way of cultural, emotional, and systemic obstacles. Methods embody altering the narrative round masculinity, involving family members in healthcare selections, making clinics extra accessible and fewer intimidating, utilizing relatable male position fashions, and empowering male healthcare employees to steer by instance.
“I consider recognising warning indicators early is likely one of the finest methods to forestall critical sickness or demise,” she mentioned. “Many males downplay signs, however sure crimson flags ought to by no means be ignored—no matter age or life-style.”
Mofokeng listed the next signs males ought to take significantly:
• Chest ache or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden confusion, issue talking, or facial drooping
• Unexplained weight reduction
• Fixed fatigue
• Adjustments in bowel or bladder habits
• Erectile dysfunction
• Lumps or swelling within the testicles
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Temper adjustments or withdrawal
She additionally emphasised the severity of South Africa’s TB disaster.
“Unexplained weight reduction, coughing for greater than two weeks, evening sweats, and lack of urge for food might be indicators of TB. Clinics supply TB testing and therapy, however males usually don’t know these companies exist,” she mentioned.
Mofokeng burdened that many males are unaware of the big selection of companies accessible at public well being amenities, contributing to low utilisation.
“Males can entry normal medical companies, male-specific well being checks, most cancers screenings, psychological well being help, sexual and reproductive healthcare, diagnostic checks, preventative care, and emergency companies,” she defined.
She additionally highlighted a number of generally ignored or ignored well being issues amongst males:
Generally ignored males’s well being points:
• Heart problems: Males usually dismiss chest ache or shortness of breath. Hypertension—often called the “silent killer”—is incessantly undiagnosed.
• Psychological well being points: Despair, nervousness, and stress are closely stigmatised. Males might specific emotional misery by way of anger, substance use, or withdrawal. Suicide charges are notably excessive amongst older and middle-aged males.
• Diabetes: Signs comparable to fatigue, frequent urination, and slow-healing wounds are sometimes attributed to getting old. Sort 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for years with out common screening.
• Weight problems and poor diet: Many males overlook gradual weight achieve and poor dietary habits. Weight problems will increase the chance of coronary heart illness, diabetes, and most cancers.
• Prostate points: Urinary issues like frequent urination or weak circulation are sometimes ignored. Situations comparable to prostate most cancers and BPH are widespread, but screenings are uncared for.
• Testicular points: Testicular most cancers primarily impacts youthful males, however self-exams are uncommon. Many keep away from discussing lumps or swelling as a consequence of embarrassment.
• Erectile dysfunction: ED is commonly seen as a risk to masculinity, however it may be a warning signal of coronary heart illness, diabetes, or hormonal points.
• Substance abuse: Males usually tend to have interaction in high-risk alcohol or drug use and fewer prone to search assist. These behaviours are sometimes coping mechanisms.
• Colon most cancers: Worry or embarrassment about colonoscopies prevents many from getting screened. But colon most cancers is extremely treatable if caught early.
• Accidents and dangerous behaviour: Youthful males, specifically, are extra susceptible to reckless behaviour and sometimes ignore accidents that will result in continual well being issues.
“Enhancing males’s well being begins with consciousness and help,” Mofokeng concluded. “If we are able to create secure areas for males to talk, get knowledgeable, and search assist with out disgrace, we are able to save lives.”
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