Apart from behavioral differences, our bodies actually function differently and I am not thinking of childbirth. If you learn about the health differences between men and women you will be able to provide better support for your partner, which is going to strengthen your relationship.
1 The “weaker sex” is really stronger
Women were called the “weaker sex” for decades, but we are, in fact, the stronger ones. Our strength doesn’t come from the muscle mass, but from our immune system. Studies showed that women live longer partially thanks to their stronger immune system, which allows us to stay healthy when faced with epidemics. If you think of it from an evolutionary point of view, women have to be healthy at least until their kids manage to care for themselves, while men have to be able to provide high-quality reproductive material only at certain moments.
2. Both genders have a high risk of heart attack
Statistically, women develop cardiovascular problems later than men, which lead people to the (false) assumption men are most prone to heart-related issues. This is half true: before they reach menopause, women’s body is protected against heart problems by estrogen. (remember #1, we need to be healthy to raise our kids) However, after the hormonal system shuts down, heart diseases strike with full power. Luckily, there are many ways to decrease your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems, regardless your gender.
3. Depression is another condition of both genders
Because more women than men are diagnosed with depression, we think women are most prone to developing this condition. Well, the reality is men are just as depressed as us, but they don’t seek professional help, so they don’t show up in the statistics. This might have a lot to do with the fact men are expected to hide their true feelings, while women tend to be vocal about them. However, depression does take its toll on men, when it comes to their sexuality. When suffering from depression, men develop erectile dysfunctions. Opposed to women, who also experience sexual dysfunctions when they suffer from depression, antidepressant pills don’t help men with their problems in the sexual department.
4. Women have more sexual dysfunctions than men
Sexual dysfunctions are known to be a man’s problem, but the reality is 43% of women suffer from various problems in this department, while only 31% of men experience problems. However, the studies and the media is most interested in male dysfunctions, thus, we believe it’s a man’s problem. Another difference is that women’s sexual dysfunctions are linked to psychological issues, while men’s problems are linked to body issues. This is another reason why women tend to hide their problems or don’t discuss them with qualified personnel.
5. Pelvic floor problems affect men as well
Kegels’ exercises are recommended for women, in order to strengthen their pelvic muscles for childbirth. Yet, men need these exercises just as much, because it helps them improve their sexual performance and their bladder control.
6. Andropause is just as serious as menopause
For a woman, the sign she is entering menopause is the lack of monthly menstruation, but men also experience similar symptoms as their hormonal system is lowering the production of hormones. This is called andropause and it comes with muscle mass loss, increasing fatigue and sexual dysfunction, as the testosterone level in the male body is decreasing with age.
