Boys and girls are different in more than just the obvious ways. We discussed some need-to-know facts about girls health last month, so let’s consider a few compelling health facts about the boys out there.
Be aware that when it comes to diagnoses, these three familiar conditions are more commonly diagnosed in boys.
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than girls. This has been the case since the first case was outlined in the 1940s, but some recent studies indicate a difference in how it presents in boys versus girls.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is three times more frequently diagnosed in boys than in girls. This gap narrows among people receiving a diagnosis later in life. This may indicate that younger boys simply show more obvious or “typical” signs than young girls, such as not being able to sit still or aggressive behavior.
- Men are nearly 20 percent more likely to be colorblind than women. The gene that causes the most common form of colorblindness affects the X chromosome; men have just one and women have two. If a man’s X chromosome is affected, he lives with colorblindness. If one of a woman’s X chromosomes is affected, her second X chromosome can compensate.
So, there we have three more examples of why we should not treat men and women the same when it comes to health. And it doesn’t stop there. Men tend to live shorter lives than women—in the U.S., men typically live 6.7 fewer years than women. Testosterone levels can decrease each year once a man turns 30, which affects sex drive, mood, and muscle mass (and much more).
We’ve only discussed a few of the most common men’s health complaints here, so be sure to dig a little deeper into any topics you find compelling. With Men’s Health Month coming to an end, it’s important for any self-healther to remain aware of the issues they—and those they care for—need to monitor.
Image from iStock/JackF (main).