subject: Why Some Men Suffer From The Embarrassment of Man Boobs [print this page] Why Some Men Suffer From The Embarrassment of Man Boobs
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that involves the swelling of mammary glands in males. It is most pronounced and often found in young boys and elderly men and is commonly the result of an imbalance of hormones. Although the condition is not fully understood, it is believed to be primarily caused by an excess of estrogen. The degree of protrusion can vary from male to male but can also affect only a small portion of the breast including the area surrounding the aureole.
In young boys the condition usually first appears during puberty but tends to dissipate as they grow older. Elderly men retain the condition for a much longer time frame if not indefinitely. Symptoms can be treated by changing a medication that has caused the side effect of gynecomastia or using other medications that prevent an estrogen build up. In some cases when the condition is left untreated for several years, the tissue surrounding the breast can become hardened and require surgery to correct. Unfortunately most insurance companies consider this to be cosmetic and will not cover it.
Many males complain of discomfort and shame while suffering through gynecomastia. These feelings of embarrassment are exacerbated by popular culture's use of the terminology "man boobs." The depiction of man boobs in mainstream media is typically used for comic relief and ridicule. Gynecomastia often gets associated with enlarged male breasts resulting from obesity instead of the serious affliction that it is. Although issues involving weight and psychological distress can increase the chances of developing gynecomastia.
The term "man boobs" can have a profound affect on the psyche of an adolescent boy, but a more fundamental issue arises when the term "boobs" and similar words associated with femininity are seen as derogative. Schoolyard slang is filled with insults and put-downs that are based on the notion that being compared to a woman is a deplorable act. If there is any desire to eradicate the negative stereotype and stigma received when going through gynecomastia, one must first address the flaw in our lexicon as a whole.
The language we use in colloquial settings has begun to dominate the vocabulary of acceptable speech. For the sake of simplicity it is easier to concede that one has the right to choose for any reason to hold women in a negative regard, but for no reason should it ever reach a state of action or have influence on the rest of the world. It can not be allowed to continue as the condoned and encouraged behavior that is being practiced today.
Gynecomastia is an unfortunate affliction to have to endure. Men all around the world are seen as jokes once their chest protrudes out even slightly larger than normal. It is important to begin to bring men in to the fight for equality by finding common strands between the sexes and exploit them for the good of the whole. In order to protect those suffering with gynecomastia from hateful speech, we must realize who our words are truly hurting.
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