Understanding Women's and Men's Health
Both men and women can suffer from the same diseases. However, because of their body and behavioural differences, women and men can suffer from various conditions that the other can't. That is why you may come across the terms men's and women's health.
Body Differences
This mostly includes the reproductive system.
Cisgender women's reproductive systems are built to accommodate a child for nine months and to also give birth and feed the child through their breasts. This means that their reproductive system is delicate and should be kept healthy at all times.
A cisgender man's reproductive system is not as complex as a woman's reproductive system because its only reproductive role is to manufacture the sperm needed to fertilise the ovum inside the uterus. This does not mean it does not need to be kept healthy.
Behavioural Differences
Men are believed to engage in riskier activities than women and that is why they might be at more risk of suffering from diseases that both men and women can suffer. Such behaviours include smoking, drinking, failing to visit the doctor for check-ups, etc.
Here's what you need to know about women's and men's health:
Women's Health Care
As a cisgender woman, you, of course, know that your body experiences reproductive changes as you grow. The most common thing you might experience is your menstrual cycle. When it starts, your parent should help you pick out a gynecologist, who should help you understand your body and the changes it is going through.
This is where you get to learn about what a normal menstrual cycle is and what you should look out for. You are also taught about the health concerns associated with your reproductive system, for example, breast and cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. Another important thing you get to learn is how to not only keep your genitals clean and hygienic but also how to maintain your general health. General health covers things like diet, exercise, cleanliness, mental health, social health, emotional health and your overall lifestyle.
Men's Health Care
Cisgender men don't experience a lot of reproductive system changes like cisgender women. This does not mean that there aren't any dangers; they need to see a urologist for prostate exams because they can suffer from prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. A urologist is also the best person to give you detailed information about sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent yourself from getting infected. The most common way is the use of condoms.
Because of indulging in risky behaviour, men who know that they drink or smoke or do not regularly exercise should visit their general doctor for examination. Your behaviour could be causing serious damage to your internal organs.
For more information on women's and men's health care, reach out to a health care clinic in your area.