Myths related to health have always been in existence since time immemorial. Some myths are easy to spot while other myths, especially those based on actual science are a bit more difficult to identify. It is very important to know the actual fact as it can be very dangerous. Here are 15 common men’s health myths whose debunking time has come.
1. Prostrate cancer is the leading cause of death in men
It is a common misconception that prostrate cancer is the leading cause of death in men, but in reality, lung cancer is the main culprit here. Other than this, men are also known to suffer from breast cancer, which is always considered to be effecting women only. Like women, the risk of having breast cancer in men also increases with age. The prominent factors leading to breast cancer in men are genetic condition, family members with breast cancer, chronic liver disorders, obesity and alcoholism.
2. There is nothing like a penile fracture
Its a proven fact that there is no bone in the penis, but still a medical condition called penile fracture exists. This type of fracture happens when a fibrous sheath called the tunica albuginea lying inside the penis gets stretched during erection. This is most common to happen during sexual intercourse. You’ll have to go through surgery for the treatment of penile fracture. However, these fracture are very rare.
3. Men do not suffer from osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a medical condition, in which the risk of having fractures is increased due to the reduction in the bone mineral density (BMD). Thus the bone becomes fragile and susceptible to fracture. Women experiencing menopause are more likely to suffer from this disease. The risk factors for this disease are age, alcohol abuse, gastrointestinal disease, immobilization, low levels of testosterone, smoking and use of steroid medications.
4. Masturbation results in the strongest orgasm
This cannot be really stated as a myth. In this case, one person’s myth can be fact for the other person as it is an individual point of view. Some people feel more contended with intercourse when they reach orgasm when compared to masturbation and vice versa for others.
5. Erectile dysfunction does not exist
Almost everyone believes that no medical condition like erectile dysfunction exists in reality. To their surprise, it does exists and is very common in men above 40 years if age. Not only this, younger men are also known to face a similar problem. This is an indication of cardiac or vascular problem and hence it must not be taken lightly.
6. Bicycling has nothing to do with fertility
Although bicycling is an activity that helps us to stay healthy but few precaution needs to be taken if you have been trying for conception. The scrotal temperature increases considerably if you are dressed in tight shorts and have been sitting on the bicycle seat for more than thirty minutes Also, prolonged sauna baths and hot tub baths are not recommended as these activities affect the sperm production temporarily.
7. Shaving everyday results in thick and rough beard
Probably one of the oldest myths prevalent in our society. This is a fact that shaving has absolutely nothing to do with the thickness of beard. In fact the texture and the thickness of the beard depends on the shape and size of the hair follicle.
8. Blow dryer and hats causes baldness in men
Till date, no evidence is known to exist which supports the above statement, which means blow dryer and wearing hats is definitely not the reasons behind male baldness. Baldness in male occurs when hairs become finer and shorter. This is the result of decrease in the size of the hair follicle.
9. Bigger shoe size means longer penis
Women have always been of the opinion that men with bigger shoe size have longer penis, but this is nothing more than a myth. According to a recent survey conducted on 104 men, the researchers came to the conclusion that there is no statistical relevance between penile size and shoe size.
10. Wearing briefs lead to lesser sperms count
Wearing briefs cannot be associated with low sperm count. Although prolonged high temperature can cause low sperm count but this has nothing to do with briefs.
11. Working out till your body starts paining will give faster results
Workouts are definitely of utmost importance if you want to have a well toned body but working out beyond the capacity of your body will do more harm than good. This could lead to pain and eventually injuries. Therefore it is very important to plan your regime very intelligently.
12. Men don’t have fertility cycles
Experts have different opinion on this view. Many believe that male fertility cycle has nothing to do with the season or the time of the day. However, in many cases it has been observed that during winters and mornings, men are found to have a higher sperm count.
13. Oysters enhance libido
Some earlier studies presented that consumption of slimy sea foods like oysters increases libido (sex drive) in men. However, the Food and Drug Association has discarded this opinion completely. Also no other study has supported this opinion. Hence it is considered to be a myth and nothing more than that.
14. Cholesterol is bad for health
Its a common belief that cholesterol is always bad as it leads to cardiac problems. However, this is not the complete fact. All types of cholesterol are not bad for health. The real culprit here are low density cholesterol (LDL) and the very low density cholesterol (VLDL), whereas the high density cholesterol (HDL) is known to counter the effects of the former ones.
15. Only obesity decreases sperm count
It has been proven scientifically that obesity leads to lower sperm count. However, this is only partly true as sperm count also gets reduced if your are underweight. Both of these medical conditions are related to hormonal imbalance and malnutrition.
