Breaking the Pain Barrier in Men's Health

Traditionally cast in roles of strength and resilience, men frequently underreport or delay treatment for pain. Unlike women, who are more likely to seek medical attention, men often downplay their symptoms or suffer in silence. This reluctance to seek help has serious consequences, contributing to higher rates of cancer, heart attack, and stroke among men.¹

Man in consultation with doctor / RFBSIP - stock.adobe.com

However, this isn't entirely a matter of personal choice.

"There's a lot of societal perceived norms that certainly come into play," said Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS, professor at WVU School of Pharmacy, host of the Pain Pod, and alternatively known as the Pain Guy. Namely, phrases like "man up," "tough it out," or "don't be a baby" perpetuate ideas that men should be able to endure pain without complaint. "Depending on how far it gets drummed into our brains, [it] will dictate how we proceed and how we roll with [pain] going forward, of course."

On the latest episode of Over the Counter, Garofoli delves deeper into the challenges men face when it comes to acknowledging pain, underscoring the critical need to dismantle the surrounding stigma. By openly discussing their experiences, men can provide support to one another and inspire others to seek appropriate medical attention.

According to Garofoli, bringing it up in conversation may make all the difference.

"Don’t worry about being that guy," says Garofoli. "If you have a group of 10 people and they're your friends and you bring something up, and they're like, 'Yeah, that was weird,' but 1 of them then goes and gets care that they wouldn't have gotten, well go home and feel good."

READ MORE: Pain Management Resource Center

References

1. Improving men’s health. News Release. USA Gov. May 23, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/features/improving-mens-health