Table of Contents
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain throughout the body, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. This condition predominantly affects women, but men can also suffer from it. They often do so silently, facing cultural, medical and psychological barriers. Although it is a well-documented disease, the male experience remains an underdiscussed topic, contributing to its invisibility.
Fibromyalgia affects between 2 and 4% of people. world population. Of this percentage the vast majority womenwhich has made the investigation these are mainly focused and that cases in men go unnoticed or are misunderstood.
A gender-biased disease
Gender bias plays an important role in this invisibility. The fact that the diagnosis is more frequent in women has led to the male population being less represented in clinical studies and diagnoses.
This may be because diagnostic criteria and assessment tools do not always capture symptoms as they present in men. A recent study found that, in specific subgroups of patients reporting pain in multiple areas of the body, men were less likely to receive a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia compared to women despite presenting similar symptoms.
On the other hand, society often associates chronic pain and vulnerability with women. Men, culturally, They are pressured to bear the pain in silence or seek alternative explanations that fit more closely with traditional expectations of masculinity.
This social pressure can lead to they do not seek medical help or have health professionals minimize their symptoms.
The experience of men
The experience of men with fibromyalgia remains an aspect little explored in the clinical setting. However, qualitative studies are beginning to shed light on a complex and unique reality.
This methodology allows us to capture nuances and delve deeper into the specific challenges that men with this disease face, revealing aspects that often go unnoticed in quantitative studies.
Among these experiences are quotes such as the following, translated from a study whose title in Spanish is I can’t have her, I’m a man, a young man! Men, fibromyalgia and masculinity in a Nordic context.
“A doctor said I have this (fibromyalgia) because I’m fat. He had already lost more than 10 kilograms at that time. You are fat. Granny’s illness. Overweight. Lose more… And he was a skinny guy, about 1.70 meters tall and about 40 kilograms in weight. I could have tied it in a knot if I wanted to… And he comes and tells me I’m just fat. That I’m lazy… Damn, I could have lifted him up against the wall! But nurses are different, they have that compassion… When they hear that you suffer from this disease, they put aside the professional role and the human person appears. But when you see male doctors… their attitude is different, much more negative. They minimize the symptoms, say it’s all in the head and stuff like that… It’s so damn frustrating!”
It is also worth reproducing the quotes from the article I just want my life back! The narrative of men living with fibromyalgia.
“For example, someone comes to my office with a question or a problem… and I’m like…??? I don’t necessarily even understand what this person asked me, and it takes me time. And he’s like ‘aren’t you going to answer?’… and I have to ask ‘what was your question again?’ It always happens to me suddenly, unexpectedly… I really have to make an effort to be able to answer at least something.”
“I have always been a very sports-oriented person, but I had to give up some hobbies… I used to do competitive dancing, but I noticed that my body could no longer tolerate it… It was too exhausting, no matter how much fun it was. I just had to admit that my body can’t handle it anymore.”
- Or in physical evaluations:
“I was in a physical test where you had to lift 10 kilogram weights above your head. There was a sports instructor who looked like a bodybuilder. I felt like they wanted to see if I was faking it or something… so I decided I was really going to give it my best shot. My result was the best he had ever seen and he doubted if he could have done it himself. But they didn’t see how much pain I was in, they just didn’t see it… No matter how many times I can lift the weights… life isn’t just about lifting weights overhead, right?”
Let’s talk about fibromyalgia in men
It is important to keep the following in mind when we hear about fibromyalgia and men:
-
Expectations of masculinity and psychological barriers. Masculinity stereotypes can lead men to minimize their symptoms or not seek help for chronic pain, since admitting weakness or vulnerability could contradict social expectations.
-
Impact on quality of life. Fibromyalgia not only causes physical pain, but also affects the cognitive and emotional abilities of those who suffer from it.
-
There may be differences in medical treatment depending on gender. As shown in some of the studies cited above, some men perceive a lack of understanding and empathy on the part of their healthcare professionals, especially other men.
-
Need for a personalized therapeutic approach. Due to the complexity of fibromyalgia, a treatment approach that takes into account gender factors, psychosocial context, and individual factors is essential.
Fibromyalgia in men is a complex and inconspicuous reality, influenced by gender stereotypes that make proper diagnosis and treatment difficult. It is essential to recognize their experiences and adapt the health approach to reduce stigma and offer effective support. Only in this way can we improve the quality of life and ensure more equitable and empathetic treatment for all patients.
How can healthcare providers combat gender bias in the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, according to Dr. Sarah Johnson?
Hello and welcome to World Today News. Today we have with us two special guests: Dr. Sarah Johnson, a renowned physician specializing in rheumatology, and Mr. Carl Smith, a 45-year-old man living with fibromyalgia.
Dr. Johnson, could you please tell us about the relevance of understanding the experience of men with fibromyalgia and why gender bias plays a significant role in diagnosis and treatment of this condition?
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely. Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that can affect people of all genders, and it’s essential to recognize that men can also be affected. However, due to cultural expectations and a historical lack of research focused on men, gender bias has led to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in this population. Men are often pressured to bear their pain in silence, leading to delays in seeking medical help and a greater risk of developing severe complications. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to approach fibromyalgia with an open mind and a personalized treatment plan that considers each patient’s individual needs, regardless of their gender.
Mr. Smith, could you share your experience of living with fibromyalgia as a man? What challenges have you faced in seeking diagnosis and treatment?
Mr. Smith: Sure, my experience has been incredibly challenging. I’ve had to deal with physicians not taking my symptoms seriously and even suggesting that I was exaggerating my pain. It wasn’t until I started keeping a pain journal that they took me more seriously. Even now, my treatment plan isn’t optimal; I still struggle with fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and chronic pain. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to maintain my masculine identity despite feeling so weak and vulnerable. Many of my male friends don’t understand why I can’t participate in activities we used to do together, which makes me feel isolated and alone at times.
Dr. Johnson, how do you think the medical community can better address the unique needs of male fibromyalgia patients?
Dr. Johnson: One way to improve our understanding of male fibromyalgia is through more inclusive research efforts. However, this alone won’t solve the issue. We need to address the cultural expectations of masculinity that can influence how men experience pain
