Lupus and Men

Lupus is known to develop more in women but male develop lupus as well as women. During puberty years in comparison to women, one male develops lupus for every three females; And during teen and adult years one male out of every ten.

Older men develop lupus more often than younger men.

These gender differences are seen only in systemic lupus, not in cutaneous (skin) lupus.

The symptoms in men are similar such as skin rash, extreme fatigue, and joint pain. Men may develop drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) more than women.

Men and women react differently to the diagnosis of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). There is still a terrible misconception in associating lupus with "women's disease, and man with SLE is less masculine.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently mentioned today as occurring in men of all age groups, mostly those without a chronic disease.

The most common cause of ED is usually psychological and often is remedied with counseling.

Young men with lupus are not affected compared to those without lupus. They are fertile and have normal reproductive history. Lupus does not affect their sexual activity. Studies of lupus in the aging male are in progress.

Impotence and depression occurs unless a man has very low male hormone levels can be psychological.

Hormones play a role in the differences between males and females the higher prevalence of lupus in women. Hormones being studied include: Estrogens, Androgens, Testosterone and Prolactin.

The androgens drop with most aging men, only a very small number get the disease of lupus.

All of these things indicate that hormones play a role in the disease; many other factors play an important part as well.

Men face same emotional for men with SLE are the same as those experienced by women with the disease.

Men coping with lupus are a more difficult challenge because of the cultural and societal expectations. The concerns are similar but men are expected to be the provider; and the concern that he may not be able to perform well in his work, especially the ones whose work are physical.

The roles and expectations of males and females in today's society are changing, but every culture faces these roles differently.

Although cosmetic changes are usually not as incapacitating for men as they are for women, certain symptoms associated with either the disease or the treatments are of some concern to men with lupus:

Skin rashes, hair loss and weight gain.

Generally, men are concerned with feelings about a "loss of masculinity," that are due to lack of information on Lupus. Lupus is increasing around the world among men as well.

For more information about Lupus and Men with Lupus please visit:

http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html