Men Who Became Fathers Thanks to a Second Opinion
Second opinions are commonplace in law, business, building and construction, and car repair. However, the idea that “two heads are better than one” really began in medicine. Second opinions should be considered when the diagnosis or treatment is unclear or when a treatment hasn’t worked. If the answer to “what should we do now?” is... CONTINUE READING→
Vaccine Access: How Race, Sex, and Class Impact Health Equity in the Pandemic Age
Pandemics have a way of shining a harsh light on inequities in our society. In recent years, we’ve seen global outbreaks that required rapid vaccine dissemination. But those vaccines often reach some communities more slowly than others—the same ones that are struck hardest by the pandemic and have the greatest need for healthcare intervention. Disparities... CONTINUE READING→
Understanding Detransitioning
Dear Mr. Dad: As the parent of a child who identifies as trans, I appreciate your evenhanded approach to talking about sexual identity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. My child, who’s 10 and hasn’t stated puberty yet, socially transitioned a year or so ago and everyone in the family has gotten used to the idea.... CONTINUE READING→
Fatherhood, Folate, and Epigenetics
Dear Healthy Men: My wife and I are planning to start a family and her doctor suggested that she start taking prenatal vitamins to prepare her body for pregnancy. When I asked the doctor whether there was anything I should be doing to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby, she just laughed—which... CONTINUE READING→
Why Guys Need to Man Up to Flu-22
Dear Healthy Men: I’ve already had my COVID shot and two boosters, but my wife is bugging me to get a flu vaccine. I say that the COVID shots will protect me. She disagrees. Who’s right? A: In two words, she is. Many people, particularly guys, are trying to decide whether to get a flu... CONTINUE READING→
Dreaming About More Sex, Dad? Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
Dear Mr. Dad: I’m going to cut straight to the chase. Our baby was born more than six months ago, and we’ve had sex a grand total of twice since then. Right after the birth—which was normal in every way—my wife’s OB told us that we’d be able to resume our regular sex life after... CONTINUE READING→
You OK, Bro?
Dear Healthy Men: How are all the crazy things going on in the world—the economy, gun control, the continuing pandemic, and political upheaval—affecting men’s mental health? A: A few days ago, a friend asked me, “You OK, Bro?”—a question that took me completely by surprise. I instinctively answered, “Fine”—doesn’t everybody? Because I didn’t elaborate, my friend... CONTINUE READING→
Talking to Your Stepson About His Dad
Dear Mr. Dad: My parents divorced when I was a teen, and I had a difficult relationship with my alcoholic father, which impacted my self-worth and adult relationships for years. Now, as a stepfather, I see my young-adult stepson dealing with similar issues—especially feelings of disappointment and anger—around his deceased birth father, who was also... CONTINUE READING→
How Nurses Can Engage Men In Preventive Care
Men and women tend to take very different approaches to their health care. Women generally seek routine care for gynecology issues and childbearing. On the other hand, most men don’t typically have a pressing need for regular health care once they leave the pediatrician. But self-awareness and preventive action are essential in detecting many diseases... CONTINUE READING→
Miscarriage Grief: Not For Women Only
Dear Mr. Dad: Just after our first trimester, my wife and I lost our baby. I’ve been focusing on being there for her and supporting her every way I can. But this miscarriage has hit me pretty hard too and I’m having a tough time coping. Part of the problem is that I feel guilty... CONTINUE READING→