The influence of masculinity on sexual health: The importance of normalizing sexual self-care

Masculinity and its impact on sexual health

What comes to mind when you think of masculinity? You might immediately think of words like "strength" or "independence." Masculinity has long been associated with traits like toughness, resilience, and self-sufficiency. At first glance, there’s nothing inherently wrong with valuing these qualities. But when these become the only defining traits of manhood, it can be a double-edged sword—especially in the bedroom.

Many men who buy into the idea that they must be the ultimate "alpha male" end up internalizing this mindset . Combined with social pressure to avoid showing vulnerability, this often leads to neglecting key aspects of their well-being, both sexual and overall.

When it comes to sexual health, this lack of self-care has serious consequences. Many men skip medical check-ups because they downplay health concerns , while others feel too embarrassed to talk about sexual issues like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Research suggests that education and awareness about these topics can significantly improve men’s quality of life (Kilmartin, 2017). So, what’s going wrong?

The stigma around sexual self-care for men

Historically, self-care has been seen as something more associated with femininity . This gender bias has made many men feel embarrassed or unmotivated to prioritize their sexual health. But the truth is, self-care isn’t just for women, it’s a fundamental part of overall well-being for everyone.

When it comes to sexual self-care specifically, it includes habits like maintaining proper intimate hygiene, getting regular medical check-ups, paying attention to mental health, and fostering open communication with partners and in general. The issue is that traditional masculinity has reinforced the idea that talking about sexual health concerns is a sign of weakness . In reality, men who can address these topics openly tend to have a better quality of life and healthier relationships (Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005). And that’s just the beginning. There are many more benefits!

The benefits of sexual self-care for men's health

By now, we know that many of our ideas about masculinity are just gender stereotypes. That’s why embracing sexual self-care comes with the added benefit of breaking free from these myths . But what exactly does that look like?

On a physical level, it helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), allows for early detection of conditions like prostate cancer, and improves sexual function. On an emotional level, it reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens connection with a partner.

Earlier, I mentioned that self-care isn’t just about sexual health, it’s part of overall well-being. Sexual health isn’t separate from mental and emotional health; they’re deeply connected. In fact, men who actively take care of their sexual health tend to report greater satisfaction in their relationships, a more positive body image, and increased self-confidence (Mahalik et al., 2003).

Strategies to incorporate sexual self-care into your daily life

As we mentioned earlier, promoting education and open communication is key to increasing acceptance of sexual self-care among men. Here are some effective strategies:

• Education from adolescence: If sexual self-care were integrated into formal education, younger generations would grow up seeing it as a natural and essential practice.
  
  

• Safe spaces for dialogue: Creating environments where men can openly discuss their sexual health without fear of judgment is crucial.
  
  

• Redefining masculinity: Many experts suggest promoting a version of masculinity that embraces self-care as a positive and necessary trait.
  
  

• Awareness campaigns: Given how younger generations engage with media, using social platforms and mainstream media to normalize conversations about men's sexual health could be a highly effective strategy.
  
  

Conclusion

Sexual self-care for men needs to stop being a taboo and become a regular practice . To achieve this, it’s essential to challenge traditional masculinity stereotypes and promote a healthier, more inclusive view of men’s well-being. Normalizing sexual self-care won’t just improve men’s health—it will also help create a more informed and aware society.

Sources

1. Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829-859 https://doi.org/10.1177/089124320527863
   
   

2. Kilmartin, C. (2017). The Masculine Self. Routledge.
   
   

3. Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2007). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men's health behaviors. Social science & medicine (1982), 64(11), 2201–2209.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.02.035