Boys and the andrologist: for 1 in 2, prevention is not just for girls

Sexuality education is traditionally considered taboo in the family, but Italians’ attention to the topic seems to be growing.

For as many as 1 in 3, in fact, there is a need to get clarity on the topic with their children as early as elementary school. In adolescence then, compared to girls, boys still do few gender checks, but today for 1 in 2 Italians even male prevention at this age is crucial

Extensive survey on adolescence, between health, sociality and new technologies

Talking about intimacy and gender health with one’s children has traditionally been considered taboo. There is difficulty in addressing the topic, often putting it off or even neglecting it altogether. But, on closer inspection, today there seems to be a greater awareness: for as many as one in three Italians (31%), in fact, sexuality education is an issue that cannot be neglected in the growth of children and it is important to address in the family the famous “talk” as early as the elementary school period, as a basis for their subsequent, healthy and more conscious development during adolescence.

This is what emerges from the latest research by the Reale Mutua Observatory on Welfare

This is the finding of the latest research by the Reale Mutua Observatory on Welfare, which carried out an extensive survey on adolescence and how Italians view this stage of life, between health, sociality and the relationship with new technologies.
The greater sensitivity of compatriots to these issues is accompanied, for this age, by greater attention to prevention on gender health, where there has long been a strong, strong gap. If, in fact, girls usually start from a young age to get checkups by regularly going to the gynecologist, the same cannot be said of their male peers with respect to the andrologist.

For one in two Italians (53%), however, this difference is the result of habits, situations, and beliefs that are now to be overcome, and even for teens, access to checkups and examinations during adolescence is essential. But – it must be said – in the face of increased awareness, there is no shortage of dissenting voices, with still one in four Italians (25%) saying they believe that what is really needed at this age is only checkups for girls.

What, then, are the reasons behind this?

First, say respondents, a lack of information on the subject and in particular on male health issues (39 percent) but also a certain difficulty in talking about the’topic (32 percent). In this sense, an additional 17% say that this situation stems from the family and that it should be primarily the parents who should show more sensitivity. Then there are those who, a 10%, also make it a cultural issue and low attention to the issue.

Looking then at health in all its spheres, what are the visits and services that really cannot be given up for a teenager? For more than one in two Italians (58%) no doubt: dental ones (58%). Followed by the ophthalmologist (42 percent) and the gynecologist and andrologist (36 percent).

A fragile age

The research then looked at the difficulties and risks to which adolescents are most exposed at this transition age. The most feared, by more than one in three Italians (37%), is the’use of drugs, which can have serious consequences on the growth and health, including psychological, of young people. Also of concern are episodes of bullying (29%) that can produce discomfort and difficulties in relationships in today’s teens. In contrast, one in four Italians (23%) see the greatest risk in excessive use, which can go as far as addiction, of technology, with possible repercussions on health and sociality.

In these cases, education plays a very important role’it is a very important role

Education plays a very important role in these cases, but what are the channels through which it can best reach adolescents? Group experiences stand out (65%), such as sports, where positive values and the’importance of respectful relationships are conveyed. Nearly one in three Italians (29%) consider the figure of the psychologist indispensable, who can listen to kids, intervene and prevent situations of discomfort and difficulty.

Finally, for one in four Italians (27%), social networks are also a vehicle with educational potential: digital and the many technologies available today promote interactions and sharing among peers (30%), can pass positive messages (30%) and open channels for listening and intervention to manage youth discomfort and problems (29%).
“Adolescence is a very important phase in a person’s growth. Our Welfare Observatory has shown a growing sensitivity to the issue of prevention and health for this age.” – comments Michele Quaglia, Group Commercial and Brand Director – “In this, families play a central role, which is important to support. We at Reale Mutua have always been at their side with tailored solutions that allow them to take care of their children’s health in facilities of excellence with qualified specialists at low cost”.