It’s impossible to avoid the fact that women are often on the back foot when it comes to money matters. Headlines constantly tell us about the gender pay gap and the ‘pink tax’ where reproductive healthcare products aimed at women and girls are priced higher than the same products aimed at men and boys. What’s more, specialist lawyers Bolt Burdon Kemp ran a nationwide survey to find that women spend more than men on everyday essentials related to their health.
However their research also revealed that men are also being hit by hefty expenses when it comes to reproductive healthcare. Here’s a rundown of some of their findings:
Men spend just as much on grooming as women
You might think a woman’s bathroom might be overflowing with beauty and grooming products. However, the study found that 27% of men are forking out for waxing and grooming sessions on par with women. In fact, almost 1 in 5 of us are spending £5 or more a month and almost 520,000 men potentially handing over at least £240 a year for intimate grooming.
And, despite some clinics and the NHS offering free condoms, 1 in 4 men are spending big bucks on protection every month (£10 or more), far surpassing the rate at which women buy condoms. The traditional trope of men being responsible for protection seems to continue to ring true.
Our spending includes products we buy for our partners
The study found men spend more than women on sexual health products designed to boost fertility and vitality, on products to treat intimate infections and STIs, and on non-medical sexual health products like supplements and lube.
What you might be surprised to know, is that men also spend quite a bit on sanitary products with over 1 in 10 (11%) forking out more than £10 a month. Men are helping balance their partners’ monthly spend on products across the board, with 16% of men paying out a fair bit on fertility and pregnancy supplements and female contraceptives, too. If any of this sounds familiar, our guide to saving money could help you squeeze the most out of your monthly income.
Men struggle with seeking medical help
As well as covering men’s expenditure, the study looked at men’s approach to reproductive and mental health. 1 in 5 of all men surveyed said they’re worried or stressed about their reproductive health, and yet almost half of the men wouldn’t go to their GP about it. In fact, almost 7 in 10 men reported not having been to the doctor for their reproductive health in the last five years.
Part of the reason could be attributed to the fact that 3 in 10 men recalled negative emotions around their doctor appointments. For example, they found it difficult to talk to their doctor about their reproductive health (13%) and didn’t feel heard or believed when they did express their concerns (8%).
All this paints a sorry picture of the state of men’s reproductive healthcare. It’s clear we need to do more to support men (and women) when it comes to health and well-being. If you’re struggling with your mental health, our article on the subject can help.
