Illnesses

[Big Man]

Are there any illnesses that are specific to men only and that women can not get. Does anybody know of 1 in particular?

[ravenhair]

There are several . . . of course, many of them affect men's genitals and waterworks and that's why they're specific to men, for example, Peyronie's disease, prostatitis and balanitis. Also, haemophilia is way more prevalent in men than in women, although it's not impossible for a female to suffer from it.

[PaulYukochan]

vagina envy, oedipus syndrome...

[Alice]

Brewer's droop

[Alice]

MMmmm - probably more of a symptom, Einstein, a tongue-in-cheek addition to Ravenhair's suggestions. Another thought - any 'y' chromosome disorders.

[Kit]

Certain types of muscular dystrophy - this is a Y-chromosome thing. Also certain types of inflammatory arthritis, eg ankylosing spondylitis, are either very much more prevalent, or very much worse, in men, although I have no idea why. As far as I know it has nothing to do with chromosomes since women can get them but not as much.

[bimsey]

Housework phobia...Fear of dirty dishes...Ironitis...Mega snoring...Need I say more.

[Hippy]

Has no one remembered Haemophillia? It is a genetically transmitted disease affecting only males as the gene mutation that causes it is linked to the male chomasome.

Its effects are to prevent the clotting of blood when exposed to air. This means that the sufferer could bleed to death from a fairly superficial wound. Obviously surgery poses a major problem.

Treatments involve replacing the deficient coagulation substance, Factor VIII for haemophillia A, but a different one (forgot the name) for haemophillia B.

The rulers of Russia, having practiced inbreeding for generations, were famously afflicted by haemophillia. The young son of Tzar Nicholas became the means by which Rasputin was able to gain close access to the rulers and eventually much power. He had an ability to reduce the problems caused by haemophillia in a small child. He did not use potions or medicine, but mind control and conjouring tricks.