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Anthropology of Andrology: Clinical Experiences of a Doctor

Surendra Singh Shekhawat, Dr. Vijay Singh & Dr. Bela Kothari

Although great strides have been made in the field of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, progress in Andrology, a term coined to denote sexual health issues in men has been disappointingly slow. This paper, Anthropology of Andrology: Clinical Experiences of a Doctor, explores the experiences of people with male sexual problems in Rajasthan through the work of a pioneering doctor in the field of male sexual health, who has over six decades of experience. Drawing on a narrative interview guided by Arthur Kleinman’s Explanatory Model (1980), and the later illness narrative framework, the study situates male sexual health within its sociocultural, psychological and medical contexts. Through selected clinical cases, this article highlights the complex intersections among gender norms, social expectations and biological factors, that shape men’s experiences of sexual illness, behaviour and their identity. The stories reveal how social stigma, shame, masculinity and widespread misconceptions surrounding male sexual health often drive men to seek help from traditional healers; sometimes encouraged by their mothers. The doctor concludes from these narratives that awareness should be raised among both parents, not just mothers. By bringing anthropological insight to clinical experience, this article argues that understanding male sexual health requires going deeper in its sociocultural context, and calls for rethinking the biomedical models that are currently in use. To address these issues, the paper emphasises the need to improve doctor–patient relationships, through effective communication and sexual health education. Overall, the study suggests that healthcare practitioners, educators and policymakers should work together to reduce the stigma surrounding male sexual health.

Shekhawat, S., Singh, V., & Kothari, B. (2025). Anthropology of Andrology: Clinical Experiences of a Doctor. International Journal of Education, Modern Management, Applied Science & Social Science, 07(03(II)), 137–141. https://doi.org/10.62823/ijemmasss/7.3(ii).8063

DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/IJEMMASSS/7.3(II).8063

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/IJEMMASSS/7.3(II).8063


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