Here is a breakdown of the different grades, how gyno affects your self-esteem, and what can be done to get you ready for your NS journey in full confidence.
January 23, 2026
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Gynecomastia, also known as man boobs, male breast disorder or male breast enlargement, can cause pain and discomfort, as well as negative wellbeing and psychological impact.
Psychological Impact Of Gynecomastia in Chinese males
Studies have shared that causes of low self-esteem include traumatic childhood, being around critical adults like parents or teachers growing up, and having ongoing medical conditions, like gynecomastia.
A study investigating the psychological impact of gynecomastia in Chinese males aged between 16 and 55 [1] revealed:
- 41.5%: Probable depression
- 0.2%: Affected by anxiety
- 80.3%: Being teased or experiencing discrimination because of their breasts
- 46.2%: Always hiding their breasts by layering clothing
- 52.1%: Walked with their heads down
- 22.4%: Resorted to wearing skin-tight garments or using adhesive tape or other similar methods
Why is gynecomastia becoming so common in Singapore?
The common cause of gynecomastia is hormonal imbalance. However, chronic stress can also cause male breast tissue to increase periodically, and this is known as stress-induced gynecomastia.
In an Ipsos World Mental Health Day 2023 Report:
- 55% of Singaporeans say they have felt stressed to the point of impacting their daily lives at least once in the past year.
- 23% say that they felt immense stress on several occasions in the last 12 months, where they could not cope or deal with things
- 39% say they had to take time off work due to stress in the last year, with 15% saying they had to do this on multiple occasions
- 49% reported feeling depressed to the point that they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for weeks at a time
- 20% say they have felt this way on multiple occasions in the past year
Body image dissatisfaction
Dr Ivan Puah, who has been performing gynecomastia surgery, corrective gyno surgery and liposuction for more than 20 years, has also received psychiatric training at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
He shares, "Body image dissatisfaction has resulted in a high percentage of males with extremely low self-confidence, anti-social behaviour and poor mental health and wellbeing, especially those who are suffering from gynecomastia."
Dr Puah vividly remembers how painfully shy one male patient who was suffering from gynecomastia.
"The look on his face and the way he purposely hunched himself to hide his distinctive gyno is deeply etched in my mind."
The psychological impact of gynecomastia in men runs very deep.
The patient's self-confidence was at an all-time low, and he hid behind baggy clothes to conceal all traces of self-consciousness.
Societal standards of (toxic) masculinity in Singapore and SEA
In Singapore and Southeast Asia, societal norms discourage boys and grown men from crying due to the prevailing patriarchal culture.
Expressing emotions, including crying or discussing problems, is often seen as a sign of weakness.
Many believe that maintaining emotional composure is to uphold a strong, ego-driven image for men [3].
Physical and psychological impact of gynecomastia on interpersonal relationships
Men are as self-conscious about how their body looks as women, and they do care how their partners perceive their physical attractiveness, which can affect their sexual prowess and performance.
People who are unsatisfied with their bodies are more likely to worry about how their body looks during sex [4].
Patients with gynecomastia have more and often report sexual complaints [5], which include:
- lower sexual drive
- erectile dysfunction
- frequency of coitus
- orgasm difficulty
- delayed ejaculation (or does not happen at all) and decreased ejaculate volume
Physical Pain
Gynecomastia affects 60% to 70% of males worldwide, regardless of age.
The severity of enlarged male breasts varies with age and can lead to discomfort and physical pain.
Pain may be constant or intermittent, and some may experience sensitivity to touch.
Gynecomastia sufferers may adopt specific postures, such as slouching, to minimise the prominence of their enlarged chest.
Affecting self-esteem and self-worth
Gynecomastia can lead to depression and anxiety, prompting some to withdraw socially.
The psychological impact of gynecomastia can adversely affect interpersonal relationships, quality of life and participation in once-loved sports or activities.
The embarrassment of going topless, discomfort when their enlarged breasts move, and the fear of judgment from peers may contribute to high-functioning anxiety.
Teenage gynecomastia sufferers may seek solace online, choosing virtual interactions over in-person communication.
Coping strategies and necessary support for patients with gynecomastia
According to a study titled "Psychological Impact of Male Breast Disorders", which surveyed 78 men with gynecomastia, the patients described negative feelings relating to their condition.
However, they did not want to be seen in an all-male breast assessment clinic if that meant a longer wait. Men reported feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, emasculation and even depression regarding their condition [5]" .
The research concludes that the psychological impact of gynecomastia can be lessened if support is given to those affected, as they are distressed by their condition.
A paper published in Gland Surgery stated that "surgical treatment of gynecomastia seems to be beneficial for several psychological domains.
Among these are vitality, emotional discomfort, limitations due to physical aspects and restrictions due to pain [6].
Gynecomastia might resolve on its own, but if it persists beyond a year and is causing you emotional distress, pain, or discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
"Gynecomastia goes beyond physical symptoms. Many men whom I have treated experienced low self-esteem. They tried dieting, exercising, fat freezing and low-energy lasers without success. Gynecomastia surgery is the proven surgical solution to permanently eradicate this issue," explains Dr Ivan Puah.
