MyLupusTeam

Great question! While lupus is far more common in women, men absolutely do get it. Estimates suggest that somewhere between 10% and 17% of lupus cases affect males — so it's not as rare as people might think! Men with lupus do tend to be diagnosed a bit later than women, typically between ages 40 and 70, compared to women Show Full Answer

Great question! While lupus is far more common in women, men absolutely do get it. Estimates suggest that somewhere between 10% and 17% of lupus cases affect males — so it's not as rare as people might think! Men with lupus do tend to be diagnosed a bit later than women, typically between ages 40 and 70, compared to women who are usually diagnosed from their 20s through their 60s. This delay can sometimes happen because lupus is often assumed to be a "women's condition," which can lead to it being overlooked in men.

There are also some differences in how lupus shows up in men compared to women. Men may be more prone to:

- Blood clots
- Discoid skin rash
- Low blood count
- Seizures
- Serositis (chest or abdominal pain from inflammation)
- Unexplained fever
- Weight loss
- Higher rates of kidney disease and cardiovascular issues

Men are slightly less likely than women to experience joint pain and arthritis with lupus.

MyLupusTeam does have male members who share their experiences, so there's definitely a community of men navigating this together!

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Lupus in Men: What You Need To Know