malespecific

Male-specific is an adjective used to describe traits, conditions, or processes that pertain to biological males or are exclusive to them. In biology and medicine, the term is often used to distinguish features that arise from male anatomy or male-linked genetics from those related to females. It is related to, but not always identical with, the broader concept of sex-specific differences, which can apply across a given trait or disease.

Genetically, male-specific features commonly relate to the Y chromosome and its downstream effects. The Y chromosome carries genes such as SRY that initiate male development, and many other genes are expressed predominantly in male tissues or during male development. In anatomy, male-specific structures include the testes, prostate, and other components of the male reproductive system. In clinical contexts, certain diseases and conditions are described as male-specific or more prevalent in males, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and patterns of male hair loss driven by androgens. Some conditions are strictly male-specific due to anatomy (for example, hypospadias and cryptorchidism), while others are sex-differential, affecting both sexes but with different prevalence or presentation.

In research and public health, reporting and analyzing data by sex helps identify male-specific vulnerabilities or protective factors and supports targeted interventions. The term should be used with care to avoid conflating sex with gender identity; some individuals assigned male at birth may not identify as men, and terminology should respect self-identification when appropriate.