We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

From upscale salons to local aesthetic clinics, a quick IV infusion of glutathione is being offered for skin brightening and anti-ageing. But these increasingly popular cosmetic drips may neither be legal nor safe and may carry several health risks, doctors have warned.

Glutathione is an unapproved therapy that involves risks at many levels, including toxins. As per the US FDA, injectable/IV glutathione is not FDA-approved as a safe compounded sterile injectable, carrying high risks of contamination and severe adverse reactions.

Warning Against Glutathione IV Drips

In a social media post on X, noted hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips called out an advertisement for a clinic offering glutathione IV drips, promising skin whitening.

He warned people to “absolutely” avoid it, as the effects on skin may be temporary but carry long-term health risks from kidney to liver dysfunction, and potentially fatal skin reactions.

“Because the body continuously produces melanin, any potential lightening effect is temporary. Once the extreme systemic doses are stopped, the skin's natural pigmentation returns,” Dr Abby said.

Further, he also stated that the procedure is mostly offered by "cosmetologists" or commercialized dermatology clinic chains. As cosmetology is not a recognized medical degree or a protected medical title under the National Medical Commission in India, people claiming to be "cosmetologist" is not really a medical practitioner, but merely certified "coaches" or "wellness experts".

Poor Evidence Supporting IV Glutathione

The expert, better known as “LiverDoc” also noted that the clinical evidence supporting IV glutathione is exceptionally poor.

“The administration of IV glutathione in dermatology and cosmetology clinics is a lucrative marketing trend that operates outside the bounds of evidence-based medicine”.

“Marketing claims rely heavily on anecdotal reports and a single, widely criticized trial that suffered from a tiny sample size, poor study design, and unreliable evaluations,” he added.

FDA Warning Over Glutathione IV Treatments

“Because IV glutathione is not approved for cosmetic use, the solutions utilized in wellness clinics and med-spas are typically sourced from "compounding pharmacies". This bypasses standard pharmaceutical manufacturing regulations, introducing severe risks”.

Dr. Abby explained that a "compounded drug" is a custom medication created by a pharmacist or physician who combines, mixes, or alters ingredients on their own.

He cited how in August 2026, the US FDA issued an urgent safety warning after dozens of patients experienced potentially fatal infection (sepsis)-like symptoms — including fever, chills, low blood pressure, and hospitalization — following glutathione IV treatments.

“Clinics were found to be compounding IV drips using dietary-supplement-grade powder, which contained dangerously high levels of bacterial endotoxins. Administering high doses has been linked to severe adverse effects, including anaphylaxis, acute kidney and liver dysfunction, and potentially fatal skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS and TEN),” Dr Abby said.

India Tightens Rules Around Injectable Cosmetics

In May 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) tightened rules around cosmetic use.

In a new public notice issued, the CDSCO stated that cosmetic products that come in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law. It said that such products are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.

Other Potential Health Risks

According to the Philippines FDA, given that glutathione affects the production of melanin — the pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes their colour — there are theoretical concerns about the long-term skin cancer risk.

Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B. This is of particular concern when a non-medical practitioner administers this treatment or it is done in a non-sterile facility.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hernia repair is one of the most important surgical procedures, with published estimates suggesting that around 20 million hernia repairs are performed each year globally. For most patients, recovery is smooth, steady, and uncomplicated. It is one of the most performed surgeries globally, and for most patients, recovery is steady. Mild pain, swelling, and discomfort during the first few weeks are usually part of the healing process and improve with time. However, when a wound refuses to heal, pain continues to worsen, or there is persistent discharge from the surgical site, these symptoms should never be ignored.

Although complications following hernia mesh repair are uncommon, delayed recognition can make treatment far more challenging. One of the more serious complications occurs when the surgical mesh erodes into surrounding organs, particularly the intestine, leading to infection, chronic wounds and, in rare cases, an entero-cutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between the bowel and the skin.

A recent patient cases highlights why early medical attention is so important. An umbilical hernia surgery performed years ago led to complications for a 32-year-old lady from Bengaluru. What was supposed to be a simple procedure turned out to be a prolonged medical ordeal for the patient. The injury could not be healed completely, and as time went by, the patient developed persistent drainage from the injury site, which made her daily tasks increasingly difficult.

A further assessment revealed that the mesh had eroded into the bowel and caused an entero-cutaneous fistula. At this point, the surgery was going to be much more complicated than a regular hernia repair. This is a particularly challenging case for surgeons, requiring very detailed planning, since there is always a high probability of finding dense scar tissue and adhesions, which made it impossible to properly detach the bowels.

The surgery was done as a complicated laparoscopic revision operation, during which the adhesions were freed; both meshes were removed, and the part of the bowel that was affected by them was recovered, and the abdominal wall structure was restored. The postoperative period went quite well, and the man was relieved of all the discharge, and his intestinal function was restored within a few weeks.

Such cases may be quite rare, but they send a clear message – never neglect prolonged symptoms, thinking that they are just a part of the recovery process. Hernias are easily repaired, but if healing goes slowly, it is always better to do additional tests to avoid complications.

Signs that might arouse concern about the patient’s condition after the hernia surgery:

1. The wound is not healing properly while waiting for the healing process.

2. The wound is continuously oozing secretions.

3. An unexpected increase in pain in contradiction to the healing phase.

4. Body temperature is above normal or other symptoms of infection are present.

5. An unexpected formation or swelling has appeared in the surgical area.

It should also be mentioned that not everyone suffering from pain after the operation faces a serious complication. However, those with ongoing or worsening health conditions should not perform self-treatment and wait for the issues to resolve.

Advances in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery have made it possible to successfully manage many complex hernia mesh complications while reducing pain, hospital stay, and recovery time. At the same time, successful treatment depends not only on surgical expertise but also on timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.

The goal is not to create anxiety around hernia surgery. Mesh repair remains a safe and effective treatment for most patients. The key message is simple: listen to your body. If your recovery process takes much longer than expected, or there is something that appears abnormal, you should consult with a doctor right away. There are instances where timely action prevents complications and allows for a full recovery.

By Dr. Kiran K. J., Senior Consultant, Department of General, Laparoscopy, GI, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.

A globally introduced, newer-generation cataract lens was used in India for the first time, enhancing patient’s recovery journey and treatment outcome

Since her diabetes diagnosis 5 months ago, Mrs Vani Vaish had done what doctors tell every diabetic to do - turn up regularly for an eye exam because diabetes can quietly damage the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes. The eye damage often gives no major noticeable warning until real damage has been done, which is exactly why the screening isn't optional, symptoms or not.

How A Routine Eye Check-Up Revealed A Cataract

During one of these routine visits, Mrs Ahuja complained of blurring in her vision and increasing glare around headlights and streetlamps at night. Her ophthalmologist identified a cataract. For people living with diabetes, regular eye examinations can be important for more than monitoring diabetic retinopathy, as diabetes can also increase the risk of developing cataracts and may lead to their occurrence at a younger age.

The treatment options were discussed with her in detail, including the potential benefits and limitations of the technology, individual variations in outcomes and the considerations involved in selecting a presbyopia-correcting lens. Following a detailed evaluation, Mrs Ahuja underwent cataract surgery with implantation of the Clareon PanOptix Pro, a newer-generation trifocal intraocular lens that had recently become available in India.

Also read: What Is Lutein? The Eye-Friendly Antioxidant You Crave—Yet Don’t Know About

What The Newer-Generation Lens Is Designed To Do

The significance of the technology lies in what it is designed to change in cataract vision correction. Trifocal lenses split incoming light to provide vision across near, intermediate and distance ranges. The newer-generation optical design used in PanOptix Pro is intended to use available light more efficiently and reduce light scatter — an advancement that aims to support better quality of vision across different distances while addressing some of the visual compromises associated with multifocal lens technology.

Because no two patients have the same visual demands, expanding access to newer technologies plays a critical role in modern care. Our role is to evaluate each patient’s unique needs and ensure that the most suitable and advanced treatments available actually reach the patient, giving them every opportunity for a better quality of life.

The procedure marked the first use in India of the globally introduced Clareon PanOptix Pro lens. For MRs Vaish, the outcome of the treatment has matched what she hoped for. She reports clear vision and no floaters or other visual disturbances. Her recovery has also been smooth, and she has not even needed the temporary protective glasses in the days following the procedure.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter For People With Diabetes

Her case highlights two important aspects of modern eye care. Regular eye examinations are important especially for people living with diabetes. A routine screening intended to monitor retinal health can also help identify other conditions affecting vision, including cataracts.

It also demonstrates that access to advanced medical technologies can significantly expand treatment possibilities and enhance the patient's recovery journey. When newer innovations are combined with careful clinical evaluation and personalised decision-making, they can help doctors move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and offer patients options better suited to their individual visual needs and lifestyles.

By Dr Sudipto Pakrasi, Chairman, Ophthalmology, Medanta Mediclinic Defence Colony