could use some advice

[HeroToXero]

I'd like some understanding of this condition. I'm 17, 5ft 8in, 138lbs, and general good health but i still have gynecomastia. For the past 3 years I've been taping my chest to hide it because its so embarrassing. For the past 6 months I have really been trying to do something about it because I've had enough, so I go to the gym everyday to workout and try to get rid of any fat that is there, i especially workout my chest area. I'm mostly pretty active too i play tennis a lot, ride my bike, workout, but still no results of my man boobs going away. I'm at a loss here and I don't know what to do next, and I've ruled out cosmetic surgery because that's way too expensive, and i don't want to burden my parents with that kind of thing, so please leave some advice as to what i should do because I'm really stuck here. Thanks.

[Raider Fan]

Welcome to gyne.org, HeroToXero.

Unfortunately, if you want to do something about your condition, you don't have the option of "ruling out" surgery, because that's the ONLY way to correct gynecomastia.  If you've had the condition 3 years and it hasn't resolved, it's not likely that it's going to go away on its own.  And as you found, it's impossible to exercise gyne away. Stimulated gland that has grown and become fibrotic won't simply disappear anymore than a girl's would disappear.  The problem isn't fat, it's gland, and it's there to stay unless it's removed.

I'm afraid if you want to really do something about your situation, you're going to have to "burden" your parents and you are going to have to accept the idea of surgery.  At your age, you've got many years ahead of you where you'll NEED to be able to take off your shirt when the situation calls for it.  There's no sense in being unhappy and embarrassed any longer. Get the surgery and be happy.  The good news is that it's not a bad surgery at all and the recovery period is relatively quick.  Summer would be a GREAT time to get it taken care of while you're out of school.  

Don't worry about how your parents will react.  It's nothing you did and it's not your fault.  The condition is actually very common.  Your parents wouldn't want you unhappy and embarrassed anymore than you do.  So trust that they love you and will try to help, if they can.  Surgery is typically in the $5,000 to $8,000 range.  If they don't have the money, they would need to look into getting a loan and making it a priority, just as they would prioritize getting a car or getting a leaky roof fixed.  Surgery, in my opinion, for a young man with gynecomastia, is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Since it interferes with the ability to live life normally, it simply must be addressed, and the sooner the better.

[Choda]

Speak to your parents, I did the same and now I'm having surgery tomorrow. Or you could get a part time job and save up for surgery.

Either way surgery is your only option friend.

[secondtimeround]

I had my first gyne op when I was 17 and my parents somehow managed to get it covered by our health insurance provider. now that was in 1999 so Im not sure what they're stance is now on covering gyne ops. but I am sure if your GP refers you to a specialist in a distressed state mentally over your gyne, you could probably make a convincing case to your health insurer. it may not work but its worth a shot.
But the interesting thing about my case was my gp noticed it during a routine check up and spoke to my mother about it and she did everything for me. it wasnt an issue in my mind at the time but trust me your parents will move heaven and earth to get you the op if they thought it would make you happy. dont be shy about talking to them about it. im sure like all parents they only want the best for you and if that means a gyne op then im sure they'll help you get it.  good luck