Self-mortification is very important, if skipping a meal or not taking an aspirin for a headache is not enough to help one avoid the many realities that seem natural.  I suspect for some fragile men this is just a way to convince themselves they are not fragile.  For others it is merely an indulgence in masochism.  The important thing, as ever, is to claim the aberrant behavior is sanctified.  Perhaps things would be different if some of those who engage in this would find some men who work on cars and go to sporting events who they could hang around with and see what a masculine lifestyle is like.  Indeed.