Why Don’t Men Go to the Doctor?

While plenty of men and women postpone seeking care, men avoid the doctor more often. In fact, men are 33 percent less likely to see a doctor than women. So why don’t men go to the doctor as often?

Staying fit, sharp and at the top of your game is ultimately up to you. The good news is the leading health threats that men face are largely preventable. That means you can take control of them.

Taking a more proactive approach to your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Making an appointment with a primary care provider is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health.

Why don’t men go to the doctor?

Research consistently shows that men are less likely than women to seek preventive health care, visit a doctor regularly or address symptoms early.

Why don’t men go to the doctor? The reasons vary from person to person, but several common barriers often play a role.

They feel fine

One of the most common reasons men skip doctor visits is simple: they don’t think they need one.

Many serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, can develop without obvious symptoms. Feeling healthy does not always mean you are healthy.

Routine checkups help identify potential concerns before they become more serious and more difficult to treat.

Busy schedules get in the way

Between work, family responsibilities and other commitments, preventive care often falls to the bottom of the priority list.

Many men are willing to seek care when they’re injured or sick but may not see regular wellness visits as urgent. Unfortunately, postponing preventive care can lead to more significant health issues down the road.

Think of annual physicals the same way you think about regular maintenance for your car: addressing small issues early can prevent bigger problems later.

Fear of hearing bad news

For some men, avoiding the doctor isn’t about time. It’s about anxiety.

The fear of receiving a difficult diagnosis can keep people from scheduling appointments or addressing concerning symptoms. However, avoiding care does not make a health problem go away.

In many cases, early detection leads to better outcomes and more treatment options. Conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are often more manageable when identified early.

Cultural expectations around toughness

Many men grow up hearing messages that encourage independence, toughness and “pushing through” discomfort.

While resilience can be a valuable trait, it can also make it harder to ask for help or seek medical attention when needed.

Health care isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an investment in your ability to stay active, provide for your family and enjoy life for years to come.

They don’t have a relationship with a primary care provider

Men who don’t have an established primary care provider are often less likely to schedule preventive visits.

A primary care doctor serves as a trusted partner who understands your health history, family risk factors and overall wellness goals.

Having a regular provider can make it easier to discuss concerns, monitor changes in your health and stay current on recommended screenings and vaccinations.

Common health issues for men

The main health concern is heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death in men, accounting for one in every four deaths. After that, the top killers for men are lung, prostate and colorectal cancers.

Other common health issues for men include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep disorders

Many of these conditions develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Despite these facts, men are less likely than women to have visited a doctor or sought medical care within the past year.

This puts them at risk. Something as simple as an occasional episode of indigestion can actually be a sign of severe heart disease.

Regular wellness visits give your doctor an opportunity to identify risk factors and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments when they’re most effective.

Why you should see a primary care provider

Getting established with a primary care provider is the first step, regardless of age. Yearly appointments with a primary care provider can help catch medical issues before they become costly and difficult to treat.

Your annual wellness exam includes screenings for:

• Blood pressure
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Diabetes
• Physical exam
• Cholesterol
• Social history assessment, which includes tobacco, alcohol use and sexual activity.

Your primary care provider can also help to make sure you’re up to date on the appropriate annual screenings for your age, gender and family history, such as a colorectal screening and rectal exam or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.

Many routine exams for men starting at age 45 include blood pressure monitoring, blood work for cholesterol, metabolic, diabetic and prostate screenings, as well as colorectal screenings.

Staying healthy outside your provider’s office

Nothing can replace going to your annual wellness exam or seeking medical care when you need it. However, there are things you can do in between your appointments to improve your health.

• Quit smoking: If you smoke, there is no better time to quit than now. Smoking is the major cause of heart disease and lung cancer.
• Eat well: Diet and nutrition are important. Enjoy a variety of healthy foods daily, including at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Choose lean meats, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Limit foods high in salt, fat and sugar.
• Prioritize mental health: If you feel depressed or anxious, or if someone threatens or hurts you, talk to your doctor. They can connect you with a mental health professional and other appropriate resources
• Move your body: Aim to be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes on most days. Walk the dog, bike or take the stairs. Any exercise is better than none at all.

How we can help

Preventive care is key to treating existing health conditions as well as avoiding others. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, finding a doctor you like and trust will make you more likely to go. If you’re still hesitant to make an appointment, have someone like your spouse or a family member accompany you. Getting to the appointment is better than not going at all.

Learn more about the primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.