Why do some men avoid going to the doctor, even when symptoms interfere with daily life? Embarrassment, fear of bad news and pressure to appear strong can all make seeking care difficult. Dr. Steven Hotze discusses these barriers and several health concerns men may hesitate to mention, including changes in weight, urinary symptoms, sexual health and emotional well-being.
The CDC’s final 2024 mortality data put U.S. life expectancy at birth at 76.5 years for males and 81.4 years for females, a difference of 4.9 years. These are population averages. An individual’s medical care should reflect his own symptoms, history and risks.
Why Men Avoid Doctors
In a 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey of 1,174 U.S. men ages 18 and older, 72% of respondents said they would rather do household chores than visit the doctor. Forty-one percent said they had been told as children that men do not complain about health problems.
The survey also identified embarrassment, fear of a diagnosis and reluctance to discuss lifestyle changes among reasons some respondents had withheld information from a doctor. These findings describe responses collected in 2019; attitudes toward medical care vary among individuals.
Consider what makes an appointment difficult for you. Is it discussing a sensitive symptom, worrying about the cost or finding time around work? Tell the office about scheduling or payment concerns. If a previous visit left you feeling dismissed or judged, explain what happened and what you need from the conversation.
Health Problems Men Shouldn’t Ignore
Weight changes
According to CDC data collected from August 2021 through August 2023, 39.2% of U.S. men ages 20 and older had obesity. Obesity increases the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Unexplained weight changes or difficulty managing weight deserve an assessment. Eating patterns, activity, sleep, medications and medical conditions can all be relevant. Discuss those factors with a clinician rather than assuming a single cause. Practical habits, including a consistent sleep routine, can be part of an individualized plan.
Blood sugar, blood pressure and heart health
Conditions such as type 2 diabetes can develop with mild or unnoticed symptoms, and high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms. Ask which blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks are appropriate for your age, family history and other risk factors. Frequent urination, unusual thirst or blurred vision should also be discussed.
KCM’s related heart-health coverage explores cardiovascular concerns. A clinician can help you understand your individual risks and discuss lifestyle changes and medication when appropriate.
Some symptoms require immediate action. Call 911 for possible heart attack symptoms, such as new chest pressure or squeezing, especially with shortness of breath, a cold sweat or discomfort spreading to the arm, back or jaw.
Urinary and prostate symptoms
Frequent nighttime urination, a weak stream, urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder can interrupt sleep and daily activities. An enlarged prostate is one possible cause, but urinary symptoms can also reflect infections or other bladder and prostate conditions. An examination can help determine what is happening.
Prostate supplements should not replace that evaluation. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that saw palmetto taken alone provides little or no benefit for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or noncancerous prostate enlargement.
Seek urgent medical care if you cannot urinate, have blood in your urine, or develop painful urination with fever and chills.
Sexual health and testosterone
Persistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, reduced sexual desire or other changes in sexual function are appropriate medical concerns. Diabetes, blood vessel disease, medications, stress and hormonal conditions are among the possible contributors. Discuss medication concerns with the prescriber before making changes.
KCM’s discussion of low testosterone in men covers related symptoms. Symptoms alone, however, cannot establish a testosterone deficiency. The Endocrine Society recommends a diagnosis based on compatible symptoms and consistently low testosterone confirmed through at least two early-morning, fasting blood tests. Treatment requires an individual discussion of the cause, potential benefits, risks and monitoring.
Emotional well-being
Persistent sadness, irritability, withdrawal, loss of interest, changes in sleep or increased alcohol use deserve attention. Emotional difficulties can affect relationships, work and physical health. KCM’s coverage of stress, anxiety and depression addresses these concerns.
A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and discuss appropriate care, which may include psychotherapy, medication or both. Hormone treatment should be considered only when there is an appropriate medical indication; it should not be presented as a general treatment for emotional distress.
Make the Appointment
Before your visit, write down your symptoms, when they began and how they affect your day. Bring a list of medications and supplements. Mention changes in sleep, sexual function or mood, even if they feel uncomfortable to discuss. Ask what the clinician is evaluating, what testing may be needed and when to follow up.
Look for a clinician who listens, welcomes questions and explains the available options. If you have persistent or concerning symptoms, discuss them with a qualified clinician who can evaluate the cause and help you decide what to do next.
Feature photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash
