Why Men Avoid the Doctor and How to Sway Them to Go

Many men have the reputation for being reluctant to go to the doctor, including older men. The Cleveland Clinic shared results from a recent survey that supports this merited reputation. Sixty-five percent of respondents shared they prefer to put off visiting the doctor as long as possible. Seventy-two percent said they would rather do households chores than go to a doctor’s appointment. Twenty percent admitted to withholding the truth or not being completely honest with their physician during their appointment.  
 
June is National Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about men’s health issues and encourage men to put their health first. While it’s important for men of all ages to regularly visit their physician, it’s even more vital as men age. With that in mind, here are a few reasons why men generally avoid going to the doctor and ways you can encourage them to go.  

Why Men Avoid the Doctor  

One of the primary reasons why men avoid the doctor is fear. They fear receiving a bad diagnosis or outcome. Another excuse men use is that they’re too busy. Working men don’t make the time to visit the doctor. This excuse could carry over into retirement, especially if they never developed the habit of regular physical exams. Other common reasons include embarrassment or discomfort discussing intimate details about their bodies. Some men have a superhero complex and think they’re invincible. Others are stubborn and don’t want to be told what changes they need to make to live a healthier lifestyle.  
 
Much of these reasons stem from early childhood. Older men grew up with the notion that real men are tough and never show signs of weakness. It can be difficult to break this pattern of thinking, even when there’s a serious health concern.  
 
What’s more concerning is that when older men finally go to the doctor, their condition is generally more serious. Unlike women, who tend to schedule more preventative screenings, men are more likely to ignore their symptoms until it’s too late. Early detection is vital to slowing or reversing the progression of common chronic diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes. When preventative screenings are avoided, these minor conditions can develop into more serious problems, such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.  

Tips to Encourage Men to Go to the Doctor  

The first tip to encourage your loved one to schedule that annual physical is to identify what’s preventing him from going in the first place. Does he feel comfortable with his current physician? Does he have concerns about going to the doctor amid the COVID pandemic? Is he worried about receiving bad news? Listen to his concerns and work towards a solution so that he feels comfortable. Whether it’s changing physicians, calling ahead to ask about COVID precautions, or simply encouraging him that you’ll walk his health journey with him, do whatever it takes to make him comfortable and supported. 

Next, set aside time to help your loved one prepare for his doctor appointment. Ask your loved one to write down symptoms he may be experiencing or questions he has regarding his health. When it’s time for his appointment, he’ll have his list to refer to instead of feeling flustered in the moment with his doctor. He can also give the list to the nurse or doctor to review if he doesn’t feel comfortable reading it aloud. The doctor can then break the ice and address his concerns.  

Offer to go to the appointment with your loved one. Transportation or worry about getting lost in a large medical complex can be another barrier to making an appointment. Escort your loved one into the office, then wait in the waiting room. After the examination, with permission from your loved one, ask to be included in the conversation with the doctor. Your loved one may appreciate having a second set of ears to hear and record details regarding his health. You can also be informed about follow-up appointments or referrals so that you can help your loved one navigate next steps. Afterwards, go for a treat.  

Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. Whether you’re an older adult who needs some assistance at home or concerned about an aging loved one, we are here to support seniors. We understand the unique health challenges senior men face, including loneliness and isolation. We also understand the hesitancy some older adults may have towards inviting a caregiver into their homes. We happen to be the leading source for at home elderly care providers in the Punta Gorda, FL area. Each day we help families in Charlotte, FL, Lee, FL, De Soto, FL, Hendry, FL and Manatee Counties receive the experienced caregivers their family needs. We work closely with our clients to match to a caregiver who can meet their needs and who will be a good fit for their family. If you ready to start receiving the care and support you need, please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Charlotte County or 239-226-1620 Lee County.