National Men’s Health Month: Why Men Avoid the Doctor and How to Encourage Them to Go
For many men, going to the doctor is similar to stopping at a gas station to ask for directions when they’re lost. It’s simply something that you avoid at all costs, even if it means you never reach your final destination. Surveys confirm this reality. In fact, most men would rather do household chores or go shopping with their wives than go to their doctor’s appointments.
June is National Men’s Health Month. Its purpose is to raise awareness about health care for men and encourage all men to implement healthy living decisions, including scheduling an annual physical. If your husband or elderly father is among
the majority of males who avoid the doctor, start by showing them empathy. Here are a few reasons why he might be avoiding the doctor, along with a few ways to encourage him to go.
Common Reasons Men Avoid the Doctor
There are many reasons why men typically avoid the doctor’s office. Some find it challenging to schedule appointments, especially men who are still working. Others fear the unknown of what a doctor might find. Many feel uncomfortable with certain aspects of a physical exam, such as a prostate cancer screening or rectal exam. Others might feel too exposed when they need to put on a paper gown for their physical. Men who aren’t healthy may feel embarrassed by the numbers on the scale and may feel disparaged when their doctor suggests ways they can improve their health.
Cost is another common reason why men avoid the doctor. Some worry about how much medical procedures may cost should they need medical intervention, so they put off going to the doctor altogether. Some men simply never developed a good relationship with their doctor, which prevents them from going and/or being completely honest with their primary care physician.
Spouses and family should understand that generally speaking, men tend to take more risks than women. Women are more likely to have developed the habit of making an annual doctor’s appointment, specifically seeing a gynecologist, starting at an early age. Most men put off an annual physical until their 40s unless they have a health concern.
How to Encourage Men to Go to the Doctor
Start by having a conversation with your spouse or elderly father about why he seems to be avoiding the doctor. He may try to downplay his reasons, saying he feels fine and is in good health. This provides the perfect opportunity for you to explain why you would like him to get a check-up and to remind him that you’re concerned about his health. Use your grandkids or an upcoming trip if you have to, emphasizing that you would really like him to be healthy and live a long life.
Once he seems receptive to making that annual check-up appointment, work with him to resolve his hesitations. If he doesn’t like his doctor, help him find someone who specializes in geriatrics. If he feels exposed in the paper gown, request that the doctor talks with him after he’s changed back into his regular clothes. If parts of the exam are uncomfortable for him, encourage him to speak up so the doctor can make it as comfortable as possible. If he’s embarrassed or afraid, offer to go with him as a support person. You can ask the uncomfortable questions or write them down so the nurse can give them to the doctor.
Above all, emphasize that you care about him and that preventative appointments are important in older adulthood. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men older than 50 should have an annual physical exam.
They also provide a list of other health screenings vital to men’s health.
Another reason some men avoid the doctor is lack of transportation. If you’ve been avoiding the doctor because you can’t get to the doctor’s office or feel unsafe navigating larger medical buildings, Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond is here to help. Our compassionate and professional caregivers have made it their mission to help seniors live more comfortably at home. In addition to assisting with personal care or light housekeeping tasks, our caregivers can escort you to your next doctor’s appointment. Everyone at our agency is dedicated to working with the elderly and providing dignified care so you can rest assured your loved one will be in good hands. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 804-423-6500.