Men often underuse medical care services even though they appear to be more likely than women to develop alcohol and other drug addictions, undergo violent death by accident or suicide, work-related accidents, and premature death from serious diseases.
Still, men are less likely than women to consult a healthcare provider about health issues, which may reduce their chances of detecting, treating, or even preventing disease early. SoHo Men’s Health understands the importance of closing this medical gender gap, and in this article, we explain why men are avoiding doctor visits and how we can help them break the habit.
What Are Men’s Top Healthcare Obstacles?
Men do not see a doctor as often as women, and many avoid doctor visits even when they have health problems. There are several personal, systemic, and societal reasons why this happens. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Superhero Syndrome: It is easy to blame this phenomenon on toxic masculinity. While this is true to some extent, the situation is often much more complicated. It is not uncommon for men to be brought up to conform to certain “masculine” standards set by society. They are discouraged from seeking outside help because it is seen as a sign of weakness. The stress only increases as men age and take on more responsibilities, especially when it comes to family finances.
- Sensitive Topics: Some men may find physical examinations or discussing sensitive topics like erectile dysfunction or urinary problems uncomfortable when talking to medical personnel. Men usually turn to their partner or someone they can seek support from to discuss sensitive health topics.
- Fear: Some men may not be completely honest about their symptoms or seek treatment out of fear. Whether they were nervous about the appointment itself or the news they might receive about an exam, men do not always want to know the state of their health. Additionally, many male patients do not like the idea of having to make changes to their diet or lifestyle.
- External Factors: There is a wide range of external factors that obstruct men from receiving the proper medical care. These obstacles included long waiting times before seeing the doctor, limited opening hours, costs, and having to explain the reason for the visit to an assistant or receptionist.
How Can You Change This Habit?
Breaking away from a bad habit is difficult. The best way to change bad habits is to create a realistic game plan. At SoHo Men’s Health, we are committed to facilitating the process for you and below, we offer some tips you can follow that will get you to a doctor’s office more frequently. Things you can do to prevent avoiding the doctor are:
- Breaking From Anxiety: If you are anxious about your medical visit, you can take certain steps to decrease your nerves such as listening to soothing music or meditating. However, being honest about your anxiety with your healthcare providers is a good first step. Talking honestly about your concerns can foster a better relationship with your doctor, which can only lead to less anxiety and better care. Remember that the doctor is on your side and wants to keep you healthy by identifying problems before they get out of control.
- Overcoming External Factors: If what is preventing you from visiting your doctor is time constraints, try planning ahead. Find out when you have free time and make an appointment when your schedule is not full. Remember, SoHo Men’s Health works around our patient’s schedules to create a comfortable and positive experience for our patients.
- Find A Qualified Clinic: Discussing certain health topics with a doctor is difficult, but SoHo Men’s Health aims to deliver excellent healthcare services to our patients. We focus on patient needs, offering everything from same-day appointments to compassionate providers who sincerely listen to our patients.
If you are a man seeking support and education regarding your health and wellness, consider SoHo Men’s Health. We have 20 years of experience offering services in hormonal therapy, sexual and reproductive health, cosmetic procedures, and much more. Call 347-749-1174 to ask how we can help you meet your health, wellness, and aesthetic goals today.
