Men’s reluctance to seek medical attention is a well-documented issue, one that carries serious implications for both individual health and public wellbeing. It is a familiar scenario for many women across the globe: encouraging the men in their lives—husbands, fathers, sons, or brothers—to prioritise health check-ups, often to no avail. So, why do men avoid doctors? Read more about the cost of reluctance to regular screenings and learn about actionable strategies to encourage life-saving health check-ups, including tech tools and communication tips.

Regardless of obvious symptoms of illness or discomfort, men are often reluctant to visit healthcare professionals, commonly dismissing ailments with phrases like “I’m fine,” and instead resorting to over-the-counter remedies.

The rationale men offer for avoiding medical appointments is varied. The most common excuse—“I don’t have time”—appears untenable when one considers there are 8,766 hours in a year, and most check-ups require less than two. Another common sentiment is: “There’s probably nothing wrong.” While this may often be true, the very goal of preventive medicine is to detect problems before symptoms manifest; to prevent the preventable. According to Mayo Clinic regular screenings and early intervention leads to better prognoses, less invasive treatments, and lower healthcare costs over time.

The Consequences of Avoidance

Research consistently indicates that men, on average, live shorter lives than women. According to the National Library of Medicine, mortality is higher among men than women for all the 12 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Yet, many still avoid visiting a doctor unless absolutely necessary.

This trend is dangerous. Several chronic, life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, often present no symptoms in their early stages. Without regular screenings, these “silent” diseases can progress unnoticed, increasing the risk of serious outcomes like stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.

Is Gender a Barrier to Regular Check-ups?

Unlike women, who typically develop consistent relationships with healthcare providers during their reproductive years due to the need for gynaecological exams, contraception management, and prenatal care, men are less likely to have regular health interactions. This lack of continuity may contribute to their disengagement from the healthcare system and an underappreciation for preventative care.

Health behaviour within the context of gender

is a powerful and influential health determine-

nant for individuals. Given that social construc-

tions of masculinity shape men’s perceptions of

health and illness and their subsequent health

care practices, hegemonic masculinity and tra-

ditional beliefs about manhood are the strong-

gest predictors of individual risk behaviour over

the life course

Moreover, societal expectations surrounding masculinity may play a role. According to Dr. John Oliffe, a professor at the University of British Columbia, many men equate health with physical strength and sexual performance. These perceptions can create a barrier to acknowledging vulnerability or admitting to health concerns.

Effective Strategies to Get Men to The Doctor

Historically, women often act as the primary caregivers and healthcare “gatekeepers” within households. Their influence can be instrumental in encouraging men to engage with the healthcare system.

If you’re wondering how to get men to go to the doctor, here are a few proven strategies:

• Start with Empathy: Express concern without sounding critical. Say, “I care about you and want you to be healthy for a long time.”
• Use Relatable Content: Share articles or videos about men’s health that might resonate with their experiences. Make sure that they know what to expect from a physical check-up at the general practitioner.
• Make It His Decision: Present facts, then let him decide. Giving a sense of control often encourages action. When health becomes a shared concern rather than a directive, men may feel more in control of the decision making process.
• Appeal to Performance: Linking doctor visits with maintaining peak physical performance and sexual health may resonate with male values.
• Offer an Incentive: A nice lunch, a relaxing day afterward, or just words of appreciation can make appointments feel less daunting and help reframe a medical visit as a positive and affirming experience. Over time, this can help normalise healthcare visits as routine aspects of self-care.

Modern Tools for Men’s Health Management

The average daily screen time on smartphones has increased, with users spending about 4 hours and 43 minutes per day on their smart phones, making mobile apps an effective channel for health care education. Numerous apps are designed specifically to support men’s health by tracking key indicators and promoting healthier habits.

Best Health Apps for Men Include:

• Ada – Check Your Health (iOS, Android): This AI-powered app allows users to assess symptoms and receive possible condition insights, aiding in early detection and informed health decisions.
• SmartBP – Blood Pressure Tracker (iOS, Android): SmartBP enables users to log and monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, providing visual trends and integration with Apple Health for comprehensive cardiovascular tracking.
• SleepBot: Sleep Tracker (iOS): SleepBot assists users in improving sleep quality by analysing sleep patterns and offering personalised recommendations, a cornerstone of overall health.
• Fitnet (iOS, Android): Fitnet offers short, guided workouts that require minimal time commitment, making it easier for users to incorporate fitness into their daily routines.
• Happify (iOS, Android): Focusing on mental well-being, Happify provides science-based activities and games to help users overcome stress and negative thoughts, promoting a healthier mindset.
• Rise – Sleep & Energy Tracker (iOS): Rise helps users improve their sleep habits by tracking quality sleep and circadian rhythms while offering personalised advice to enhance energy levels throughout the day.

These digital tools can transform health management into an engaging, tech-driven experience, thereby appealing to men who might otherwise avoid traditional health interventions.

Conclusion

The reluctance of men to seek medical care is a complex issue rooted in social norms, perceived invincibility, and lack of awareness about preventive care. However, with open communication, strategic motivation, and the integration of modern technology, this trend can be reversed.

If you haven’t seen your doctor in over a year, make an appointment today to reduce your risk of chronic disease and keep you feeling great.

References

• American Heart Association. (n.d.). High blood pressure: Why it’s called the silent killer. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/house-calls/high-blood-pressure-the-silent-killer
• Dobson, R. (2007). Mortality from 12 top causes of death in the US is still higher among men than women. Journal of Men’s Health & Gender, 4(2), 155–156. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1892501/
• Fedhealth. (2017). How to keep your kidneys healthy: Tips to prevent chronic kidney disease. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/keep-your-kidneys-healthy/
• Fedhealth. (2018). Be stroke smart. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/be-stroke-smart/
• Fedhealth. (2020). Be heart smart. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/be-heart-smart/
• Intercare. (n.d.). What to expect from a physical check-up at the general practitioner. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.intercare.co.za/article/what-to-expect-from-a-physical-check-up-at-the-general-practitioner
• Mayo Clinic Health System. (2024, July 17). Men’s health: Checkups, screenings key. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/mens-health-checkups-and-screenings-are-key
• ProMedica. (2024). 5 reasons to see your doctor, even when you’re healthy. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.promedica.org/blog/5-reasons-to-see-your-doctor-even-when-youre-healthy