Why men won’t go to the doctor – and why they really should
Would it surprise you to hear that nearly one in four men (23%) completely refuse to seek medical advice about a health issue due to embarrassment?
Recent research has uncovered a serious reluctance on the part of men to speak to GPs – and this has led to men’s health trailing women’s across several key areas, with one in five men dying before the age of 65.
However, a campaign fronted by the myGP app aims to reduce this statistic by encouraging men to seek medical advice once symptoms arise, rather than delaying or putting off what could be a life-saving appointment.
Men’s health charities backing the campaign include Prostate Cancer UK, Men’s Health Forum, Blue Ribbon Foundation, UK Men’s Sheds Association, ManKind, blOKes, It’s On the Ball, Baggy Trousers, and It’s In the Bag.
Which issues do men find most embarrassing?
myGP’s behavioural study into why men delay or avoid seeking medical advice has revealed that embarrassment is currently one of the top three barriers for men. The top ten issues men are most embarrassed to speak to GPs were found to be:
- Sex-related genital complaints
- Non sex-related genital complaints
- Rectum – anything that requires a stool sample/internal examination
- Mental health
- Urine infections
- Bad breath
- Gas/wind
- Snoring
- Weight issues
- Bodily odours
Why won’t men visit the doctor?
It’s not just embarrassment though. The survey asked men what could put them off seeking health advice from their doctor. The reasons listed were:
- Too busy to go (29%)
- Worried about burdening the NHS (28%)
- Unable to get an appointment around work hours (26%)
- Embarrassment or awkwardness (23%)
- Worried about catching germs (22%)
Addressing prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is just one of the health issues that can be addressed more successfully the earlier it is identified.
Those most at risk are:
- men aged 50 and over
- black men over 45
- men with a family history of the disease
Amy Rylance, Head of Improving Care at Prostate Cancer UK, says ‘For men who have prostate cancer we know that talking about their symptoms and the side effects of treatment can sometimes be difficult or embarrassing That’s why we’re encouraging men at higher risk of prostate cancer – as well as those with symptoms – to speak to their GP.’
What the campaign hopes to achieve
Kicking off the campaign was a Shameless Cycle ride through the streets of London, with participants including celebrities and medics.
The goal of the cycle ride was to start breaking the chain of embarrassment by proudly wearing t-shirts emblazoned with leading issues, and encouraging men to kick their own health into gear.
That could be finally booking that GP appointment, renewing a long overdue prescription, or seeking medical advice for a lingering physical or mental health issue.
Dr Preeti Shukla, an NHS GP in Blackburn, and a medical advisor to myGP, says ‘My advice to males putting off seeking medical advice is to remember that their bodies are like bikes – sometimes they provide a smooth ride but sometimes they need some fine-tuning. There’s no such thing as a new issue. GPs will have seen the issue you are experiencing multiple – if not thousands – of times before and will do everything they can to put you at ease.’
Jonathan Prince, MBE and Chairman of Blue Ribbon Foundation, a charity promoting health and wellbeing for men, adds: ‘At Blue Ribbon Foundation, we’re sadly aware of just how hesitant men can be when it comes to discussing health issues with their GP. Awareness-driving events such as this are vital to help men realise the importance of taking control of their own physical and mental health.
‘Symptoms, no matter how small, should never be ignored.’
If you’d like to support the cause …
Encouraging others to finally book that long-delayed GP appointment could make all the difference to a friend or family member’s life.
Those who wish to help raise money for crucial men’s charities can join myGP in donating to the supporting charities on the GoFundMe page dedicated to the cycle. All proceeds will be split among the supporting charities.
Further information
myGP is available to download from the Play, Apple and NHS app stores. More information can be found on www.mygp.com.
[1] Key data: mortality | Men’s Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)
Image Tom Stockill
My problem is that I simply don’t trust the medical and/or pharmaceutical profession and that’s why I avoid anything to do with either. I even unregistered from my surgery and as such I’m no longer registered with a GP. I have a few medical issues but I’d prefer to take my chances than see a GP.
Hello Peter. Thanks for your comment. Just wondering if you’ve had a particular experience that has led to your lack of trust? Kathy @ When They Get Older
I’ve had more than one GP break my patient confidentiality so I now lost all trust in doctors. I’m actually no longer registered with a GP.
I agree Peter. Around 40 years ago my father died from a heart attack brought on by the painkillers he’d been prescribed for years. The regime was never reviewed by our family doctor. Afterwards the doctor’s wife (we went to the same church) tried to convince me that it was my mother’s fault for not looking after him properly. Doctors cannot be trusted.
The main reason most men avoid GPs is because they are uncomfortable with having to see female doctors. Even if they take the step to see a male GP, which will ipusually have meant a several month wait for an appointment, the surgeries will often substitute last minute for a female GP. men will ALWAYS seek out a Male GP for sexually related matters, only to be then faced with female consultants in male health areas. It is totally disrespectful and happens all the time – and often by ambush tactics of not telling you until you arrive at the… Read more »
Hello David. Thanks for your comment. It’s really interesting to hear your point of view. I have been in this situation for most of my life, but as a female patient with no choice but to see male GPs and consultants. For me, the increase in number of female doctors has been a change for the positive. Really we should all have choice by now, and it’s a shame that you are not being allowed to make choices for very personal consultations. I can understand your frustration. Kathy, editor at When They Get Older.
[…] reasons can be complex but worry and potential embarrassment often feature highly when men are asked why they don’t […]