Why do men fear doctor's visits?

Dr Douglas Street, Contributor

It is no secret that men visit the doctor less often than women. In fact, men visit the doctor about 20 to 30 per cent less than women. Many reasons have been put forward for this phenomenon. Let us look at some of the explanations provided.

Men are more likely to suffer from heart disease and strokes and live about seven years less, on average, than women. There are some who believe these two facts are related. Men tend to wait longer to visit the doctor and often are very ill by the time they do reach as they often wait longer to see if the problem will correct itself.

Another interesting fact is that women are more likely to report that they have ill-health even when they are healthy, while men are more likely to over-estimate the state of their health. Men are also more likely to engage in behaviours that are detrimental to their health such as risky driving, smoking, excessive drinking, neglecting exercise, and poor eating habits.

The main reason put forward as to why men visit the doctor less is the so-called male 'macho-ism'. It would appear as though men see a visit to the doctor as making them vulnerable. This is perhaps the reason men end up only visiting the doctor when they are very sick and when they have got older.

Another possible factor is that men generally do not like talking about their problems. They tend to find other less healthy ways to deal with them such as drinking (alcohol) and smoking. Women will often talk about their health problems with their friends and are, therefore, more likely to get advice that would encourage them to seek medical attention.

EASIER FOR WOMEN

In addition, it might be easier for women to seek medical attention as they are more likely to be already used to going to a doctor's office due to pregnancy and for Pap smears, which should start relatively early in a woman's life. Many also take their children to the doctor for various reasons, or may simply accompany a friend, family member, or partner.

It is significant to note that women play a very important role in encouraging men to go to the doctor. Interestingly, married men usually live longer, healthier lives than those who are single, so keep it up ladies!

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall at 3 Barnett Street in Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre at Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.