Men’s Health

Why Do Men Avoid the Doctor?

Does your husband, dad, brother or uncle avoid going to the doctor? Sadly, men lead morbidity rates for almost every leading cause of death in the United States. The reason for that is that men are less likely to visit the doctor unless it is an emergency than women. According to a recent study from The Cleveland Clinic, 43% of men between 35 and 54 reported seeing their doctors for annual physicals.

The providers at Las Vegas Medical Group discuss some of the common reasons men avoid the doctor:

"It Costs Too Much..."

Men tend to avoid doctor’s appointments because of financial concerns. Fortunately, many more people are covered by health insurance now so the out-of-pocket expense might be less. It’s essential to understand your coverage, including specific doctors and hospitals. If you don’t have insurance, there are often community resources that can help.

"I Don’t Have a Doctor..."

Finding a doctor can seem overwhelming, but it’s easier to find the right doctor for your healthcare needs once you know who your insurance covers. Also, a quick search online lets you compare doctors and decide which one to visit. Las Vegas Medical Group offers convenient online scheduling for both in-person and telehealth appointments.

"Avoiding Pain or Discomfort..."

Men sometimes worry they’ll have to undergo a procedure or test that will be painful or uncomfortable. Fear of the unknown is understandable and valid, but it’s also something that conversations with your primary care provider can alleviate. If you never change the oil or rotate the tires, the car is likely going to have some problems down the road. Prevention is a ‘cure’ for many illnesses and diseases before we get them.

"But I Feel Fine..."

Insisting there’s nothing wrong is another common excuse. While you might be okay, many conditions don’t cause symptoms until they’ve already reached a severe state — like lung cancer, for instance. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, might only be detected when something worse, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you visit your doctor regularly, even when you feel fine, you can undergo screenings to identify an underlying problem. Together, you and your doctor can develop a plan to improve your lifestyle and lower your risk for health complications.

Living a healthy life takes commitment and involves doing things you don’t always enjoy. Regular visits to your primary care provider, however, are worth it. Consider routine wellness exams an investment in your future — and your family’s.

So now you're ready to make an appointment. It's as easy as calling 505-426-8010 to schedule an in-person or telehealth visit.

Looking for a doctor? Meet the caring primary care providers at Las Vegas Medical Group.