If one were to say that men generally take a casual approach to their personal health they would be just about right. This casual approach oftentimes borders on disinterest. The big question is, what drives this level of perceived disinterest? While there is no easily accessible research into this matter across the Caribbean, local general practitioner, Dr. Adrian Townsend could agree with the findings of a 2016 online survey commissioned by the Orlando Health Hospital System about why men may be so reluctant to see doctors.
According to the survey results, a mix of busyness, fear, shame and discomfort kept them out of the doctor’s office. More specifically, 22% of respondents cited being “too busy” as their reason for not going to the doctor, 21% said they had a fear of discovering something wrong, while 18% said they don’t like uncomfortable physical exams such as prostate or other rectal exams.
Dr. Townsend noted that in discussions with his male patients, the reasons they gave for infrequent visits were consistent with the survey. “Men just seem to have a fear of scheduled or regular check-ups. Many see it as unnecessary but nothing could be further from the truth. It is always best to know the state of one’s health.”
The doctor noted however, that sexual/reproductive health was prioritised by men, particularly in knowing their HIV status. “I find that sexual health is of great interest. Among my older patients, their primary concern is virility and sperm count. Meanwhile younger patients seem more concerned with sexually transmitted infections. Across the groups, HIV status was top of mind for sexual health considerations. In fact, some men just come in to get an HIV blood test, or choose to visit a clinic for the same rather than visit a doctor.”
Townsend recommends that more men should visit and tell their doctors about their health and take steps to prevent problems. “We can take simple steps to becoming healthier and more health conscious. Exercising and eating healthily are two of the most important steps in living a healthy life.”
He noted the reluctance of men to be proactive in monitoring and reporting problems with their health but made the following recommendations:
Be honest: Many men are uncomfortable sharing with friends, family or a doctor any potential health problems. Not discussing it won’t make it go away – and some issues, like erectile dysfunction, can possibly indicate other health problems like blocked arteries or type 2 diabetes.
See your doctor: Regular check-ups can detect a number of different diseases that can threaten men’s health, including prostate cancer, which affects one in six men.
Don’t wait: Seek medical attention a soon as something feels a little off. Don’t wait until a problem or symptom becomes unbearable before having it checked by a physician.
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If one were to say that men generally take a casual approach to their personal health they would be just about right. This casual approach oftentimes borders on disinterest. The big question is, what drives this level of perceived disinterest? While there is no easily accessible research into this matter across the Caribbean, local general practitioner, Dr. Adrian Townsend could agree with the findings of a 2016 online survey commissioned by the Orlando Health Hospital System about why men may be so reluctant to see doctors.
According to the survey results, a mix of busyness, fear, shame and discomfort kept them out of the doctor’s office. More specifically, 22% of respondents cited being “too busy” as their reason for not going to the doctor, 21% said they had a fear of discovering something wrong, while 18% said they don’t like uncomfortable physical exams such as prostate or other rectal exams.
Dr. Townsend noted that in discussions with his male patients, the reasons they gave for infrequent visits were consistent with the survey. “Men just seem to have a fear of scheduled or regular check-ups. Many see it as unnecessary but nothing could be further from the truth. It is always best to know the state of one’s health.”
Townsend recommends that more men should visit and tell their doctors about their health and take steps to prevent problems. “We can take simple steps to becoming healthier and more health conscious. Exercising and eating healthily are two of the most important steps in living a healthy life.”
He noted the reluctance of men to be proactive in monitoring and reporting problems with their health but made the following recommendations:
Be honest: Many men are uncomfortable sharing with friends, family or a doctor any potential health problems. Not discussing it won’t make it go away – and some issues, like erectile dysfunction, can possibly indicate other health problems like blocked arteries or type 2 diabetes.
See your doctor: Regular check-ups can detect a number of different diseases that can threaten men’s health, including prostate cancer, which affects one in six men.
Don’t wait: Seek medical attention a soon as something feels a little off. Don’t wait until a problem or symptom becomes unbearable before having it checked by a physician.
Share this post: