Men are facing a higher risk of dying from preventable diseases than women, often largely due to their reluctance to seek medical help until it’s too late.
According to various experts interviewed, many men tend to overlook essential preventative care, which can have serious consequences for their health.
Of course, comparing health issues between genders is complicated. For instance, medical attention to women’s health has only gained significant traction in the last few decades, as it wasn’t mandatory for the FDA to include women in clinical trials until 1993.
However, there are concerning signs that men’s hesitance to seek care is leading to substantial health problems.
A landmark study from the late 1990s noted that men accounted for 75 percent of sudden cardiac deaths, particularly men aged 45 to 75 who are at risk for coronary artery disease. This condition can be managed effectively if caught early, yet men often avoid visiting the doctor.
Heart disease remains the top cause of death among men worldwide, and in the U.S., prostate cancer is also a serious threat that could benefit from regular checkups. The American Cancer Society suggests that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with one in 44 ultimately dying from it.
Eric Wallen, a urology expert, pointed out that many men mistakenly believe they don’t need prostate exams, which, while a bit uncomfortable, are perhaps not as daunting as one might think.
“There’s a kind of mindset that leads people to think, ‘Well, that’s not really necessary,’” Wallen remarked to reporters.
(Actually, screenings are highly recommended for men starting at age 50 or earlier for those with a family history. Frequent nighttime urination, for example, is an early sign that shouldn’t be ignored.)
The shifts in how men approach healthcare post-COVID could also exacerbate these disparities. The pandemic notably affected men more severely than women.
“I used to say that Viagra was the best thing for men’s health awareness,” noted Mike Leventhal from a men’s health advocacy group, reflecting on how it required men to face their health challenges directly.
Nowadays, men can acquire medications for erectile dysfunction via telehealth services without undergoing the previous evaluations, which raises concerns about missing significant health issues.
Johns Hopkins expert Arthur Burnett expressed worries about this trend, explaining that erectile dysfunction can often signal underlying heart disease—a concern that might go unnoticed by remote prescribers who handle numerous requests daily.
“These online services promote quick requests that may overlook necessary diagnostics,” Burnett cautioned.
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