Why Do Men Let Macho Attitudes Stop Them From Calling A Doctor?

Having to be “macho” makes it harder for a man to ask for help from a doctor. However many men are still brought up to believe to believe that they must be strong and tough, and behave as if they are indestructible. This makes it hard for them to look after their health; in fact, it encourages risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, excessive drinking and dangerous driving.

Lots of men do not visit the doctor because they shrug off their symptoms either as bravado or just because it does not seem significant. Funny really because the stereotype is that we get man-flu and think things are worse than they really are so you would expect them to be going more than women. However Men have some in-built biological problems. The male sex hormone testosterone may raise the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the “bad” type of cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease. Also, when men put on weight, fat tends to build up around the waist, the worst possible place in terms of developing the furred-up arteries that cause heart problems..

Because men do not menstruate they lack a mechanism that regularly and naturally makes them feel aware of, and in touch with, their bodies.What is more, mens reproductive systems means that they do not have to stay in regular contact with healthcare services. They do not need to see a doctor to obtain contraception and, of course, they do not get pregnant.

Health providers have done very little to persuade men to look after their health. Most Doctors surgeries are accessible only at time when men are probably at work and are not considered male friendly establishments

There has also been chronic under-investment in research into male specific problems especially prostate disease. Long-term conditions in men are badly managed by health professionals and mens health does not always feature in local NHS health plans Few work places adopt mens health initiatives and little health information is available in formats that men find accessible.Young men in particular can be a notoriously hard group to reach. We should always remember that giving out messages via simple easily understood information could save lives.

Generally females are better than males at communicating and taking action on health issues. Males tend not to discuss health. Coping with stress is different by gender. Females search for support to chat about the emotional aspects to comprehend what is happening and what might be the answer.Whether its colleagues, family or a support gathering females enjoy telling their stories.men show reluctance to discuss health .A past survey revealed that males liked to discuss cars women and sport. Politics appears more popular than health topics.

Men regularly search for a get away activity to get relief from stress,to search for a relaxing distraction to escape. Golfing is a good example of how men get away. They are ridding themselves of stressful energy in a challenging way while benefiting from the company of other men.Nevertheless they characteristically do not vacate a round of golf to discuss their feelings or stress between each other

Health providers should start ensuring that that the male population understand the importance of protecting their health by providing more male targeted health programmes. creating more men friendly walk in establishments with information conveyed in a relaxed atmosphere. If this were to occur I am certain that mens behaviour would change also. Subsequently early diagnosis would save lives

Lauren Robb is a health care professional and an author . She writes about gender specific health issues and products that offer solutions. Find out more at male health