A lot of men view going to the doctor as they would assembling furniture without the instructions or refusing to ask for directions when driving. They just don’t need the help. After all, if nothing feels seriously wrong, it’s easy to assume everything is probably fine.
According to Tyler Johnson, MD, a family medicine specialist with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Primary Care, that mindset is incredibly common — and often risky.
“I can’t tell you how many times I ask, ‘What brings you in today?’ and the response is, ‘My wife made me,’” Dr. Johnson says. “I’ve joked that we almost need to make ‘my wife made me’ an appointment type.”
While the comment gets a laugh, it also reflects a real pattern in men’s healthcare: many wait until symptoms become impossible to ignore before seeing a their primary care provider. Unfortunately, by then, some problems are much harder to treat, not to mention more expensive.
Why men delay care
Dr. Johnson says there are several common reasons men might avoid routine primary care visits.
For one, it could be rooted in a cultural idea that asking for help signals weakness. Other times, it’s simply easier to stay busy and push health concerns aside. And for some men, there’s an underlying fear of what they might hear.
“Some ignore the doctor because of this feeling that if nothing is diagnosed, nothing is wrong,” he explains.
But avoiding care doesn’t prevent health problems — it often allows them to progress silently until they become unavoidable and often much worse.
“That approach may cause you to miss finding a smaller issue before it becomes a really big one,” Dr. Johnson says. “For example, years of uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to complicated heart disease or damage to your kidneys.”
In many cases, catching issues early can mean simpler treatment, fewer medications, and better long-term outcomes.
The health problems doctors wish men would address sooner
One of the most common issues Dr. Johnson sees that is diagnosed later than it should be is hypertension, or high blood pressure.
“If we identify the blood pressure creeping up early, we may be able to alleviate it through lifestyle modifications and perhaps one medication,” he says. “But if it gets too high and tough to manage, suddenly we may be starting on two to three medications.”
That progression can also mean more frequent doctor visits, regular lab work, and a higher risk of long-term complications – which often means a greater commitment of time and money than keeping up with annual preventative care.
He also sees men delaying diagnosis and treatment for what they perceive to be minor injuries, hoping pain or mobility issues will simply improve with time. Sometimes they do, but sometimes they become chronic problems that are harder to fix later.
Common symptoms that men tend to normalize – but shouldn’t
Dr. Johnson says some symptoms are easy for men to overlook or ignore. They may dismiss them as just non-threatening symptoms relating to their everyday life, or even an expected part of aging. However, he emphasizes that it’s important to pay attention to these changes, no matter how normal they may seem.
Mental Health
“Men often try to normalize mental health issues,” he says. “There is a hesitancy to talk to anybody about worsening moods, or ongoing negative thoughts.”
Mental health concerns do not always look obvious. In men, they may show up as:
Constant fatigue
Irritability
Losing interest in hobbies
Increased alcohol or substance use
Withdrawal from friends or family
“A lot of men might say, ‘I’m just tired because of work,’ but increased and fatigue for an otherwise healthy person could be an early indicator of other deeper problems than can be easily addressed before it impacts you and your loved ones in a serious way,” Dr. Johnson says.
He also notes that the people closest to you often notice changes before you do and it’s important to listen to them.
“It’s not only okay to address your mental health, it’s important,” Dr. Johnson says. “It can have a long-term impact on your overall wellness and your physical health. You deserve to feel your best, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have concerns.”
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Digestive issues are another category many men avoid discussing because they feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
“Men also tend to ignore changes in gastrointestinal health,” Dr. Johnson says. “Perhaps they are embarrassed to talk about issues like chronic diarrhea or constipation, or hemorrhoids, or bloody stool.”
Those symptoms may be minor — but they can also signal larger health concerns that should not be ignored. Dr. Johnson says if you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is normal, that’s a good indication that it’s time to talk to your doctor.
“I’m too busy” – a poor long-term strategy
Between work, family and other responsibilities, it’s easy to push your own health down the priority list. Dr. Johnson hears it all the time.
“There’s always going to be a lot of background noise,” he says. “And those responsibilities are important—but so is taking care of yourself.”
The reality? Taking care of your health now helps you stay present for all those other responsibilities long-term.
What primary care really does
While many men understand what a primary care doctor is, they may underestimate the long-term value of the relationship.
“We’re kind of the quarterback of the team when it comes to your health,” Dr. Johnson says. “But it’s not just about managing illness—it’s about keeping you healthy over time.”
That includes:
Tracking trends in your health year over year
Managing medications and side effects
Identifying risks early
Recommending screenings based on age and family history
Coordinating care if specialists are needed
The value of preventive care
One of the simplest—and most effective—things you can do is schedule an annual physical, which typically includes an order for a blood draw at a laboratory, which can provide a comprehensive picture of your health.
“Yearly lab work is critical for catching issues early,” Dr. Johnson says. “It gives us a baseline and helps us identify changes before they turn into problems. It can also alert us to the need for further testing based on certain anomalies.”
Dr. Johnson also stresses the importance of knowing your family history.
“Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can run in families,” he says. “If you know that history and share it, we can tailor screenings and prevention strategies to your specific risk.”
Dr. Johnson says your primary care provider can also help you stay on schedule for routine screenings and follow the recommended guidelines based on your age, family history and other risk factors. They can help detect diseases early, when they are easier to treat. In some cases, they can even help with prevention. For example, during a colonoscopy, a specialist can often remove polyps before they develop into colon cancer.
Many recommended screenings are covered by insurance based on age and risk factors.
Take the first simple step
If it’s been years since your last doctor’s visit—or you’ve never had a primary care provider, Dr. Johnson offers straightforward advice:
“Just get started.”
He recommends:
Scheduling a physical
Getting baseline lab work
Learning your family health history
Committing to yearly check-ins
“A lot of people pay for health insurance but don’t use it,” Dr. Johnson says. “Why not take advantage of it to stay healthy—before something goes wrong?”
And if you’re worried about getting bad news?
“Maybe you don’t want to hear that you need to lose weight or make changes,” he adds. “But addressing that early is far better than developing a more serious condition later on.”
In other words, primary care isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about helping you stay healthy enough to keep doing everything else that matters, while hopefully reducing the need for additional visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Health
Q: What health screenings should men get—and when should they start?
A: Routine screenings are one of the most effective ways to catch health issues early. While recommendations for you may be tailed based on your personal and family health history and other risk factors, general guidelines include:
Blood pressure: At least once a year starting in early adulthood
Cholesterol screening: Every 4–6 years starting in your 20s, more often if at risk
Diabetes screening: Starting around age 35 (earlier if overweight or higher risk)
Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy): Starting at age 45
Prostate cancer screening: Typically discussed starting around age 50 (earlier for higher-risk individuals)
Your primary care provider can tailor these recommendations based on your health history and risk factors.
Q: What are the most important signs or symptoms men should not ignore?
A: Some symptoms may seem minor or easy to dismiss, but they can signal more serious underlying issues. Men should not ignore:
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Changes in mood, irritability, or loss of interest in activities
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Ongoing digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool)
Unexplained weight loss or prolonged pain
If something feels off - or different from your normal - it’s worth getting checked. Early evaluation often leads to simpler and more effective treatment.
Q: How often should men see a primary care doctor if they feel healthy?
A: Even if you feel fine, most men should see a primary care provider once a year for an annual physical. These visits help:
Establish a health baseline
Track changes over time
Catch issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol early
Keep you up to date on screenings and vaccinations
Preventive care is about staying ahead of problems - not waiting until something goes wrong.
Q: What can men do now to lower their risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses?
A: Small, consistent habits can make a major difference in long-term health. Steps that can help lower your risk include:
Getting regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Managing stress
Getting enough sleep
Avoiding tobacco products
Staying up to date on routine checkups and recommended screenings is equally important to identify risk factors early – before they become more serious problems.