The Surprising Reasons Men Delay Doctor Visits — Until It's Almost Too Late

When Dan Somers, 43, first felt sharp chest pains and struggled to keep food down, he brushed it off. For two years, the Ipswich resident ignored worsening symptoms—vomiting bile, unbearable pain, and days off work—until his wife insisted he see a doctor. Diagnosed with a severe gallbladder infection near sepsis, Dan’s story reflects a troubling trend: men often delay medical care until it’s almost too late.


The Alarming Gap in Men’s Healthcare

Data reveals a stark difference in how men and women approach health. Recent surveys show only 33.5% of men contacted their GP in the past month, compared to 45.8% of women. Men also skip dental visits and pharmacies more often. Even in hospitals, outpatient appointments for men lag behind women’s—excluding pregnancy-related care.

“Men often wait until symptoms disrupt their lives before seeking help,” says Paul Galdas, a men’s health expert at the University of York. This delay worsens outcomes, turning manageable issues into emergencies.


Why Men Hesitate: Pride, Fear, and Misplaced Independence

A 2024 NHS survey of nearly 1,000 men highlights key barriers:

• 48% felt pressure to “tough out” health problems.
• 33% feared being seen as weak for discussing concerns.
  
  Social norms play a role. “Society tells men to be self-reliant and hide vulnerability,” explains Brendan Gough, a social psychologist. Kevin McMullan, 44, who struggled with mental health, agrees: “Men see their feelings as a problem to fix alone, like a flat tire.”
  
  Work and logistics also deter men. Inflexible appointment times clash with job schedules, and clinics often lack male-focused spaces. “Healthcare relies on open talk, which doesn’t align with how many men communicate,” Galdas adds.
  
  
  Real-Life Consequences: Stories of Avoidance Turning Critical
  
  For Jonathan Anstee, 54, years of ignoring stomach pain and bloody stools led to a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis in 2022. “I thought seeing a doctor was indulgent,” he admits. “But embarrassment can kill you.”
  
  Similarly, Kevin McMullan waited years to address his mental health. “Men want to solve problems themselves,” he says, reflecting on his work with the charity ManHealth.
  
  
  How Women Influence Men’s Health Choices
  
  Women’s health needs—like contraception, cervical screenings, or childcare—integrate them into healthcare systems early. “Women often manage family health, making them more health-literate,” Galdas notes. Alyson O’Brien of Sleep Action adds that 90% of their clients are women seeking help for children.
  
  This exposure makes women likelier to push partners to seek care. Dan Somers credits his wife’s insistence for saving his life.
  
  
  Changing the Narrative: Solutions to Engage Men
  
  1. Redesign Healthcare Access
  Experts urge flexible systems: evening/weekend appointments, online booking, and male-friendly spaces. “Proactive outreach works,” says Galdas, citing mental health programs that focus on practical steps over lengthy talks.
  
  2. Normalize Preventative Care
  Men often view healthcare as crisis management, not prevention. Dr. Seb Pillon, a Bolton GP, suggests NHS health checks for men in their 20s to build routine engagement. Currently, screenings start at 40—but earlier intervention could save lives.
  
  3. Create Supportive Communities
  Groups like the Cancer Club, founded by Matthew Wiltshire before his 2023 passing, offer safe spaces for men to discuss illnesses. “Connection makes a difference,” says his son Oliver. Sports events and online forums help men share experiences without stigma.
  
  4. Challenge Stereotypes Through Education
  Campaigns must reframe help-seeking as strength, not weakness. Dr. Claire Fuller of the NHS stresses: “Delaying care risks lives. GPs are here to help, not judge.”
  
  
  The Road Ahead
  
  While attitudes are shifting, progress is slow. Jonathan Anstee’s advice cuts through the noise: “Pride isn’t worth your life.” By redesigning services, fostering communities, and reshaping cultural norms, men’s health outcomes can improve—one appointment at a time.
  
  
  Final Word
  
  Ignoring symptoms isn’t bravery—it’s a gamble with dire stakes. As Dan’s near-fatal experience shows, timely care isn’t burdensome; it’s lifesaving. For men struggling to prioritize their health, remember: seeking help isn’t weakness. It’s the smartest move you can make.