Men's vs women's health behaviour

It is well known that men are reluctant to access health care on a regular basis. Most attendees at health facilities are women and children. Men are hardly seen at health fairs and health promotion activities. Women tell me that they resort to cajoling or coercion to ensure that their men have an annual check-up. The fact that men die at a younger age than women would suggest that they take greater risks with their health.

Male stereotype

Men are socialised to be tough, independent and invincible. So they present the macho façade, not wanting to appear weak. Like all of us, they fear what the health provider will find, preferring to remain in ignorance. Some men worry about seeming to be a bother. Others are so anxious about symptoms of illness that they deny their importance. They prefer to bury their heads in the sand, hoping the problem will go away.

Men fear doctors

Some men have confided that they feel shy and are embarrassed to take off their clothes for a doctor. Others have told me that the idea of a physical examination, especially involving the genitalia (private parts), is extremely stressful. The idea of undergoing a digital rectal examination is unpleasant to many males but this can be overcome through adequate preparation.

Effect of work

Men often ignore their health needs in order to maintain their role as breadwinner. Work plays a central role in their lives and health care is given little importance. Unfortunately, the health system does little to facilitate men since the opening hours of most clinics are inconvenient for the average worker.

What to expect

Despite these factors, all men are encouraged to have an annual check-up to detect disease at an early stage when it can be cured or treated effectively. What can you expect when you visit a doctor for a check-up? You will be asked about your current health problems as well as any significant past medical history. If you are taking medication, including over-the-counter medicines, please inform the physician; he or she will want to hear about any allergies you have experienced. Tell the physician about the illnesses, especially cancers, which affected close relatives.

Discuss sensitive issues

The physician will ask you about alcohol intake and the use of cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs. You can usually share with the health provider any prolonged feelings of depression or sense of not being able to cope. Choose a physician you can trust to discuss sexual concerns such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. The physician will discuss with you the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and the use of condoms.

Helpful advice

You will receive health advice to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. All men will benefit from information on how to achieve an optimal diet without gaining weight, how to increase physical activity, and limit alcohol consumption. So, I urge all men to visit a physician for a general check-up at least once yearly.

Next: The physical examination

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.