Convincing a reluctant man to see a doctor

We love the men in our lives but sometimes they can drive us nuts. From our dads to husbands, if there’s one thing they have in common, is a reluctance to see a doctor when they need to – whether due to illness, unusual symptoms, or just because it’s been years since they’ve had a checkup.  We know the importance of screening exams and regular medical care can save lives but convincing men to make a doctor’s appointment is easier said than done.

A common response as to why men put off seeing a doctor is often, “I feel fine.”  Or they use the excuses of being too busy, too tired, or would rather not spend the time waiting in a doctor’s office.  Whatever the reason, men sometimes fall short when it comes to managing their health.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than one out of four men wait as long as possible before going to see a doctor when they feel sick, are in pain or are concerned about their health. Unfortunately, men often end up in middle age with a lack of familiarity with the health care system because of infrequent visits to the doctor.

How to convince a man to see his doctor

It may not be easy, but there are certain steps to take helping a man see the value in at the very least, a yearly visit to the doctor.  Here are ways to speed up the process:

·      Make it easy

Start by scheduling the appointment for him. If he already has a doctor and he likes him, start there.  If he does not, make recommendations for him.  Choose a doctor he can trust and who you think would be a good fit. When making the appointment, schedule it at the time of day and day of the week convenient for him and then offer to go with him if he wants you to. 

·      Help him be prepared

If it’s been awhile since he’s seen a doctor, help him make a list of questions he wants answered.  He can list abnormal symptoms he’s been having, his medical history and that of his family. Remind him to be open and honest with the doctor about everything including his eating, exercise, and sleeping habits, and smoking and alcohol consumption. It’s important he think of all things that could be affecting his health so his doctor has the best information possible.

·      Tell him why his health is a priority

Men are creatures of habit.  They like to work and if they take time away from their career by seeing a doctor, they may not see the value in doing that. But a good reason convincing him why he should see his doctor is to keep himself healthy, making it a priority for him and the family. If he neglects his health, then he’ll eventually have to spend much more time away from his job and family than if he had gone to regular visits in the first place. It is also important to remind him that some health problems can go unnoticed. For example, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or prostate problems may not produce significant symptoms, but could require treatment to prevent them from turning into a more serious issue.

·      Use a common sense approach

Let him now that putting off a doctor visit until he is in pain or at an advanced stage of a disease may make treating his condition more difficult or costly.

·      What not to do

The worst thing you can do turning off a man from seeing his doctor is to continually nag him about it. Nagging is never a good idea – it’s better to help men see that being healthy is more attractive and more masculine. And if he does go and allows you to be there at the same visit with him, do not speak for him.  He needs to be the one to establish a relationship with his doctor thereby forming a trust between them for creating an effective doctor-patient bond. Your job is to sit and listen, only speaking up if there are any discrepancies that need to be clarified.