Data has consistently shown that men are reluctant to seek medical care despite the fact they generally face higher mortality rates and shorter life expectancies than women across most causes of death. But why are men statistically more likely than women to skip a doctor's visit? Juan J. Andino, MD, MBA, a urologist at the Department of Urology at UCLA Health who specializes in men's health, sexual medicine, and male fertility, weighs in on the topic.
Q : Studies indicate that men avoid routine health care. What are some of the most common reasons you encounter in your practice for why men skip regular check-ups? How frequently does this include the stigma of reluctance to seek care? Dr. Andino : Most chronic conditions are "silent" before they put patients at risk.
Elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and infertility can all occur in the background of everyday life. Stigma likely plays a role in the conditions I evaluate in the office and treat in the operating room. Sexual function and fertility are things that highlight personal, and for many patients, it can feel taboo to discuss outside the home or a relationship.
This, I argue, is an equally important part of overall health because it is not only crucial to the quality of life, many medical and chronic health problems may contribute to sexual dysfunction or male infertility, but if a patient has not been evaluated – they may not know. They won't be able to address these issues. Q : What are th.