Men’s health is a significant issue, with men at a higher risk of suffering a wide range of illnesses and accidents.[1] Yet according to the Medical Journal of Australia, men use health services less frequently than women do.[2]
Men often find it hard to discuss delicate physical problems, sexual difficulties and mental health issues. A visit to a healthcare professional may be seen as an inability to cope. What’s more, men don’t experience a lifetime of gynecological visits that would help to normalize the experience of sharing all with your trusted health professional.
So do we blame it all on men, or should the health services themselves man up a little, and work harder at catering for men? Some men would perish at the thought of waiting around in a small room with floral décor full of women’s magazines. If men were made to feel more welcome, maybe they would be more likely to access health services. Could men’s health clinics be set up in places like sporting facilities where men are more likely to frequent, and feel more comfortable?
Ultimately, it may be a little bit of compromise from both sides that does the trick. Within men’s control is to establish a good relationship with a healthcare professional so they will feel more comfortable when the time comes for things like bowel and prostate checks. Men who realise the importance of preventative health care can help to save themselves from much worse pain down the track.
Why do you think men are reluctant to visit their healthcare professional? What can be done to encourage more men to seek health care? Would you recommend your healthcare professional to friends?
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Mortality Atlas, Australia 1997 to 2000 Available here (accessed February 19 2010)
2. Smith, J et al. What do we know about men’s help-seeking and health service use? Med J Aust. 2006; 184: 81-83. Available here (accessed February 19 2010)
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