Most women wouldn’t be surprised to learn that men are 50% less likely to see a doctor than women.  Women have seen this trend play out in their brothers, boyfriends, husbands and fathers along with excuse after excuse to avoid the “white coat” and “backless” gown.

“It’s the John Wayne stereotypical masculinity,” said Rutgers University sociology professor Kristen Springer. “There is the stereotype that real men don’t get sick. So for men to go to the doctor when it’s not life or death is akin to admitting you’re not a real man. It’s the fear of looking emasculated by getting help.”  (And the drafty exam gown doesn’t help the situation.)

Springer believes this “macho” attitude and aversion to regular checkups is one reason why men live shorter lives, even as they bring home bigger paychecks that should guarantee access to quality food and healthcare.

Healthcare experts recommend that men 20-29 years old should have a thorough physical exam every 3 years and men 40-49, every 2 years.  Men who are 50 or older should have an physical every year.  This checklist from the Men’s Health Network lists all the check-ups and screenings men should have at each stage of their life.

In honor of Men’s Health Week, which kicks off today, here are some tactics that may prove convincing enough to coax your man to see a doctor.

• Appeal to his sense of honor and duty to the family. For example, a wife may try telling her husband that she and the kids "love and need him around," making him feel he's seeing a doctor in order to fulfill a familial responsibility.
• If he is thrifty, you might try telling him that he’s paying for health insurance and not getting his money’s worth.
• If he participates in team or individual sporting activities, appeal to his competitive side and tell him that an annual checkup will help his game or maintain his “edge.” Point out all the professional athletes he watches on TV—they have a host of team doctors and trainers.
• Use reason and common sense. “If you see a doctor once a year and nothing is wrong, then you’ll have the peace of mind to get on with your life.  If they do find something you’ll catch it early and have better odds of beating it.”
• If he’s a real softy, you could tell him that you love him and want to grow old with him or can’t bear the thought of life without him.
• On your birthday or anniversary, tell him that for your present, you want him to get a full physical exam or whatever important screening he has been putting off.
• You can also help him find a doctor he feels comfortable with or go with him if you suspect he may skip the appointment or gloss over serious symptoms.

Watch this video of how one woman finally got her husband to get regular check-ups.

Sources:

Men’s Health Network

ABC News / Health

New York Press