Many men across the world struggle to talk about their health, which can have a devastating impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.
They are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, heavy drinking and drug misuse. Men also account for a significant chunk of all workplace-related injuries or deaths.
They are less likely than women to attend routine meetings with medical professionals, which can shut the door on early intervention for preventable diseases.
Around two-thirds of men admitted in a recent survey that they avoid a doctor’s appointment for as long as possible, while 37% said they have withheld information at some point.
These points highlight a pattern that proves that men are more reluctant to seek help or open up about their health.
Some men choose not to visit a doctor out of fear of being judged or being uncomfortable in a medical environment. They want to appear strong and self-reliant.
Telehealth could be the ideal solution to the situation as it offers a wide range of services that align with men’s needs, but with the level of discretion and privacy they crave.
Why Men Hesitate to Seek Help
Cultural expectations have traditionally been the reason why men find it difficult to seek help. They are encouraged to push through discomfort rather than ask for help.
Many men are under pressure to prove that they can handle situations without buckling under the weight of expectation. That narrative extends to their health.
Men often experience anxiety in medical environments, while the intimate nature of many health conversations is enough to discourage them from seeking help altogether.
Grueling work schedules play a part. The pressure to prioritize productivity makes it easy for them to put off taking their health seriously for as long as they can.
The problem with that is hesitation can be dangerous. Severe conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and prostate cancer don’t usually come with warning signs.
If men are not going in for regular check-ups, there is a high chance that those issues will not be spotted until they become life-threatening.
Once it gets to that stage, they must deal with a health crisis that could easily have been avoided.
Telehealth is the Right Choice for Men
Telehealth provides a solution to men who are uncomfortable in land-based medical settings.
This is not limited to men in the United States, as the situation is a global concern. For example, many Australian men are stubborn when it comes to medical check-ups. However, telehealth has made it easier for them to access the services they need.
Given how popular telehealth is in Australia, the market has unsurprisingly become more saturated, but comparison site Medicompare has made it easy for them to choose the right provider.
Australian women are 87.9% more likely to seek medical help than men (78.6%). Women are also 27% more likely to have a telehealth consultation than men (17.8%).
While the disparity is expected, the positive from those numbers is that men are willing to use digital healthcare services. Telehealth tackles the issues that have kept men from previously seeking help.
The privacy and convenience of virtual consultations create a safe space for men to express themselves, which is far less intimidating than meeting a medical professional in person.
Consultations can happen anywhere – whether it is at home or remotely. Access to a decent internet connection and a supported digital device is all a patient needs to use telehealth services.
This kind of flexibility will encourage more men to consider telehealth and is undoubtedly an upgrade from being stuck in a waiting room with other patients.
