Men’s Health Month: Why So Many Men Skip the Doctor — And Why That Needs to Change

6/1/2026

As Men’s Health Month shines a spotlight on preventive care and wellness, healthcare providers at DeTar Medical Group are encouraging men — especially younger adults — to stop putting their health on the back burner and establish regular care with a primary care provider.

Despite advances in preventive medicine and increased awareness surrounding men’s health, studies continue to show that many men delay doctor visits, avoid annual wellness exams and ignore symptoms until health problems become serious.

According to a national survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic, 72% of men said they would rather do household chores than go to the doctor, while 65% admitted they avoid seeking medical care as long as possible.

“Men often tell themselves they’re too busy, they feel fine, or they’ll deal with it later,” said Dr. Mark A. Gonzalez, primary care physician with DeTar Medical Group. “The problem is that many serious conditions — high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even certain cancers — can develop silently without noticeable symptoms.”

Younger Adults Are Missing Preventive Care

Healthcare providers are also increasingly concerned about younger adults, particularly men ages 18 to 35, who are far less likely to establish care with a primary care physician.

Recent healthcare data shows that nearly half of adults ages 18 to 29 do not have a primary care provider, creating gaps in preventive care, screenings and long-term health management.

“Many younger adults grew up healthy and simply never made the transition from pediatric care into having their own primary care physician,” said Dr. Daniel Espinosa, family medicine physician with DeTar Medical Group. “But establishing care early creates a baseline for your health and helps identify issues before they become major problems later in life.”

Experts say many young adults stop attending regular checkups after leaving pediatric care, often because of changing insurance coverage, busy schedules, financial concerns or the belief that they are “too healthy” to need a doctor.

“We’re seeing many younger adults rely on urgent care services for immediate illnesses or minor injuries, which absolutely serve an important role in healthcare,” Dr. Espinosa said. “But it’s still important to establish an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider who can monitor your overall health over time, recommend preventive screenings and help manage long-term wellness goals.”

The Most Common Reasons Men Avoid the Doctor

Providers say several common themes emerge when men explain why they avoid routine healthcare visits, including:

• Lack of time
• Fear of bad news or diagnoses
• Embarrassment discussing symptoms
• Cost concerns
• Feeling healthy and assuming nothing is wrong
• Difficulty finding a provider
• Belief that annual exams are unnecessary

“There’s still a mindset among some men that if they can work, exercise or get through the day, then they must be healthy,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “Unfortunately, many chronic conditions don’t cause symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.”

Dr. Espinosa added that preventive care should not be viewed as a reaction to illness, but rather an investment in long-term health.

“An annual wellness visit gives us the opportunity to talk about blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, stress, mental health, family history and lifestyle habits before those things become serious medical issues,” he said. “Preventive medicine is one of the most effective tools we have.”

Preventive Care Saves Lives

Routine wellness visits and screenings allow providers to identify health concerns before they become more serious and more difficult to treat.

Primary care providers can help patients:

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
• Screen for diabetes and heart disease
• Address mental health concerns
• Evaluate sleep issues and fatigue
• Detect certain cancers early
• Provide vaccinations and preventive screenings
• Build healthy lifestyle habits

According to CDC data, men are also less likely than women to have a regular source of healthcare. Preventive visits can significantly improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of unmanaged chronic disease.

“Primary care is not just about treating illness,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “It’s about building a partnership with patients that supports healthier living at every age.”

Building Healthy Habits Early

Providers emphasize that establishing care in early adulthood can lead to better long-term health outcomes and fewer medical complications later in life.

“When patients establish care early, we can track trends over time and catch changes before they become dangerous,” Dr. Espinosa said. “That relationship and continuity of care truly matters.”

Men’s Health Month serves as an important reminder that preventive care is not just for older adults — it is important at every stage of life.

“Taking care of your health is not a sign of weakness,” Dr. Gonzalez added. “It’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family and your future.”

To learn more or schedule an appointment with a DeTar Medical Group primary care provider, visit www.mydetardoctor.com.

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