14 March 2011

Men Avoiding Trips to the Doctors, New Study Reveals

New research has revealed that 1 in 5 men have not seen a doctor in the last 3 years as men are reluctant to visit the doctor.

**New research has revealed that 1 in 5 men have not seen a doctor in the last 3 years. **

The survey carried out by insureblue.co.uk found that men are reluctant to visit healthcare professionals, as attitudes towards healthcare suggest that men shy away from the doctor's office.

Despite two thirds of men surveyed having medical problems in their family history, more than 20 per cent have not visited a GP in the last 12 months.

"Men are often too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms but they need to, as early diagnosis can make a significant difference to their chances of successful treatment,” commented Mr Krishna Sethia, Medical Director and Consultant Urologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The research was underdone for charity, The Blue Ribbon Foundation, which raises awareness of male health issues.The study found that 66 per cent of men had parents or grandparents who suffered from heart disease, cancer or a stroke.

However, when questioned about this history affecting their own health only 65 per cent said they would consult a doctor if they had chest pains, which is one of the common symptoms of these diseases.

A worrying 6 per cent would never visit a doctor if they were experiencing chest pains and 7.8 million men across the nation would not see a health professional over profuse sweating, another common symptom of those diseases.

Shockingly, the research found that 2 per cent of men have never seen a doctor and 9 per cent have never weighed themselves, (a mindset that many women may see as positive).

The survey asked 1000 men about their attitudes towards health care and basic health checks for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and weight. Those who would visit a doctor would only do so under instruction of their partners it was revealed.

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