5 Reasons Men Should Not Wait to Visit the Doctor

Many men are committed caregivers, dedicated professionals, and active community members. Yet too often, they put their health last.

“Most of the time, men don’t come in until something feels seriously wrong,” says Scott Selinger, MD, FACP, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and the Primary Care Clinic Lead for UT Health Austin’s Primary Care Clinic.

This delay can have serious consequences. On average, men in the U.S. live five years fewer than women and face higher rates of chronic illness, heart disease, and suicide. Societal expectations to “tough it out” may discourage men from seeking help, often until it’s too late.

“The first step is having someone you trust to talk to about your health, like your primary care doctor,” says Dr. Selinger. “If something feels off, don’t ignore it.”

In honor of Men’s Health Month, we’re highlighting five common health risks men face and what you can do today to take charge of your well-being.

1. Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is the leading cause of death in men in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This condition often develops silently, as plaque gradually builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. The buildup can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke, sometimes with no warning signs at all.

A major driver of this risk is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Since it typically has no symptoms, it can often go undetected without regular checkups. However, it can cause serious damage over time if left untreated.

“High blood pressure is the silent killer,” says Dr. Selinger. “It’s one of the most important reasons men shouldn’t skip routine visits. Catching it early can make all the difference.”

Be proactive about preventing heart disease with these tips:

• Get your cholesterol checked: Begin checking your cholesterol at age 20. Repeat this test every five years if you’re low-risk, and more frequently if you have high risk factors.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat greatly increases your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Quit smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease. Cutting out tobacco benefits your heart almost immediately.
• Be active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus your diet on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Cancer

About 42 out of 100 men in the U.S. will develop cancer at some point during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Fear of diagnosis keeps many people from getting screened. However, cancer is often preventable through early detection and lifestyle adjustments.

Get screened for the four most common cancers affecting men:

• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The risk increases significantly after age 50, and routine screening typically begins at age 55. Men at higher risk may need to start earlier. Screening methods have advanced in recent years, now often relying on simple blood tests like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) monitoring and imaging. These tools help detect cancer early while minimizing unnecessary procedures.
• Lung cancer: Lung cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer among men in the U.S., and the number one cause of cancer-related deaths. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking. New screening methods have also been found to reduce the death rate from lung cancer by 20% — another reason to not delay your screening.
• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is often preventable with advanced and successful screening. When colorectal cancer is caught early, it has a five-year survival rate of about 90%.
• Testicular cancer: Although testicular cancer is rarer, it is the most common cancer in males ages 15 to 35. Conduct regular self-exams and seek medical attention if you notice a lump or heaviness of the scrotum.

3. Depression and Suicide

Depression often goes undetected in men, with serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often due to stigma.

“Men often don’t ask for help because they feel like they can’t,” says Dr. Selinger. “What most need to know is that there is no shame in seeking help.”

While women attempt suicide at a much higher rate than men, men are almost four times more likely to die from a suicide attempt, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Depression presents a very real threat to the safety of men and those around them.

“Check your pride,” says Dr. Selinger. “Anxiety, depression, and loneliness are more common than you think, and options like lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help. But first, you have to speak up.”

If you notice these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, talk to a health care professional:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Difficulty concentrating and a lack of productivity
• Fatigue or insomnia
• Loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, or weight gain
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Extreme sadness
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling

The following lifelines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

• Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 (free and confidential)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
• Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 (Online Lifeline Crisis Chat is free and confidential)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255 (Online Lifeline Crisis Chat is free and confidential)

4. Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) might feel like an uncomfortable topic, but it can be an early warning sign of more serious health issues.

“ED is usually about blood flow,” explains Dr. Selinger. “If blood isn’t flowing well to one part of your body, chances are it’s not flowing well elsewhere either.”

While ED can be a result of stress or hormonal shifts, it’s often linked to underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. In fact, up to 70% of men with erectile dysfunction have at least one underlying health condition.

If something feels off, talk to your doctor or a urologist. Addressing the root cause early can prevent more serious complications.

5. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the form commonly linked to lifestyle factors, accounts for about 95% of all diabetes cases in the U.S. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar.

The good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can dramatically lower your risk of complications.

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor:

• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Constant thirst and frequent urination
• Constant hunger

Seeking help for a medical issue isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s getting a routine checkup, managing stress, or noticing changes in your body, the strongest move is handling it head-on.

“This idea that men have to go it alone is outdated and dangerous,” says Dr. Selinger. “Ignoring the problem doesn’t make you tough. Taking action does.”

This Men’s Health Month, take control. Don’t wait for a health scare to start paying attention. Book the appointment. Start the conversation. Show up for yourself — and for the long run.

To make an appointment with UT Health Austin, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.