Are men less likely to seek healthcare?

If a friend or loved one mentioned a worrying symptom, you’d probably advise them to get it checked out. But if you’re the one experiencing symptoms, what would you do? According to our 2026 survey of over 2,000 men, 92% would encourage a friend to see a GP if something didn’t seem right. Yet almost half delayed seeking help for the exact same symptoms.

It’s a pattern many will recognise. Men are often great at looking out for others – teammates, colleagues, family members – but much less consistent when it comes to their own health.

So why does this happen, and what can be done to change it?

Why men delay seeking help (even when they know better)
 

Our latest research suggests the issue isn’t a lack of awareness. Most men know what sensible health behaviour looks like – they just don’t apply it to themselves.

Among those who admitted delaying medical advice:

• 37% said they hoped the issue would go away on its own
• 37% felt it wasn’t serious enough to see a doctor
• 21% cited long waiting times
• 18% said they were too busy
• 18% believed they should “tough it out”

Only 14% said they would seek help as soon as they noticed symptoms. Instead, many wait weeks (or longer) before speaking to a healthcare professional.

Worryingly, 23% of those who delayed seeking help later found the issue was serious.

There’s also a sense of long-standing stereotyped about masculinity, where men are expected to ‘man up’ and deal with their challenges inwardly. Our study found nearly three-quarters (73%) of men believe outdated expectations – being stoic, not complaining, pushing through – are a major reason they avoid seeking medical support.

The good news is attitudes are shifting.

A positive 83% of survey respondents would feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member about a health concern, and 87% would feel ok about discussing their health with a professional.

In other words, men can talk about health – especially when the setting feels familiar and informal.

Silent symptoms men often miss
 

A key factor is that many common health problems don’t cause obvious symptoms at first.

“The reality is that many serious health conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, can develop silently,” says Dr Fernando.

That means waiting until something feels “bad enough” isn’t always the safest approach.

Conditions that are commonly picked up during routine checks include:

• High cholesterol – often symptomless, but a major risk factor for heart disease
• High blood pressure– frequently unnoticed without testing
• Type 2 diabetes – can develop gradually with subtle early signs
• Low testosterone – may affect energy, mood and libido
• Prostate health issues – risk increases with age, even without symptoms

Catching these early can improve outcomes and allow for simpler, more manageable interventions.

Small steps men can take to look after their health
 

Looking after your health doesn’t have to mean constant appointments or drastic lifestyle changes – here’s a few tips to get you started.

1. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms

If something hasn’t gone away after a couple of weeks, it’s worth checking. That’s especially true for unexplained fatigue, pain, changes in weight, or ongoing digestive or urinary issues.

2. Get to know your baseline

Understanding basics like cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar can give you a clearer picture of your health – even if you feel fine.

3. Use conversations you’re already having

If you’re comfortable telling a mate to get checked, apply the same standard to yourself. The advice usually still holds.

4. Stop waiting for “serious enough”

Many conditions are easier to manage when picked up early. Waiting for symptoms to worsen can limit options.

5. Treat health like maintenance, not repair

Just as you wouldn’t wait for an engine to fail before checking the oil, routine health checks can help spot issues before they cause real problems.

Meeting men where they already are
 

The findings are the driving force behind The Well Man Arms, a pop-up pub takeover from Medichecks and former footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara, taking over Trent Navigation Inn's iconic outdoor bar in Nottingham during this summer's football tournament. Launching on June 12th at Nottingham’s Trent Navigation Inn, The Well Man Arms will run throughout England’s summer tournament fixtures.

The goal (pun not intended) is to bring health into everyday male conversations.

Football talk is easy. Health talk can be too.
 

Football fans have no shortage of opinions. Starting line-ups, refereeing decisions, league tables, transfer rumours – these conversations happen naturally, often for hours at a time.

But conversations about health and overall wellbeing are often left on the sidelines.

Former footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara is no stranger to the neglectful attitude men have towards their health.

“Football fans can spend hours debating who’s in the starting eleven or whether the manager got it right,” he says.

“But when it comes to their own health, a lot of blokes go completely quiet.”

What struck him most about the research was the contradiction.

“Nearly every man would tell a mate to get checked out if something didn’t seem right, but many won’t take their own advice. We’re brilliant at looking after our mates, but not always so good at looking after ourselves.”

Kamara admits he’s been there himself.

“I know from my own experience how easy it is to brush things off and think, 'I'll deal with it later'. The problem is, later can sometimes be too late.

"That's why I wanted to get involved with Medichecks and The Well Man Arms. Football has always brought people together and created conversations. If we can use those same moments to get men thinking differently about their health and make it easier to start those conversations, that's a really positive thing."