On average, up to 13.2 percent of men over the age of 18 are in fair or poor health, as many men present with common health issues. For example, 40.5% of men over the age of 20 are considered obese. Additionally, 51.9% of men over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. Such conditions require comprehensive medical intervention and treatment for optimal health¹.
Despite these statistics, men are typically less inclined to prioritize their health and seek medical treatment. For example, compared with women, men are less likely to see their doctor for regular checkups. Additionally, men are more likely to make riskier decisions that adversely affect their health, such as using tobacco and drinking alcohol².
In respect to mental health, the prevalence of mental illness in men is less than women. However, men can still experience mental health problems, yet men are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared with women. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are at higher risk of dying by suicide compared with woman. Therefore, mental health treatment is essential to maintaining men’s health³.
Certain diseases and conditions are also specific to men’s health. These conditions can benefit from a doctor’s visit so that patients can receive adequate treatment. For example, men may experience erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or infertility.
