According to the Cleveland Clinic, 60% of men surveyed don’t see their doctor regularly, only choosing to make an appointment when they’re seriously ill.
Men are 60% less likely to see their GP, why home blood tests may help
It’s long been a stereotype that men don’t go to the doctor. But a pre-pandemic survey confirms this with stark statistics. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 60% of men surveyed don’t see their doctor regularly, only choosing to make an appointment when they’re seriously ill.
This avoidant attitude means that many preventable diseases that can be treated with early detection are left to develop to a stage where it becomes more difficult to recover.
Now, after Covid, with an NHS creaking under the strain of funding cuts and lower staff levels, it’s even harder to see a GP, even if you want to.
So, why do men avoid the doctor?
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Ignorance is bliss. Some survey respondents explained that a fear of receiving bad news about their health played a part in keeping them away from the doctor.
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Embarrassing bodies. For some men, talking about intimate issues involving their sex life or issues with incontinence are simply too uncomfortable.
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Fear of change. Test results can often show there are risks of health conditions which can be prevented with lifestyle changes. But for some men, these potential changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol or changing their diet can seem too daunting.
- Is it serious? Many men put off seeing a doctor about a small but persistent health niggle, believing it’s not serious enough to take up a doctor’s time.
Common conditions men should watch out for.
With our busy, often stressful and sedentary lifestyles, there are plenty of conditions both men and women are equally at risk of. But there are some conditions which men are more at risk of developing and should be aware of. These include:
Low testosterone
Testosterone is most associated with sex drive, and it plays a crucial part in the production of sperm. But testosterone also affects bone and muscle mass, influences how men store body fat, and the production of red blood cells. While testosterone levels do naturally start to decline with age, low levels could suggest a hormone disorder.
When levels of testosterone are low, there are a range of symptoms which can present themselves, including breast growth, fatigue, impotence, and reduced sex drive.
Diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, one in ten people over 40 in the UK are now living with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. There are 3.8 million people living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK, and 90% of those are living with Type 2, the variety of diabetes which is more common in men.
There are almost a million more people living with Type 2 diabetes, who are undiagnosed, bringing the total number up to 4.7 million.
Heart health
According to the British Heart Foundation, one in seven men will die from heart disease compared with one in 11 women, and of the 2.3 million people living with heart disease in the UK, 60 per cent are men.
Heart disease has long been Britain’s biggest single killer. Despite our efforts to ward off its risk factors with more exercise and a healthier diet, the statistics remain concerning, particularly for men, so it can be a good idea to keep a close eye on your heart health.
"Now, after Covid, with an NHS creaking under the strain of funding cuts and lower staff levels, it’s even harder to see a GP, even if you want to.”
Get a complete men’s health MOT in the comfort of your own home
While getting an appointment might be difficult, or may seem unnecessary for a seemingly small issue, we know that early detection is crucially important for the treatment of so many diseases.
But if the thought of visiting your GP still makes you uncomfortable, there are other options to help you take control of your health and assess your risks.
Based on our highly popular Plus V and Plus VT blood tests, our most comprehensive Blue Horizon men’s health test is a cost effective yet complete health screen for men.
Health conditions and disorders screened include adrenal failure, testosterone levels, diabetes, thyroid disease, liver and kidney compromise; vitamin B12, folate, iron and vitamin D deficiencies; and cardiac disease risk, as well as other important health markers.
How our home blood tests service works
Ordering a home blood test is easy. Simply place your order online or over the phone with our friendly team. A kit will be posted out to you, containing everything you need to take a small blood sample in the comfort of your own home. Then, simply return the sample to us for testing in our accredited laboratory.
If you’d prefer a qualified professional to take your blood sample for you, we can arrange a home visit from a qualified phlebotomist.
Clear, accurate results
The time it takes to receive your results will depend on the type of test you have chosen. When they are ready, your results will be sent directly to you, via email, within the time specified. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of your results through the post, that can be arranged for you.
Armed with the results of your test, you’ll have all the information you need to take to your GP, if you need further investigation, or peace of mind if you don’t.
