Culture of masculinity is to blame for dodging doctors

Men are notoriously resistant to going to see a doctor [Photo: Courtesy]

Men are notoriously resistant to going to see a doctor – even if their symptoms are unpleasant and they fear they may be suffering from something serious. Why? Do they hate admitting to a ­weakness? Do they see confessing to an illness as unmanly? Are they just shy? So reluctant are men to seek medical help they’d rather do almost anything than go to the doctor. Are they just stubborn?

Eric Klein, chairman of the Glickman Urological and Kidney ­Institute, at Cleveland Clinic in the US, says: “The reasons go beyond mere stubbornness. “They are much more complicated, involving entrenched societal attitudes about masculinity and male behaviour, conditioning that starts in childhood that dictates men always should act tough and never show signs of weakness or dependence.”