Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Men Neglect Health Until Serious, Experts Urge Proactive Care
Men in India often put off going to the doctor, even when they don't feel well.
They tend to believe they need to be strong and push through any pain or tiredness.
This is because of how society sometimes sees men, and a general lack of checking in with their bodies regularly.
Things like stress, not sleeping enough, and eating unhealthy foods can hurt their hearts and other parts of their bodies without showing big signs at first.
For example, feeling tired or having a little chest discomfort might be ignored as just being overworked.
Doctors are seeing that conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which affect the heart, often go unnoticed for too long.
Even problems with the gut or prostate are ignored until they become serious.
Experts say men should start paying attention to their bodies earlier, perhaps by getting check-ups starting around age 45 for their prostate, and not dismissing symptoms like stomach pain or changes in bathroom habits.
Being healthy isn't just about being strong; it's about taking care of yourself so you can live a longer, better life.
Men in India often neglect their health, delaying doctor visits until diseases have progressed significantly.
Reasons for this include stigma around vulnerability, lack of awareness about preventive care, and dismissing early symptoms as tiredness or minor issues.
Heart health suffers due to stress, poor sleep, and inactivity, with early signs like fatigue or mild chest discomfort often ignored.
Digestive issues and fatty liver are increasingly seen in younger men due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
Experts urge men to undergo regular preventive health check-ups, including specific screenings for prostate issues, to catch problems early.
- Who
- Dr. Narasimha Pai (Cardiologist), Dr. Anshul Bansal (General Surgeon), and Dr. Manas Ranjan Pradhan (Urologist).
- What
- Men's tendency to neglect their health, leading to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like heart disease, liver disease, and prostate issues, and the urgent need for proactive, preventive healthcare.
- When
- Ongoing trend, with specialists observing this pattern recently and urging immediate action and awareness.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Societal stigma around vulnerability, lack of awareness about preventive healthcare, misattribution of symptoms, belief that check-ups are unnecessary until severe, and focus on visible markers of health over internal well-being.
Proactive Health Approach for Men
Traditional Male Health Behavior
Preventive Healthcare
Proactive Health Approach for Men
Regular check-ups, screenings, and awareness of silent warning signs are crucial for early detection and prevention of serious conditions.
Traditional Male Health Behavior
Men often avoid doctor visits until symptoms are severe, believing check-ups are unnecessary unless experiencing debilitating issues.
Perception of Health and Strength
Proactive Health Approach for Men
True fitness involves stamina, endurance, balanced activity, good sleep, and stress management, not just muscle strength; preventive care is a sign of strength.
Traditional Male Health Behavior
Men may equate enduring pain or pushing through symptoms with strength, leading them to ignore early health warnings and focus on visible markers like muscle or energy.
Addressing Specific Health Concerns
Proactive Health Approach for Men
Prostate screenings should start by 45 (or 35 for high-risk), and early digestive or heart symptoms should not be dismissed.
Traditional Male Health Behavior
Hesitation to discuss symptoms related to prostate issues or digestive problems due to embarrassment or belief that it's just aging leads to delayed diagnosis.
- Key Health Concerns for Men
- Hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, prostate disorders, heart disease, stroke, gastrointestinal problems.
- Contributing Lifestyle Factors
- Work stress, erratic sleep, long sitting hours, poor diet, inactivity, alcohol consumption, binge drinking, chronic stress.
- Silent Warning Signs (Heart)
- Subtle fatigue, mild chest heaviness, breathlessness, discomfort in jaw or shoulder.
- Silent Warning Signs (Gut)
- Persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, repeated bloating or vomiting.
- Recommended Screening Ages
- Prostate health screenings ideally start at 45, and as early as 35 for those with a family history.
- Benefits of Preventive Care
- Early detection of issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol imbalance can prevent major health events and improve outcomes, especially for conditions like prostate cancer.
