For many men, an annual physical is low on the priority list — if it’s on the list at all. Work, family responsibilities, and a general “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mindset often lead men to skip these essential checkups.
However, avoiding regular doctor visits can have serious health consequences.
Here’s why many men don’t get annual physicals — and five reasons they should, courtesy of the expert team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina.
More than half of men — 53% of white men and 63% of men of color — take a pass on regular screenings, but the reasons vary. According to self-reported survey answers, men may feel inclined to skip their exam if:
Many men assume that as long as they feel fine, they don’t need to see a doctor. However, many serious health conditions, like high blood pressure (the silent killer) and early-stage diabetes, develop without noticeable symptoms.
Some men avoid the doctor because they’re worried about what they might discover. Ignoring health issues, though, doesn’t make them go away — it only increases the risk of complications.
Between work, family, and other commitments, making time for doctor’s visits can seem inconvenient.
Many men feel uncomfortable with medical exams, especially those that involve intimate screenings, such as prostate exams. However, these tests are quick and essential for catching potential issues early.
Younger men, in particular, may feel they don’t need a checkup because they’re in good shape.
Reasons to prioritize your annual physical include:
Regular checkups can catch serious conditions — such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — before they progress. Early treatment is often easier and more effective and can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
In some cases, early detection even helps reverse conditions. For example, elevated blood sugar (prediabetes) can progress into full-blown diabetes. Detecting elevated blood sugar early through routine labs could reverse the condition with lifestyle changes.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, yet they often present no symptoms. We check your cholesterol during your annual exam and your blood pressure at every appointment, including sick visits.
If either reading is abnormal, we can help you adopt lifestyle changes and prescribe medication to safely lower your numbers.
Low testosterone levels can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and low libido. You can’t know for sure if your hormones are to blame unless you get your levels tested.
About 38% of men report feeling worried about cancer, but the number may be higher. Cancer screenings can spot the earliest signs.
During your annual exam, your Select Family Practice and Urgent Care provider reviews your personal and family medical history. Based on this information, they can recommend the appropriate cancer screenings.
Age-appropriate screenings — such as prostate exams, colonoscopies, and skin cancer checks — can catch cancer in its early stages when it’s most treatable.
Your routine exam is the perfect time to bring up any new or changing symptoms you’re experiencing. For example, if you struggle with erectile dysfunction, mention it. This common issue doesn’t just impact your sexual health; it can be an early sign of heart issues or diabetes.
If you notice other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, weight gain, constant thirst, depression, or anxiety, let us know, even if your symptoms seem unconnected.
If you’ve had exams before, we can compare these symptoms and labs to previous exams and look for trends. We may recommend weight loss programs, mental health support, lifestyle changes, or medication as needed.
Investing in annual checkups isn’t just about avoiding illness, it's about optimizing your health to stay strong, energized, and active for years to come. Call us at 919-676-0202 or request an appointment online today.
