Six in 10 Men Put off Medical Care Unless Reminded By Their Loves Ones

A nationwide survey of over 900 American men revealed 6 in 10 men admit they put off medical care unless they are pressured or reminded by their family and loved ones. This finding, released in June 2026 by eHealth, underscores an opportunity for community pharmacists to act as a bridge between men’s health avoidance and the preventative services they need.¹

Because 82% of men prioritize their family’s needs above their own personal health, the pharmacy counter—a place where men often visit to pick up medications for their families—serves as an intervention point for shifting the focus back toward their own wellness.¹

The reasons men avoid the physician’s office are varied but consistent. According to the eHealth data, 42% of men skipped or delayed recommended medical care in the past year, with 33% citing cost concerns and 32% stating they did not believe their symptoms were serious enough to warrant professional attention.¹

This tendency to minimize symptoms is often compounded by cultural norms of stoicism and self-reliance, which discourage men from seeking medical advice or showing vulnerability. These behavioral barriers often lead to late-stage diagnoses for manageable conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers.²

For the pharmacy profession, these statistics represent a call to integrate male-friendly care into daily operations. As universally accessible providers, pharmacists can reduce logistical hurdles—such as inconvenient clinic hours or the need for appointments—that often deter men from seeking care. By offering walk-in screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk, pharmacies can help men know these numbers in a convenient, informal setting. The eHealth survey also found that 49% of men take supplements to improve their health or vigor, providing a natural entry point for pharmacists to discuss broader topics like heart health or chronic disease management.^1-3

However, simply offering services is not always enough to overcome the culture that often surrounds men’s health. The International Pharmaceutical Federation notes that the physical environment of many pharmacies can feel geared toward women and children, which may inadvertently alienate male patients. Experts suggest that pharmacies can create a more welcoming atmosphere by highlighting male-specific products and ensuring that private consultation rooms are clearly visible and advertised. Privacy is a paramount concern, as men are often reluctant to discuss sensitive issues such as mental health or sexual wellness in public spaces.²

Engagement often requires pharmacists to meet men where they are, both physically and through tailored communication. Successful global initiatives have seen pharmacists conducting outreach in barbershops, sports clubs, and even pubs to build trust outside the formal health care system. Additionally, using motivational interviewing techniques can help pharmacists navigate sensitive conversations, allowing them to ask open-ended questions that empower men to take charge of their own health rather than feeling lectured.²

As Men’s Health Month begins to wrap up, the survey offers a powerful motivator for the profession. It was shown that 38% of men say being present for family or loved ones is their biggest motivator, followed by 36% citing their mental health. By leveraging these family bonds and providing accessible, proactive care, pharmacists can play a decisive role in ensuring that men stay healthy enough to enjoy the quality time with loved ones they value most.¹

REFERENCES

1. eHealth. Men’s Health Priorities. June 2026. Accessed June 23, 2026. https://news.ehealthinsurance.com/_ir/68/20265/4b4461e3ce22f960d7fc84c954c7d751/Mens_Health_Fathers_Day_Survey_2026_FINAL.pdf

2. International Pharmaceutical Federation. Advancing men’s health through pharmacy. June 2025. Accessed June 23, 2026. https://www.fip.org/file/6299

3. Lumistry. Men’s Health Month: How Pharmacies Can Support Awareness, Prevention, and Better Outcomes. June 2, 2026. Accessed June 23, 2026. https://lumistry.com/blog/mens-health-month-at-your-pharmacy/