8 health mistakes men often make—and what to do about them

Given long-standing stereotypes about how men are supposed to behave, they often feel pressure to appear strong or fearless, no matter the circumstances. But all too often, living up to these expectations can take a toll on health and well-being. 

Research shows that men are more likely than women to drink too much alcohol, smoke, and suppress their feelings, for example. They’re also more likely to neglect their health. That means engaging in fewer preventive health behaviors and skipping regular visits to healthcare providers (HCPs).

“Preventive care is really important and keeping up with it is not a sign of weakness,” says Kenneth Perry, MD, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina.

Here are some of the health mistakes many men make that could be shaving years off their lives—and what to do about them.

Research consistently shows that men are less likely to see HCPs than women. Many men often delay seeking medical care or even avoid mentioning medical problems to their loved ones. That's according to a 2019 survey conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic. Why is this so?

The American Heart Association speculates that some men believe they don’t have the time to spare, while others may not have an HCP they trust. In many cases, men might assume there’s nothing seriously wrong with them or that they can “tough out” their symptoms, according to Dr. Perry.

The problem is, not seeing an HCP when you’re due for a checkup or when you’ve developed concerning symptoms is risky and could have serious health consequences. Medical attention is not only helpful when you have an immediate health issue, such as an infection or the flu. It's also essential for long-term health. Men who skip appointments could also be missing out on routine screenings, vaccinations, and important conversations with their HCP about changes in their conditions and lifestyle habits. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are among the numbers that should be monitored over time.

“Small changes—like your blood pressure going up a point here and there or your weight going up by a few pounds every year—could be addressed at routine visits," says Perry. “But if they aren’t addressed right away, they can become difficult to fix.”

Talk to an HCP about how often you need to have regular checkups. Routine appointments help your HCP monitor any conditions you have and potentially identify other health issues that may arise. It’s also a good idea to establish a relationship with a primary care physician so you know where to turn if you need medical attention in the future.

For the past several decades, research has shown that men of all ages are less likely than women to seek help coping with stress and depression. Women may have higher overall rates of depression, but research suggests that the condition is often unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated among men.

Avoiding mental health discussions can have serious repercussions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that men account for about four in five of all completed suicides. Compared to women, men are also less likely to admit that they have stress.

Some men may not be comfortable asking for help, assuming that doing so is not “manly” or that voicing their concerns will become a burden to others. The fear of a serious health issue may also be a deterrent, Perry says: “Many men are nervous that there might be something majorly wrong, and if there is something wrong, that it's a sign of weakness."

In many cases, identifying and treating mental health issues early leads to better outcomes. Some of the signs you should watch out for include:

• Anger and aggression
• Changes in mood, energy level, and appetite
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Prolonged sadness
• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with regular activities

If you have any of these symptoms for more than a few days and you think you may have depression, see an HCP. A combination of medication and talk therapy is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorder. Exercise, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, yoga, and mindfulness meditation can also help. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel like you may do harm to yourself or others, call, text, or chat 988 to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Men are also more likely to neglect their oral health. They may not brush their teeth or visit the dentist as often as experts advise.

“Good oral hygiene helps prevent bacterial buildup in your mouth,” says Perry. “If you have a broken or cracked tooth that’s allowing bacteria to get in, that can be the source of an infection that becomes life-threatening.”

Most men only brush their teeth 1.9 times per day, which is just under the recommended two times per day. A 2018 study presented at an American Heart Association meeting found that adults who brush their teeth less than twice a day for less than two minutes have a higher risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Skipping dental checkups and neglecting oral hygiene have been linked to chronic health issues, like diabetes and heart and lung disease. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancers and gum disease than women.

Most men should visit the dentist twice a year and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Keep in mind, there is a proper way to brush your teeth: Use fluoride toothpaste, brush with small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes, and don’t forget to brush along your gumline. Be sure to floss every day. Doing so will help remove any leftover food that a toothbrush can’t easily reach. If you notice any issues such as toothaches, sensitivity, bleeding, sore gums, or cracked or broken teeth, see a dentist, and discuss how often you should have regular cleanings or checkups.

Men are nearly twice as likely as women to binge drink, defined as having five or more drinks during one sitting. About one in five men admit to binge drinking five times a month, according to the CDC. Men also have higher rates of death and hospitalization related to alcohol use. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of aggression, physical assault, and suicide in men. It can also affect sexual health and fertility, increasing the risk for impotence.

Excessive drinking is associated with several chronic health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, stroke, depression, mental decline, and alcohol dependence. Even men who are moderate drinkers are at increased risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, prostate, and colon.

A large 2018 study published in The Lancet concluded that the safest level of drinking is none and the health risks associated with drinking outweigh any possible benefits. This means if you don't already drink alcohol, don’t start. If you do drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer (at 5 percent alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (at 12 percent alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of liquor (at 40 percent alcohol).

If you think you may be addicted to alcohol, talk to your HCP or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s confidential hotline at 1-800-662-HELP to find local treatment centers, support groups, and other resources.

Men are more likely than women to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. They are also less likely to survive the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, 59,170 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in men and about 5,430 men will die of the cancer. (That's compared to 41,470 new cases and 2,860 deaths in women.) 

Research shows that men may be less likely to wear sunscreen. Some researchers also think that men have thicker skin with less fat underneath and more collagen and elastin than women. This may make their skin more susceptible to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Some studies show that men’s skin reacts more intensely to sun exposure and that it may not heal as well from sun damage. The CDC also reports that, on average, most men spend more time outside during their lifetime than women, which can have a cumulative effect and result in more damage.

Men should follow typical skin care recommendations, like wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours while exposed to the sun. It’s also a good idea to reduce your sun exposure by wearing long-sleeved shirts and hats or seeking shade during peak daylight hours in the middle of the day.

It's worth talking with a dermatologist if you have an increased risk of melanoma or you’re over 50, you have large or unusual moles, fair skin, or a family or personal history of skin cancer. They can help determine how often you should have regular skin checks. Pay attention to your skin, too: If you notice unusual or changing spots, itching, redness, or bleeding, see an HCP.

Many men experience problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or trouble urinating at some point in their lives. But because these topics may seem embarassing, they may not discuss them with loved ones or HCPs. As you age, though, it’s especially important to address these symptoms, since some of them may signal underlying health issues. Erectile dysfunction, for example, could be a sign of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease, or multiple sclerosis.

Sometimes, sexual problems are linked to work-related stress, past sexual trauma, or relationship problems. Taking certain medications, smoking, heavy drinking, being overweight, and not exercising can also contribute to sexual dysfunction. If you’re having trouble urinating or you’re urinating more often than usual, it could be a sign of benign prostatic hyperplasia—a condition that can appear as you get older and as your prostate gland grows. Certain medications like nasal decongestants could cause urinary problems, too.

Talk with an HCP to work through these issues. Being diagnosed and treated for an underlying condition or mental health issue could reduce or improve ED. Certain lifestyle changes may also help. If you have ED, your HCP can help determine if you would benefit from medication, hormone therapy, or a vacuum device that helps produce an erection. Surgically implanted devices are typically only used as a last resort. 

About 13 percent of American men still smoke as of 2021, even though the negative health effects are well-established. These include an increased risk for heart disease, lung disease, cancer, stroke, and infertility.

Men who smoke are 17 times more likely to die from bronchitis and emphysema and 23 times more likely to die from cancer of the trachea, lung, and bronchi (the tubes that channel air through the lungs). Middle-aged male smokers are also nearly four times more likely to die from heart disease.

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, it’s time to stop. Talk to an HCP about medications and techniques that can help you quit smoking. You could also consider joining an American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking program in your area or find out more about available programs from your health plan or local hospital.

You probably know you’re supposed to exercise, but how often are you doing it? In general, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like walking or yoga) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running or swimming) per week. For more health benefits, aim for at least 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

But only one in four men actually meet these goals. Skipping exercise and living a sedentary lifestyle (one that involves a lot of sitting) can increase your risk of not only physical problems but also mental health issues like stress.

Exercise is an essential part of keeping your mind and body well. It triggers the release of certain brain chemicals—such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—which can help ease stress and improve your mood and energy level. Regular physical activity helps reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Breaking a sweat will also help strengthen your muscles, which will support and strengthen your bones as you age. It’s also important to incorporate strength training into your routine, as well as flexibility and balance training, which can lower your risk of injury, relax your muscles, and enhance your range of motion. Always consult an HCP before starting any fitness program to determine if it's safe for you.