Some men avoid wearing pink and visiting a doctor with equal conviction. But both can save you — one from fashion monotony, the other from serious health issues.

Style and dress aside, men’s health is important. Studies conducted across more than 200 countries indicate men are more likely than women to suffer from major health conditions, contributing to a life expectancy of about 75 years —more than five years shorter than that of women.

Yet, men hesitate to go to the doctor. Compared to women, men are 33% less likely to seek medical care.

Medical professionals have identified several key reasons why some men are reluctant to seek medical advice, including psychological, societal and practical barriers.

Psychological barriers: Some find comfort in not knowing

Part of what holds men back from seeing a doctor is nothing compels them to do so. Unless prompted by a medical event, men are not likely to seek routine care. And for many, avoiding the doctor or skipping screenings feels easier than facing the possibility of bad news.

The adage, “What we don’t know won’t hurt us,” is a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening approach to health care.

Whether you’re feeling great or facing challenges, knowing where your health stands is one of the most powerful things a man can do. Prioritizing routine preventive health care visits to the doctor means taking proactive steps to avoid serious conditions altogether.

Societal barriers: The cultural clash keeping men from care

Cultural beliefs can influence whether men seek medical care. Many men feel pressure to live up to certain societal standards. Conforming to false ideals of manhood contributes significantly to men’s higher rates of injury and even mortality.

To address these issues, it is important for health care providers to recognize cultural differences and offer health messaging sensitive and specific to different cultures.

This is especially important when dealing with mental health. For example, Black and Hispanic men are less likely to seek guidance with mental health concerns. Some reasons include not speaking the same language as the doctor or having financial challenges that prevent minority men from seeing a doctor.

According to the CDC’s National Health Statistics Report, many minority men think it’s important to have a doctor who understands their culture, but they often can’t find one. Minority men find it hard to share health concerns and to establish trust with a doctor who does not share their cultural experience.

Practical barriers: Masculinity versus medicine – prioritizing toughness over real-life limitations

Pow! Boom! Kablam!

Appearing to be invincible is engrained in many men from a young age. From the time they take their first steps– and their first spill – they are often taught to be tough. Don’t cry. Shake it off. Be strong. These mantras, over time, can result in men wanting to appear indestructible, like many of their childhood superheroes.

The need for a doctor contradicts a superhero’s representation of strength and resilience. Superheroes don’t break; they don’t need fixing. Wolverines have access to healing methods and have no need for conventional medicine.

But here’s the problem: The same cannot be said for our real-life heroes — especially among men who feel they must always be strong. Our everyday superheroes tend to hold themselves to the same standards as fabled heroes, feeling the responsibility to be the fixer, the provider, the protector for others – oftentimes forsaking their own wellbeing.

How to encourage men to see a doctor

Sometimes it takes a loved one or friend to give men the encouragement they need to see a doctor. Here are a few things you can do to help.

Express empathetic concern. Help them to understand the importance of preventive care. Many medical conditions such as high blood pressure and some cancers often develop with no obvious symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Many serious health problems such as prostate cancer can be managed or even prevented through routine care. Some of the risks in not taking a proactive, preventive approach to health care include late diagnoses of serious health conditions, higher hospitalization rates and increased risks of long-term, life-altering health complications.

Share your experiences. Share positive outcomes from your health care journey. Seeing a doctor doesn’t mean you’re signing up for judgment or lectures. Doctors are there to aid patients on their health journey, to keep them healthy, active and living the lifestyle they desire to live.

Review options. Many health care providers now offer virtual visits, which can be a great option for men who feel anxious or uncomfortable going to a doctor’s office. Talking to a doctor from home can help ease nerves and make it easier to open up about health concerns. For men with busy schedules or long work hours, many clinics also offer after-hours appointments — both in-person and online — making it more convenient to get care without disrupting their day.

Help them find a doctor. Sometimes, the most challenging part of starting something new is taking the first step. Offer to help your loved one locate a doctor who fits their needs. Schedule the appointment on their behalf. Better yet, accompany your loved one to the appointment to help set them at ease.

Men don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero. Sometimes the bravest thing a man can do is take care of his health and take care of it timely. True strength isn’t about being invincible, it’s about being intentional.

As the saying goes, real men wear pink — because confidence means facing the unknown head on, breaking down societal stereotypes and setting aside weighty, superhero expectations.

Be bold. Wear pink. See your doctor.