“Zocdoc Reports: A Year in Men’s Health” is a comprehensive data analysis of men’s health-related appointment booking trends. In honor of Father’s Day, we explored how American men are engaging with healthcare professionals, and how that has evolved year over year. To do so, Zocdoc analyzed its aggregated men’s health appointment booking data, along with booking data related to common men’s health issues, for the past two years (from June 2020-May 2021 and June 2021-May 2022).
The data shows that men, a significant majority of whom would rather clean the bathroom or mow the lawn than go to the doctor – and twice as many of whom have not seen a doctor in the past two years, compared to women – are increasingly seeking care. Additionally, while not all men are fathers, whether by choice or circumstance, the data shows that men are increasingly engaging in contraceptive and sexual wellness care.
Men aren’t skipping a heartbeat with preventive care
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States and according to the CDC, men and women looking to reduce their risk of heart disease should engage in a number of types of screenings and care. Year over year*:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screenings increased by 243%
- Diabetes consultation and follow-up appointments increased by 34%
- Cholesterol screening and management appointments increased by 24%
- Blood pressure testing and high blood pressure / hypertension appointments increased by 21%
There’s recognition that sexual health is part of overall health
With searches for vasectomies and testosterone replacement therapy rising in recent years, and PrEP adoption growing – particularly among men – it’s clear that men are taking charge of their hormonal and sexual wellness. Year over year*:
- Testosterone replacement therapy appointments increased by 70%
- PrEP (HIV pre-exposure Prophylaxis) appointments increased by 51%
- Vasectomy/male sterilization appointments increased by 28%
Disease prevention care is growing
According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2019, more than 67% of adults aged 50-75 received a colorectal cancer screening based on the most recent guidelines; the disease is more common in men than women. Another disease more common in men than women, with men being 1.5 times more likely to have it than women, is Parkinson’s disease. Screenings for this disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, as well as colorectal and testicular cancer screenings, are on the rise. Year over year*:
- Testicular pain and cancer appointments increased by 32%
- Colorectal cancer screening and follow-up appointments increased by 66%
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s rehab appointments increased by 24%