The dangerous mistake 65% of men make at the doctor’s office

Two thirds of men are lying to their doctors’ faces, new research from Rutgers University suggests.

For the study, men privately filled out surveys about how often they experienced five common symptoms: diarrhea, heartburn or gas, acne, uncontrollable worry, and depressed mood.

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Later, pre-med students posing as doctors asked the men the same questions in person.

Only one third of the men told the doctors the same thing they had written on the private survey. The rest downplayed their symptoms.

Why the dishonesty? Some men are reluctant to reveal any weakness to another person, the researchers say. They may think it’ll make them seem not “macho” to admit they have an upset stomach or feel depressed.

But that’s BS. Physicians are bound by confidentiality, says study author Mary Himmelstein, Ph.D., so the doctor’s office is the one place you can open up without feeling embarrassed.

Plus, most doctors have seen way worse than your occasional diarrhea.

Even symptoms that seem minor to you can be important for your doctor to know. For example, Heartburn Can Literally Cause Cancer. Stress, depression, and anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction.

If you talk to your doctor about these things, you may be able to treat your problem before it becomes serious—or fatal.

So find a doctor you feel comfortable with, says Himmelstein. And then be as honest with him or her as you would be with an anonymous piece of paper. Your life may depend on it.