Why Men Should See Their Primary Care Doctor—Especially for Unexplained Fatigue

It’s easy to overlook regular visits to the doctor, especially when life gets busy. For men, in particular, health often takes a backseat until a problem becomes unavoidable. But ignoring symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, can have serious consequences.

In a new Instagram reel, Ahmed Alnahhas, M.D., a family medicine physician with Baptist Health Primary Care in Boca Raton, shares why it’s crucial for men to prioritize regular checkups and what lingering fatigue could signal about your health.

The Case for Regular Checkups

In a new Instagram reel, hear from Ahmed Alnahhas, M.D., a family medicine physician with Baptist Health Primary Care in Boca Raton..

Many men avoid the doctor until there’s an acute illness or injury. This approach, however, can be risky. Routine checkups serve as a vital tool for tracking overall health and catching warning signs before they escalate into more serious conditions.

“One important reason for men to see their primary care doctor is to monitor and manage cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Alnahhas. “Regular checkups can catch warning signs early and help prevent serious problems.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., but early intervention can make a big difference. Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels are simple yet powerful steps in disease prevention.

Beyond cardiovascular issues, primary care visits go beyond just physical checkups—they include conversations about mental health, lifestyle habits, and personalized strategies to improve wellness. A trusted primary care provider acts as a partner in your long-term health.

What Unexplained Fatigue Could Be Telling You

We all feel tired from time to time, but unexplained fatigue—persistent or sudden—is a different story. It’s your body’s way of signaling that something may be off.

“One subtle symptom that men should never ignore is unexplained fatigue, especially if it’s persistent or comes on suddenly,” says Dr. Alnahhas. Fatigue may seem harmless on the surface, but it could be a clue pointing to a deeper health issue.

“Well, it might be easy to just kind of chalk it up and not worry about it or stress about it,” Dr. Alnahhas continues, “but the fatigue can be an early warning sign of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or even certain cancers. If it doesn’t improve with rest or lifestyle changes, it’s worth getting checked out.”

Could It Be Heart Disease, Diabetes or Sleep Apnea?

Fatigue is a common but often overlooked symptom of heart problems. It could indicate issues such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, or even heart failure. When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, muscles and tissues lack the oxygen they need, leading to constant tiredness.

Other symptoms to watch for alongside fatigue include shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in the legs. These are all red flags that warrant immediate medical attention.

Chronic fatigue can also signal diabetes, particularly if accompanied by excessive thirst, frequent urination, or blurry vision. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, your cells don’t get the energy they need, leaving you feeling drained.

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, is another possible culprit. It can lead to poor-quality sleep, oxygen deprivation, and, in the long term, increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. A sleep study can diagnose this under-recognized condition and lead to effective treatment options, like lifestyle adjustments or CPAP therapy.

Other Underlying Causes

Fatigue can sometimes indicate more serious illnesses, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. While scary to think about, early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. That’s why seeking medical evaluation is critical when fatigue lingers despite adequate rest and self-care.

Seeing a primary care doctor regularly not only helps identify and address health issues early but also builds a strong partnership over time. Once your doctor becomes familiar with your baseline health, they can more easily spot any changes that might hint at underlying conditions.

Think of your annual physical as an investment in yourself—it’s a chance to fine-tune your health, discuss preventive measures, and get professional guidance tailored to your needs.

Breaking the Hesitation

For many men, reluctance to visit the doctor stems from fear, cultural norms, or simply not wanting to take the time. But ignoring health issues doesn’t make them go away. Making that appointment is a proactive step toward taking control of your well-being.

Dr. Alnahhas emphasizes, “If it doesn’t improve with rest or lifestyle changes, it’s worth getting checked out.”