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Nearly a third of US adults avoid medical care due to stigma, 91% say it’s cost them
The survey found 91% of those who delayed care reported consequences, and 1 in 5 would still hesitate even if treatment were free.
- A September 2026 TelyRx survey of 1,049 U.S. adults found that nearly a third have delayed or avoided medical treatment because of stigma around their health condition.
- Discomfort driving treatment avoidance centers on STIs , followed by mental health conditions like depression or anxiety , and erectile dysfunction or vaginal atrophy .
- Ninety-One percent of those who delayed care reported consequences, with the most common being symptoms persisting longer than if treated immediately , and 22% eventually requiring urgent or emergency care.
- Even if treatment were free, 20% of Americans would still hesitate to seek help, while 28% have avoided picking up prescriptions to prevent being seen or recognized.
- Private, at-home options such as online evaluations with licensed providers and discreet delivery would make 77% of adults who delayed care more likely to seek treatment, per TelyRx research.
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72 Articles
72 Articles
Omaha World-Herald+71 Reposted by 71 other sources
Nearly a third of US adults avoid medical care due to stigma, 91% say it’s cost them
TelyRx reports that nearly 31% of U.S. adults avoid medical care due to stigma.
·Omaha, United States
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Total News Sources72
Leaning Left8Leaning Right5Center58Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Center
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
82% Center
11%
C 82%
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