A lot of people—particularly men—visit the doctor less than they need to. I’ve heard some friends tell me that they’re too busy, and the doctor often sends them home without much intervention. There’s a low probability of the condition getting worse, and intervention introduces complications. Doctors even have a term for this, “the tincture of time.”

That’s entirely different from not going to the doctor at all and making a best guess yourself without medical expertise.

The two outcomes might seem the same—do nothing—and so, the appointment was a waste of time and money. However, when you visit the doctor, you understand the reason you’re doing nothing. You have a professional reason and recommendation. You built confidence. You’ve actually made an informed decision.

When you don’t see the doctor, you’re making a best guess and hoping that nothing will happen. While it’ll probably be fine most of the time, getting certainty from a good doctor is usually the better idea.