Paul De Lipski is better than many men when it comes to seeking health care, his wife Becky Arredondo-De Lipski says.

But even he admits he sometimes drags his heels.

"It depends on what the problem is," says Paul, 37, of San Mateo. "If it’s something serious, I’ll schedule an appointment. If it’s something that’s more of a nuisance, I might wait longer."

Most recently he complained about shoulder pain for five months before calling Kristen Willison, M.D., for an exam.

Dr. Willison, a family practice physician, hears similar reports from many families she treats.

"Historically, men have been working, and they think they don’t have time to visit their doctor," she says. "They think they’re invincible."

The time crunch explains some of Paul’s reluctance to schedule appointments.

"It has to be something that’s really bothering me or can’t wait," he says. "Most of the time I feel it can wait."

Between raising their children, Gavin, 16 months, and Sasha, 7, and commuting to his cardiac research and development job in Santa Clara, free time is at a premium.

"We haven’t even had time to hang a calendar this year," Becky says.

By contrast, Becky is quick to call Dr. Willison.

"I really believe in preventative care," Becky says. "In my family, there’s a history of cancer and diabetes, and high cholesterol and high blood pressure run in Paul’s family."

Dr. Willison says women traditionally have been more accustomed to seeking medical care. Women regularly visit doctors for their children’s exams, during pregnancy or for birth control.

"With the men, we never had anything like that," she says. "They always seemed proud about not getting checkups. 'Only women go to the doctor,' was a common attitude."

In roughly the past five years, Dr. Willison says, she’s noticed a shift in attitude, especially in younger men who often arrive in her office armed with a list of health worries.

"More men are coming in now," Dr. Willison says. "My hunch is that it’s because there’s more public awareness and education about heart disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and even anxiety and sleep disorders."

Generational differences also play a role.

"Baby boomers want to live a long time and be healthy and active, compared with previous generations," she says. "One man in his 80s told me: 'Years ago, nothing was hurting, nothing was wrong with me. Why would I go to the doctor?'"

For those whose guy resists routine checkups or other medical appointments, Dr. Willison shares tips that have worked for her female patients and associates.

"Sometimes wives will say, 'I’m tired of hearing about that ache and pain, go to the doctor. I’m not going to listen anymore,'" she says.

Other women bargain. For example, if he’ll go to the doctor, she’ll cook his favorite meal. Or in extreme cases, women have told Dr. Willison they withhold something important to their partner.

"'No sex unless you go to the doctor' — I’ve heard that from a few women," she says.

Another woman drew her line in the sand, informing her partner: "I’m not going to take care of you when you’re older, if you don’t take care of your health now."

Dr. Willison personally prefers a gentler approach by asking: "Would you do me a favor please, and schedule a doctor’s appointment?"

Becky also favors low-key tactics.

"I try to be supportive as I can, then I give him gentle reminders," she says. "I’ll say, 'So have you called yet? Will you call?' I try to let him go at his own pace."

Whatever method they use, women’s encouragement pays off. One medical school study revealed that married men influenced by their wives were 2.4 times more likely to seek health care than were unmarried men.

Whenever Paul is ready to schedule an appointment, he says working with Dr. Willison makes the process easier.

"I have a doctor that is so genuine, personable and willing to take her time," he says. "If I hated my doctor it would make me wait that much longer."