Nearly a third of US adults avoid medical care due to stigma, 91% say it cost them

TelyRx surveyed 1,049 U.S. adults in September 2026 and found that nearly 31% have delayed or avoided medical care because of stigma associated with certain health conditions, according to marshfieldmail.com and newtoncountytimes.com.

While cost is often considered the main barrier to care, the survey revealed that stigma also plays a significant role. About 1 in 5 adults would hesitate or avoid treatment for stigmatized conditions even if it were free, the reports said.

The most common conditions causing discomfort with in-person treatment were sexually transmitted infections (22%), mental health issues like depression or anxiety (20%), and conditions such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal atrophy (19%), according to the survey findings.

Nearly 3 in 5 adults said they would feel uncomfortable seeking treatment for at least one stigmatized condition. Delaying care due to stigma led to negative outcomes for 91% of those who avoided treatment, including prolonged symptoms (40%), worsening mental health (38%), and increased feelings of shame or guilt (37%), the reports noted.

These findings highlight the challenges faced by patients with stigmatized conditions and the importance of addressing stigma to improve health outcomes, as emphasized by the survey data shared by TelyRx and reported by multiple outlets.