In short
Blood pressure from 18, a heart check and bowel screening from 45, and a conversation about prostate testing from 50. Here’s the list by age.
On this page
A men’s health check is a visit to a GP to look for problems before they cause symptoms. What’s worth checking depends on your age, your family history and how you live. This is what Australian guidelines and screening programs cover.
At any age
- Blood pressure. At least every two years from 18.
- Skin. Know your own skin and see a GP about any spot that’s new or changing.
- Mental health. Low mood, anxiety, drinking more than you want to. A GP is a good first stop.
- Sexual health. Testing for sexually transmitted infections if you’ve had a new partner or any symptoms.
- Testicles. See a GP about any lump, swelling or ache. Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 20 to 40.
From your 40s
- Heart Health Check. Medicare funds a heart check with a GP from 45, or from 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It covers blood pressure, cholesterol and your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Diabetes risk. A risk assessment from 40, with a blood test if your risk is raised.
- Bowel cancer screening. The national program offers a free home test kit every two years from 45 to 74. Between 45 and 49 you request your first kit. From 50 it’s sent to you.
- Waist and weight. See waist circumference for men.
Want a plan that fits your health?
An Australian GP can check the basics and work out a realistic plan with you, by phone or video.
From your 50s
- Prostate. Talk to a GP about the pros and cons of PSA testing from 50, or earlier if your father or brother had prostate cancer. It’s a decision, not an automatic test.
- Eyes and hearing. Regular eye checks pick up glaucoma early.
From 65 and over
- Vaccines. Free flu and shingles vaccines from 65 under the National Immunisation Program, and a pneumococcal vaccine from 70.
- Bone density. Medicare covers a bone density scan from 70.
Things men tend not to bring up
Erection problems, low sex drive, hair loss, premature ejaculation, snoring and weight. All of them are routine for a GP, and some are early signs of something else. Erection problems, for example, can come before heart disease. See what we help with.
How to prepare
- Write down what you want to cover, most important first.
- Know your family history: heart disease, diabetes and cancers in parents and siblings, and the age they were diagnosed.
- Bring a list of your medicines and supplements.
Next step: talk to a GP
Request an appointment and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
References
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners: Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (Red Book)
- Australian Government: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
- Heart Foundation: Heart Health Checks
- Healthy Male: Health checks
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.