A men’s health check is a planned visit with your GP to look for health problems early, often before you notice anything wrong. Many men only see a doctor when something hurts, yet some common conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, can be present without any symptoms at all. This guide explains what the check usually covers, which tests are recommended at different ages and how to prepare. It also shows how to book with our men’s health services at Harpley Doctors in Werribee.
Key Takeaways
- Australian adults should have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least every 2 years.
- Heart disease risk checks are recommended from age 45, or earlier for some groups.
- Free bowel cancer screening is offered every 2 years to people aged 45 to 74.
- PSA testing for prostate cancer is a decision to talk through with your GP.
- Mental and sexual health are part of the conversation, not an extra.
What a men’s health check usually covers
Every check is shaped around your age, family history and lifestyle, so no two look exactly the same. Your GP will usually start with a conversation about your medical and family history, any medicines you take, and habits such as smoking, alcohol, exercise, diet and sleep. Work stress and mood are part of that conversation too.
From there, your doctor will take some simple measurements, such as your blood pressure, weight and waist, and decide which tests make sense for you. Blood tests for glucose or cholesterol are common, and they can be collected at the on-site pathology centre run by Australian Clinical Labs, open Monday to Friday 8 am to 12 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.
Checks by age and risk
Blood pressure
Healthdirect’s blood pressure guide says Australian adults should have their blood pressure checked by their doctor at least every 2 years. For most people, a healthy reading is lower than 130/85 mmHg.
Heart health
A heart disease risk check is recommended if you are aged 45 to 79, if you live with diabetes and are aged 35 to 79, or if you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person aged 30 to 79, according to healthdirect’s heart disease testing page. Your doctor uses the Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator. If your risk is low, you should be tested again within 5 years; if it is intermediate, within 2 years. You can book a heart health check at the clinic.
Medicare also funds health assessments for some groups, including people aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of chronic disease and people aged 75 and over, as set out by Services Australia.
Type 2 diabetes
Healthdirect’s diabetes screening page says your doctor should check your risk of type 2 diabetes every 3 years from age 40, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 and over are recommended a screening blood test once a year. If you already have diabetes, our diabetes care page explains how we manage it over time.
Not sure which checks you are due for? Book a standard consultation and your GP will work it out with you.
Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers free screening to people aged 45 to 74, using a simple at-home poo test every 2 years, as explained on healthdirect’s bowel cancer screening page. Bowel cancer can be cured if it is found early, so a men’s health check is a good time to ask whether you are up to date.
Prostate health
A PSA blood test measures a protein made by the prostate. According to healthdirect’s PSA test page, it is not recommended as a screening test for men with no symptoms or family history. Your doctor may recommend it if you have a family history of prostate cancer, a higher risk, or are aged 50 to 69. PSA testing alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer, so talk through the benefits and risks with your GP.
Skin
Cancer Council reports that about 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Show your doctor any new or changing spots, or book a dedicated skin check.
Mental health, sexual health and vaccinations
A good check looks at more than numbers. If stress, low mood or poor sleep are affecting you, our GPs offer mental health consultations and can talk about next steps. If you need to talk to someone right now, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
Healthdirect’s safe sex guide advises regular STI checks if you are sexually active and whenever you have a new sexual partner, and sexual health and STD screening is one of our listed services. Your GP can also review your immunisations, such as the whooping cough booster that the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends for adults at 50 and 65.
How to prepare for your men’s health check
Bring a list of your medicines, any family history you know of (such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer), and the questions you want answered. Standard consultations run for up to 15 minutes, so a written list helps you cover what matters most. Dr Reda Aboelsaad lists men’s health and preventive care among his interests, and Dr Khalida Batool lists preventive checks and weight management; you can read more about them on our team page.
All consultations and procedures are bulk billed. For more on why ongoing checks matter, read about regular health check-ups. When you are ready, book online through HealthEngine or call the clinic to arrange your men’s health check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should men have a health check?
It depends on your age and risk. Blood pressure should be checked at least every 2 years, heart disease risk is rechecked within 2 to 5 years depending on your result, and diabetes risk every 3 years from 40. Your GP will set a schedule that fits you.
Is a PSA test part of every check?
No. Healthdirect advises that the PSA test is not recommended as a screening test for men without symptoms or a family history. It may be suggested if you are at higher risk or aged 50 to 69, after a discussion of the benefits and risks.
Is the check bulk billed?
All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors are bulk billed.
Can I do bowel cancer screening at home?
Yes. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free at-home test every 2 years to people aged 45 to 74. Your GP can check whether you are up to date.
A little planning now can help catch problems early. Book online through HealthEngine or call Harpley Doctors in Werribee.