Men’s Health Checks: When to Start, What to Test, and What to Stop Avoiding

In your 20s — establish a baseline

Annual: BP, BMI, mental health screen. Every 2 years: cholesterol
panel (especially with family history), STI screening if sexually active. One-off:
testicular self-exam education, immunisation review (especially HPV catch-up if missed). It’s also a
great age to register with a regular GP — continuity of care saves lives later.

In your 30s — early prevention

Annual: BP, BMI, alcohol consumption review, mental health check. Every 2
years: cholesterol, blood glucose. If risk factors: cardiovascular risk
assessment, sleep apnoea screening (snoring + tiredness + overweight). Your 30s are when burnout really
starts — mental health support is normal and effective.

In your 40s — proactive screening

Annual: BP, BMI, mental health, lifestyle review. From 45 every 1–2
years: Heart Health Check (Medicare-funded). Annual: skin check (especially
with sun exposure). If overweight: HbA1c (diabetes screening). If
symptoms: testosterone level. By 45, your cardiovascular risk is real — and largely
modifiable.

In your 50s — full surveillance

Annual: full check-up — BP, BMI, lipids, glucose, kidney, liver. From
50: prostate examination + PSA (or earlier with family history). From 50:
free bowel cancer screening kit (mailed every 2 years). Annual: skin check, hearing
check (every 5 years), eye exam (every 2 years). This is the decade of “catch it now while it’s still
fixable.”

In your 60s+ — maintenance

Annual: 75+ Health Assessment (Medicare-funded). Annual: vision and
hearing. Annual: prostate review. Annual: medication review
(de-prescribing if appropriate). Annual: falls risk assessment.
Vaccines: free shingles vaccine at 65, free pneumococcal at 70, annual flu free under
NIP.

Mental health is health

Australian men account for over 75% of suicides. The number-one barrier is the cultural reluctance to
talk about it. Mental Health Care Plans are bulk-billed at Cranbourne West and unlock 10 free psychology
sessions per year. If you’ve been struggling for more than 2 weeks — book a longer appointment with your
GP. You will not be judged. You will be listened to.

Sexual health for men

Erectile dysfunction is often the FIRST sign of cardiovascular disease — please don’t
ignore it. Low testosterone presents as fatigue, low libido, mood changes — easily
tested with a morning blood draw. STI screening is bulk-billed and confidential through
our SHIP clinic. PrEP is available for ongoing HIV prevention.
Prostate checks from age 50 (or 40 with family history).

Practical advice — what to bring to your check-up

Photo ID, Medicare card, any health/concession card, current medication list (or just bring the boxes),
any previous test results, any specialist letters, glasses if you wear them, and a list of questions or
concerns. We do longer appointments — book a 30-minute slot.