In short: A men's health check is a GP appointment to look at your overall health and talk about the screening that is recommended for your age and risk. What your GP focuses on changes over time — lifestyle, mental health and sexual health in your 20s and 30s; heart, diabetes and bowel cancer risk from your 40s; and a wider set of checks from your 50s onwards. This guide explains what to expect at each stage, what to bring, and the questions worth asking.
Why See a GP When You Feel Well?
Many men only see a GP when something is wrong, or put off an appointment until a problem is hard to ignore. Yet several of the conditions that matter for long-term health — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and some cancers — often cause no symptoms in their early stages.
Age-appropriate screening recommended by national health guidelines can help find some of these early. A GP visit is also an opportunity to raise anything you have been meaning to ask about, from sleep and stress to sexual health, in a confidential setting.
You do not need to feel unwell to talk to a GP about screening. Having a regular GP who knows your history can also make it easier to keep track of what you are due for.
What Happens at a Men's Health Check?
Every check is tailored to you, but most include some of the following:
- A chat about your general health, any symptoms, and your family history
- Lifestyle questions — diet, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, vaping and other drugs
- Blood pressure, weight and waist measurement
- A conversation about mental health, stress and sleep
- Blood tests where appropriate, such as cholesterol and blood sugar
- A review of vaccinations and any screening you are due for
- Time for your own questions
It is a two-way conversation. Your GP may suggest tests based on your age and risk, and you can decide together what makes sense for you.
In Your 20s and 30s: Building Good Foundations
For younger men, a health check is often more about setting up healthy habits and getting a baseline than finding disease. Your GP may talk with you about:
- Lifestyle — eating well, staying active, and keeping alcohol within the Australian guidelines. If you smoke or vape, your GP can help you quit.
- Blood pressure — having it checked, even when you feel well. Your GP can advise how often based on your readings and risk.
- Mental health — stress, mood, sleep and how you are coping with work, study, relationships or money. These are common reasons men feel run-down or not themselves, and they are worth raising.
- Sexual health — testing for sexually transmitted infections if you have a new partner or any concerns, and contraception questions.
- Skin checks — knowing your skin and having any new or changing spots checked. Our guide to skin cancer checks explains what to look for.
- Testicular awareness — getting to know what is normal for you, and seeing your GP about any lump, swelling or change.
- Vaccinations — checking you are up to date, including any catch-up vaccines and those needed for work or travel.
- Family history — if close relatives had heart disease, diabetes or certain cancers at a young age, your GP may suggest earlier checks.
In Your 40s: Checking Your Risk
Your 40s are when your GP will start looking more closely at your longer-term risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
- Diabetes risk — it is recommended that your doctor checks your risk of type 2 diabetes every 3 years from 40 years of age, or more often if you are at higher risk. Read more in our type 2 diabetes guide.
- Heart Health Check — adults aged 45 and over (and from 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who do not have known heart disease may be eligible for a Medicare Heart Health Check, which looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol and other factors to estimate your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol — your GP may arrange blood tests and regular blood pressure checks. Our guide to high blood pressure explains what the numbers mean.
- 45–49 health assessment — if you are aged 45–49 and have a risk factor for chronic disease, you may be eligible for a longer health assessment.
- Bowel cancer screening — through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible Australians can screen with a home test kit every two years from age 45. Your GP can help you request a kit; learn more on our preventive health page.
- Prostate health — there is no national prostate screening program. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, your GP may suggest talking about PSA testing earlier than for men at average risk. This is an individual decision made with your GP — see our prostate health service.
In Your 50s and Beyond: A Wider Set of Checks
From 50, many of the same checks continue, and a few more become relevant:
- Bowel screening — people aged 50 to 74 are usually mailed a home test kit every two years through the national program. Doing the test each time it arrives is recommended, even if you feel well.
- Prostate health — men at average risk may be offered PSA testing every two years from 50 to 69, after discussing the benefits and possible harms with their GP. Urinary changes, such as getting up at night or a weak stream, are also worth raising.
- Heart and blood vessels — ongoing checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and a review of your overall heart risk.
- Vaccinations — some vaccines are recommended or funded from certain ages. Your GP can check which ones apply to you.
- Hearing, eyesight and bone health — changes in these can creep up gradually. Your GP can advise on checks and referrals.
- Mood, memory and sleep — retirement, health changes and loss can affect wellbeing. These are worth talking about.
- 75+ health assessment — everyone aged 75 and over may be eligible for a yearly Medicare-funded health assessment.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
A little preparation helps you get more out of the visit:
- Your Medicare card and any concession cards
- A list of your medicines, including supplements and anything bought over the counter
- What you know about your family history — especially heart disease, diabetes and cancers, and the age relatives were diagnosed
- Any recent test results or letters from other doctors
- A short list of questions or symptoms you want to discuss, so nothing gets forgotten
If you have several things to talk about, ask for a longer appointment when you book.
What Questions Should I Ask My GP?
It is your appointment, so ask what matters to you. Some useful questions include:
- Which screening tests are recommended for someone my age and with my history?
- Is my blood pressure in a healthy range? How often should it be checked?
- What is my risk of heart disease or diabetes, and what can I do about it?
- Am I up to date with my vaccinations?
- Is this symptom something to worry about?
- When should I come back for my next check?
Nothing is too small or too embarrassing to raise. GPs commonly discuss topics such as urinary problems, erections, mental health and weight.
Signs You Should See a GP Sooner
Do not wait for a routine check if you notice:
- A lump or swelling anywhere, including in a testicle
- Blood in your urine, bowel motions or semen
- A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or ongoing tiredness
- A new or changing spot on your skin
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations
- Ongoing low mood, worry or trouble coping
If you have chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 000 straight away.
How Our Truganina GPs Can Help
Our GPs at Reliance Medical Centre in Truganina provide men's health checks at different stages of life. We can:
- Provide a confidential men's health check tailored to your age and history
- Arrange blood tests through our on-site pathology
- Offer Heart Health Checks and eligible health assessments
- Discuss prostate health and whether PSA testing is right for you
- Support your mental health, including referral to a psychologist, such as our psychology team, where appropriate
- Help you manage long-term conditions through chronic disease management
To book a men's health check, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699. Fees and eligibility for Medicare-funded checks can be confirmed with our reception team when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should men have a health check?
There is no single rule for everyone. How often you need checks or screening depends on your age, family history, current health and any risk factors. Your GP can advise which screening is recommended for you and when.
What tests are included in a men's health check?
A men's health check usually includes your blood pressure, weight and waist measurement, and a conversation about lifestyle, mental health and family history. Depending on your age and risk, your GP may suggest blood tests for cholesterol and blood sugar, skin checks, bowel cancer screening, or a discussion about PSA testing.
At what age should men start bowel cancer screening?
Through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can screen for bowel cancer with a home test kit every two years. People aged 50 to 74 are usually mailed a kit automatically, while those aged 45 to 49 can request one. Your GP can help you get a kit.
Should I have a PSA test for prostate cancer?
PSA testing is an individual decision you make with your GP after weighing the benefits and possible harms. There is no national prostate screening program in Australia. Men at average risk may be offered testing every two years from 50 to 69, and men with a family history may be advised to discuss testing earlier.
Am I eligible for a Heart Health Check?
A Medicare Heart Health Check is available for adults aged 45 and over, and from 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who do not already have known heart disease. It assesses your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your GP can confirm whether you are eligible.
What should I bring to a men's health check?
Bring your Medicare card, a list of your medicines and supplements, what you know about your family history, any recent test results, and a list of questions or symptoms you want to discuss. If you have several concerns, ask for a longer appointment when you book.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Healthdirect Australia — Health screening tests and What is a healthy blood pressure?
- Healthdirect Australia — Diabetes screening tests and PSA test
- Cancer Council Australia — Early detection of prostate cancer
- Heart Foundation — What is a Heart Health Check?
- Australian Government Department of Health — National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
- Australian Government Department of Health (MBS Online) — Medicare health assessments
- Healthy Male (Andrology Australia)
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Screening recommendations depend on your age, family history and health, and can change over time. Please see your GP for advice tailored to you.
