International Men's Day: The Health Checks Men Often Put Off

International Men's Day, on 19 November, is a timely reminder to put men's health first, something that often slips down the list behind work, family and busy schedules. Many men delay appointments until symptoms become hard to ignore, while others avoid certain checks out of embarrassment or anxiety. Regular men's health checks in the UK, including blood pressure and cholesterol tests, prostate conversations and bowel screening, help identify potential problems early.

Knowing which checks suit your age makes preventive healthcare easier and helps you take practical steps towards better long-term health.

Why Men's Health Checks Deserve More Attention

Many health problems develop gradually, sometimes without any symptoms. High blood pressure, raised cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can all go unnoticed for years.

Putting off appointments means missing the chance to catch these problems early. Regular checks give you time to discuss symptoms, review your lifestyle and understand your personal risk factors.

Men delay seeking medical advice for several reasons:

• Busy schedules: Balancing work and family makes appointments hard to fit in.

• Fear of results: Worrying about an unexpected diagnosis can put men off testing.

• Embarrassment: Discussions about sexual health, prostate symptoms and bowel habits may feel uncomfortable.

• Lack of awareness: Some men simply do not know which checks are appropriate for their age.

• Ignoring symptoms: Changes in energy, weight, urination or fitness are easy to dismiss.

Making men's health checks a priority turns prevention into a normal part of life rather than something you only think about when problems appear.

What Health Checks Should Men Have?

The right health checks depend on your age, family history, existing conditions and personal risk factors. Not every man needs yearly tests, but regular measurements and the right screening help catch potential problems early.

• Blood Pressure Checks

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but raises your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. A quick reading with an arm cuff is all it takes, and regular checks matter more as you get older or if you have heart disease risk factors.

• Cholesterol Testing

A cholesterol test uses a blood sample to measure different types of cholesterol and other blood fats. Raised levels can build up as fatty deposits in your arteries, and your results help assess your heart health alongside your age, smoking, blood pressure and family history.

• Blood Glucose and Diabetes Testing

Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually without obvious symptoms. An HbA1c blood test measures your average blood glucose over the past two to three months and can identify diabetes or prediabetes. Testing matters most if you carry excess weight, have a family history, or have other risk factors.

• Prostate Health Discussions

Prostate problems become more common with age. Symptoms include needing to urinate more often, difficulty passing urine, and getting up at night to use the toilet. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help assess prostate health, although a raised level does not always mean cancer. Talk through the benefits and risks of the test with your GP.

• Bowel Cancer Screening

According to the NHS, eligible people aged 50 to 74 in England are offered bowel cancer screening through home testing kits that check stool samples for hidden blood. Screening can help detect potential signs of bowel cancer before symptoms appear. If you notice persistent changes in your bowel habits, unexplained bleeding or other unusual symptoms, see your GP without delay.

Essential Health Checks and Warning Signs for Men Over 40

Turning 40 is a good time to review your health risks. Recommended health checks for men over 40 include:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol measurements.

• HbA1c testing when diabetes risk factors exist.

• Weight and waist measurements.

• Prostate health and family history discussions.

• Reviews of smoking, alcohol and mental wellbeing.

Men aged 40 to 74 in England may qualify for an NHS Health Check every five years if they do not already have certain long-term conditions. Persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps, blood in your urine or stools and changes in urination all need prompt medical attention.

Essential Medical Checks for Men at Different Ages

Your recommended men's health screening depends on your personal circumstances and local NHS screening arrangements.

Screening invitations and eligibility vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you have existing health conditions or a strong family history, you may need certain checks earlier.

What Medical Tests Should Men Get Regularly?

No single testing schedule suits every man. Your medical history, lifestyle, age and symptoms all shape which checks you need and how often.

Some of the most useful health checks for men include:

• Full Blood Count

A full blood count (FBC) measures your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It can identify conditions such as anaemia, infections and certain blood disorders.

• Kidney Function Tests

Kidney function tests measure substances such as creatinine in your blood to check how well your kidneys work. Your GP may recommend them if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other kidney disease risk factors.

• Liver Function Tests

These blood tests measure proteins, enzymes and other substances linked to liver health. They can reveal signs of liver inflammation or damage, particularly if you have relevant symptoms or risk factors.

• Sexual Health Screening

Sexual health checks can include tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. The right tests depend on your sexual activity, symptoms and individual risk.

• Eye and Hearing Tests

Eyesight and hearing often change gradually. The NHS recommends an eye test every two years, which can pick up vision problems and certain eye conditions, while a hearing test can identify difficulties you might otherwise miss.

Discuss these important health tests for men with a healthcare professional to find out which ones you need and how often to repeat them.

How Often Should Men Book Health Checks?

How often you need appointments depends on your health. Some checks happen at set ages, while others depend on your symptoms or risk factors.

A practical starting point includes:

• Checking blood pressure at recommended intervals.

• Attending eligible NHS screening appointments.

• Discussing cholesterol and blood glucose testing with a GP.

• Arranging sexual health tests when appropriate.

• Reporting persistent or unusual symptoms without delay.

• Reviewing existing medications and long-term health conditions.

If you already have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you may need more frequent monitoring.

Making Health Appointments Easier to Manage

A few simple habits make regular healthcare easier to keep up:

• Keep a record of previous test results.

• Make a note of unusual symptoms before appointments.

• Share relevant family medical history.

• Ask questions about recommended tests and their results.

• Follow up on appointments and any additional investigations.

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Why Should Men Take Preventive Healthcare Seriously?

Preventive healthcare catches potential risks before they become harder to manage, and regular checks give you a chance to raise concerns you might otherwise ignore. Your mental health deserves the same attention, as stress, anxiety, depression and poor sleep all affect everyday life and overall wellbeing.

International Men's Day encourages men to push past their hesitation about seeking help. Acting on unusual symptoms, booking appointments and following medical advice are practical steps towards better long-term physical and mental health.

Conclusion

International Men's Day is a timely reminder that men's health deserves attention at every stage of life. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, bowel screening, prostate conversations and sexual health tests all help identify potential problems and support informed decisions about your health.

Delaying appointments makes developing health problems harder to treat. Making time for regular checks, noticing unusual symptoms, and talking through your risk factors with a healthcare professional all help protect your long-term health.

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