Men’s health is about much more than building muscle, keeping fit or dealing with the occasional ache and pain. It includes looking after your heart, managing your mental health, recognising changes in your body and taking steps to prevent health problems before they become serious.
For many Australian men, the challenge is finding the time to look after themselves. Between work, family commitments and everyday responsibilities, booking a GP appointment can easily slip down the priority list. However, understanding the health issues that affect men, knowing what symptoms to watch for and having regular check-ups can make a significant difference to your long-term health.
The good news is that many serious health conditions can be prevented, managed or treated more effectively when they are identified early. Here is what Australian men should know about their health, from heart disease and prostate cancer to mental health, sexual health and the everyday habits that can help you feel better for longer.
Why Men’s Health Deserves More Attention
Men and women share many of the same health risks, but the way those risks affect them can differ. Men also tend to experience a greater proportion of their overall disease burden through premature death rather than living with illness.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 50% of deaths among Australian males aged under 75 in 2023 were potentially avoidable. Coronary heart disease, suicide and bowel cancer were the leading contributors to these potentially avoidable deaths.
The AIHW also reports that around three in five Australian males were living with at least one selected long-term health condition in 2022. These figures highlight why prevention, early diagnosis and ongoing medical care matter at every stage of life.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, The health of men in Australia.
One of the biggest barriers to better health is waiting until something feels seriously wrong before seeking help. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and some cancers can develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Regular health checks give your GP an opportunity to identify potential problems, discuss your personal risk factors and recommend appropriate screening. You do not need to be unwell to make an appointment.
Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Heart disease remains one of the most important health concerns for Australian men. The ABS recorded 10,153 deaths among males from ischaemic heart disease in 2024, making it the leading cause of death for men in Australia.
Ischaemic heart disease occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle becomes restricted, usually because the coronary arteries have narrowed due to a build-up of fatty deposits. It can lead to angina, heart attacks and other serious complications.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death, Australia, 2024.
What increases your risk of heart disease?
Several factors can increase your risk, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, excess body weight, physical inactivity and a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Age also matters, but heart health is not just an issue for older men. The habits you develop in your twenties, thirties and forties can influence your risk for decades to come.
High blood pressure deserves particular attention because it often causes no noticeable symptoms. The only reliable way to know whether your blood pressure is elevated is to have it measured.
Signs you should never ignore
Chest pain, pressure or tightness, particularly when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw, may indicate a heart attack. Symptoms can vary, and not everyone experiences severe chest pain.
If you suspect a heart attack, call 000 immediately rather than driving yourself to hospital.
For prevention, focus on regular physical activity, a balanced diet, not smoking, moderating alcohol and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Your GP can assess your overall cardiovascular risk and advise whether medication or further testing is appropriate.
Prostate Health and Prostate Cancer
Prostate health becomes increasingly important as men get older. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that helps produce fluid found in semen.
One of the most common prostate conditions is benign prostatic enlargement, which is not cancer. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.
Symptoms can include needing to urinate more frequently, getting up several times overnight, a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination or feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely. These symptoms deserve assessment because other conditions can cause similar problems.
How common is prostate cancer in Australia?
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. Cancer Australia's National Cancer Control Indicators estimated approximately 26,368 new cases in 2024.
The risk generally increases with age. A family history of prostate cancer, particularly in a close relative diagnosed at a younger age, can also affect your individual risk.
Source: Cancer Australia, National Cancer Control Indicators: Cancer incidence.
Should you have a prostate test?
There is no single testing approach that is right for every man. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help assess prostate health, but an elevated result does not automatically mean cancer is present, and a normal result does not completely rule it out.
PSA testing can also identify cancers that might never have caused harm, potentially leading to further investigations and treatment side effects. This is why discussing the benefits, limitations and possible consequences of testing with your GP is important.
Your age, family history, symptoms and personal preferences should all be considered when making a decision. Do not wait for a routine check-up if you notice persistent urinary changes or other concerning symptoms.
Mental Health, Stress and Depression
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is an area where many men still struggle to ask for help. Work pressures, financial worries, relationship difficulties, family responsibilities and social isolation can all affect emotional wellbeing.
Depression and anxiety do not always look the way people expect. Some men experience persistent sadness or worry, while others notice irritability, anger, poor concentration, loss of motivation or withdrawing from family and friends.
Changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels and interest in activities you normally enjoy can also be warning signs. Sometimes, people try to manage how they feel by drinking more alcohol, working excessively or avoiding conversations about their problems.
Understanding the suicide statistics
The statistics underline the importance of taking men's mental health seriously. According to the ABS, males accounted for 76.5% of all suicide deaths in Australia in 2024.
This is not simply a personal health issue. It is a significant public health concern that affects families, workplaces and communities across the country.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death, Australia, 2024.
When should you seek help?
If you have been feeling persistently low, overwhelmed, anxious or unlike yourself, speaking with a GP is a sensible first step. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable before asking for support.
A GP can assess your symptoms, discuss possible contributing factors and help you access psychological therapy, medication where appropriate or other support services. If you are concerned about someone else, checking in and asking directly how they are coping can also make a difference.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. In Australia, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 for crisis support.
Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Health
Type 2 diabetes is another important condition for men to understand. It occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
Over time, persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, vision loss and nerve damage. The condition often develops gradually, meaning people may have it for some time before it is diagnosed.
Risk factors include excess body weight, a family history of diabetes, increasing age, physical inactivity and a history of certain metabolic conditions. Men from some population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from certain culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, may also face higher risks.
What are the warning signs?
Possible symptoms include increased thirst, passing urine more frequently, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds. However, some people experience no obvious symptoms at all.
Your GP can assess your risk and arrange blood tests, such as fasting blood glucose or HbA1c, when appropriate. Early diagnosis and management can reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Maintaining a healthy weight where possible, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can help reduce your risk. If you already have diabetes, regular reviews and a management plan tailored to your needs are essential.
Weight, Nutrition and Physical Activity
Weight management is often discussed in terms of appearance, but its impact on health goes much further. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and several cancers.
The AIHW reported that around three in four Australian males were living with overweight or obesity in the 2017–18 National Health Survey data used in its 2023 male health report. Although this figure comes from older survey data, it illustrates the scale of the issue.
Source: AIHW, Health behaviours and risk factors of Australia's males.
Start with realistic changes
You do not need an expensive gym membership or a strict diet to improve your health. Walking regularly, cycling, swimming, gardening and other activities you enjoy can all contribute to a more active lifestyle.
Australian physical activity guidelines recommend that adults aged 18 to 64 accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, each week. Muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week are also recommended.
If you have been inactive for some time, start at a level you can manage and build gradually. Men with existing medical conditions or concerns about exercising safely should discuss an appropriate approach with their GP.
For nutrition, aim for a varied diet containing vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, lean protein and healthy sources of fat. Limit highly processed foods, excess salt, sugary drinks and frequent takeaway meals where possible.
Consistency is more useful than chasing perfection. Small changes that become part of your routine are more likely to last than an extreme approach you can maintain for only a few weeks.
Bowel Cancer and Other Common Cancers
Cancer is another major consideration in men's health, particularly as you get older. Prostate cancer, bowel cancer and lung cancer are among the cancers that contribute significantly to the burden of disease and death in Australian men.
Bowel cancer can develop when abnormal growths in the bowel, known as polyps, become cancerous. Early disease may cause few or no symptoms, which is one reason screening is important.
Know the signs of bowel cancer
Symptoms that warrant medical assessment include blood in your bowel movements, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal discomfort and unusual tiredness that may be related to anaemia.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have cancer, but they should not be ignored. A GP can assess your symptoms and determine whether you need further investigation.
Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides eligible people aged 45 to 74 with free home screening tests. Screening is intended for people without symptoms, so do not rely on a home test instead of seeing your GP if you have concerning changes.
Lung cancer is also important, particularly for current and former smokers. A persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained breathlessness or ongoing chest pain should be medically assessed.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective steps you can take to improve your health. Your GP can help you explore nicotine replacement therapy, prescription treatments where appropriate and practical quit-smoking support.
Sexual Health and Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual health is a normal part of overall wellbeing, but it can be difficult to discuss openly. Erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, ejaculation problems and sexually transmitted infections are all issues that men may experience at different stages of life.
Erectile dysfunction means having persistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Occasional difficulties can happen to anyone, particularly during periods of stress, fatigue or after drinking alcohol.
However, persistent erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal problems, medication side effects or psychological concerns. It can occasionally be an early indicator of an underlying condition that deserves attention.
When to talk to your GP
There is no need to feel embarrassed about raising sexual health concerns with your doctor. A GP can review your medical history, medications, lifestyle and symptoms before recommending appropriate tests or treatment.
Avoid buying unregulated erectile dysfunction products online, especially if you take medication for heart conditions or use nitrate medicines. Some treatments can interact dangerously with other medications.
Sexual health also includes protecting yourself and your partners from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms, appropriate testing and honest conversations about sexual health can help reduce the risk of infection.
Testosterone and Ageing
Testosterone plays an important role in male sexual development, muscle and bone health, red blood cell production and libido. Testosterone levels naturally change with age, but low energy or reduced sexual interest does not automatically mean you have low testosterone.
Symptoms sometimes associated with low testosterone include reduced libido, fewer spontaneous erections, loss of muscle strength and changes in mood. Similar symptoms can also occur with depression, poor sleep, obesity, diabetes and other medical conditions.
If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speak with your GP rather than starting supplements or hormone treatment on your own. Diagnosis generally requires compatible symptoms and appropriately timed blood tests, often repeated to confirm a low result.
Testosterone treatment is not suitable for everyone and can have side effects. Men considering treatment should discuss the potential benefits, risks, fertility implications and need for monitoring with a qualified medical professional.
Sleep, Alcohol and Smoking
Some of the most effective ways to protect your health are also among the most overlooked. Sleep, alcohol consumption and smoking can influence everything from mood and concentration to blood pressure, metabolic health and cancer risk.
Why good sleep matters
Poor sleep can affect your energy, work performance, emotional regulation and ability to manage stress. Ongoing snoring, choking or gasping during sleep and significant daytime tiredness may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that deserves assessment.
Most adults benefit from around seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Maintaining regular sleep times, limiting late-night caffeine and reducing screen use before bed may help, although persistent sleep problems can require medical attention.
Be mindful of alcohol
Alcohol can affect sleep quality, blood pressure, liver health, weight and mental wellbeing. It can also contribute to accidents and relationship difficulties, particularly when consumption becomes frequent or heavy.
Australian guidance recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day to reduce alcohol-related health risks. Less alcohol generally means lower risk, and these limits do not eliminate the risk of harm.
If you find yourself drinking more than intended or relying on alcohol to manage stress, consider discussing it with your GP.
Smoking and vaping
Smoking remains a major preventable cause of illness. It increases the risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and numerous other health problems.
Quitting can improve your health at any age, even if you have smoked for many years. If you vape or use nicotine products, your GP can help you understand the risks and discuss support for reducing or stopping nicotine use.
The Health Checks Every Man Should Consider
There is no universal checklist that suits every man. Your age, family history, existing conditions, medications, lifestyle and personal circumstances all influence which checks are appropriate.
However, a general health review with your GP may include:
- Blood pressure: To identify hypertension and assess cardiovascular risk.
- Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: To determine whether lifestyle changes or treatment may be beneficial.
- Blood glucose: To assess your risk of diabetes and arrange testing when indicated.
- Bowel cancer screening: To discuss eligibility for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and investigate any symptoms.
- Prostate health: To discuss urinary symptoms, family history and the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing.
- Mental health: To discuss stress, mood, anxiety, sleep and alcohol use.
- Sexual health: To address erectile dysfunction, libido changes, contraception and STI testing where relevant.
- Vaccinations: To check whether you are up to date with recommended immunisations.
- Skin health: To assess suspicious or changing spots, especially if you have substantial sun exposure.
You may not need every test at every appointment. The aim is to develop a sensible plan based on your personal risk, rather than ordering investigations without a clear reason.
When Should You See a GP?
You do not need to wait until you feel unwell to book an appointment. If it has been several years since your last health check, or you have concerns about your weight, blood pressure, mood, sleep or sexual health, a conversation with your GP is a useful place to start.
Make an appointment promptly if you notice persistent changes in your body, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, ongoing fatigue, new lumps or changes in urination. Seek urgent medical attention for severe or sudden symptoms, including chest pain, significant difficulty breathing or sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking.
Being proactive does not mean assuming the worst. It means giving yourself the best opportunity to identify problems early, understand your options and make informed decisions about your health.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Looking after your health does not have to involve a complete lifestyle overhaul. Regular movement, nutritious food, adequate sleep, sensible alcohol choices and avoiding smoking can all contribute to a healthier future.
Just as importantly, do not overlook your mental health or put off seeking help because you feel you should be able to manage everything yourself. Getting professional advice is a practical decision, not a sign of weakness.
The statistics on men's health in Australia show that many serious conditions remain common, but they also highlight opportunities for prevention and early intervention. By building a relationship with your GP and making time for regular health reviews, you can take meaningful steps towards staying healthy, active and independent for years to come.
Your health is worth making time for.
Men’s Health & Dr Clem Bonney
Dr Clem Bonney, as a GP has extensive experience with Men’s Health. Preventive medicine decreases morbidity and improves our life, to be healthier and experience better lives. Dr Bonney can assist in developing the most appropriate preventive medicine program for you.