Men's health
Men's health checks: what to check, and when
Written by the U-Test team using NHS and NICE guidance.Medically reviewed by Dr Rohit Kulkarni, Medical Director. Last checked . Next review . This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about symptoms or results.
At a glance
- From your teens: check your testicles once a month.
- 40 to 74: get your free NHS Health Check every 5 years (England).
- From 50: you can ask your GP about a PSA test; from 45 if you're Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
- 50 to 74: do your free bowel screening kit.
- At 65: have the one-off AAA scan.
- And talk to someone if you're struggling. It's as important as any test.
Why Movember matters
Every November, Movember puts the focus on men's health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Men are often the last to book a check-up. A few minutes now can make all the difference.
Key facts
- 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. For Black men it's 1 in 4 (Prostate Cancer UK).
- Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 49 (NHS), and it's one of the most treatable cancers.
- Three in four suicides in England and Wales in 2023 were men (Mind, using ONS data).
Your health checks by age
| Age | Check | How |
|---|---|---|
| From your teens | Testicles: a 2-minute check once a month | At home (how to check your testicles) |
| Any age | Prostate or urinary symptoms (weeing more often, weak flow, needing to go at night) | See your GP; don't wait |
| 40 to 74 | NHS Health Check every 5 years: blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia | Free; your GP will invite you (England) |
| 45+ (Black men, or a family history of prostate cancer) | Talk to your GP about a PSA blood test | GP |
| 50+ | You can ask your GP about a PSA blood test | GP |
| 50 to 74 | Bowel cancer screening: a home test kit every 2 years | Free, by post |
| 65 | AAA screening: a one-off ultrasound scan for an abdominal aortic aneurysm | Men are invited in their 65th year; over 65 and missed it? You can self-refer |
Testicles: the 2-minute monthly check
Check once a month, ideally in or after a warm bath or shower. Learn what's normal for you, so you notice changes. Full steps: How to check your testicles.
Prostate: know the signs, know your risk
- Symptoms: weeing more often (especially at night), rushing to the toilet, a weak flow, or feeling you haven't finished. Usually they're caused by an enlarged prostate, not cancer, but always get them checked.
- PSA: a blood test that can help spot prostate problems. PSA can also be raised by an enlarged prostate, a urine infection, recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise. Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before a test.
- More in our Prostate health guide.
- Home option: our Prostate PSA Test gives an initial indication of PSA at home. It isn't a prostate cancer test, and it doesn't replace seeing your GP.
Testosterone: when tiredness isn't just age
Low energy, a low sex drive, erection problems, low mood or losing muscle can have many causes, and low testosterone is one of them. See our Testosterone guide for the signs and how testing works. Our Testosterone Test gives a low, average or high reading at home. Your GP can arrange a blood test for an exact level.
Your mental health is health too
Men are less likely to talk about how they feel. If you're struggling, tell someone you trust or speak to your GP. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, day or night. If you or someone else is in danger right now, call 999.
Checking several things at once
If you'd like to check a few things at home in one go, our men's health bundles combine tests such as PSA, testosterone, vitamin D, iron and bowel. See Men's health tests and the Full Male MOT. Home tests are screening checks. They give an indication, not a diagnosis, and they don't replace NHS screening or your GP.
Frequently asked questions
What health checks should a man have?
- A monthly testicle check from your teens, and the NHS Health Check every 5 years from 40 to 74.
- Bowel screening from 50 to 74, and the AAA scan at 65.
- Talk to your GP about a PSA test from 50, or from 45 if you're at higher risk.
Can I get a PSA test on the NHS?
- If you're over 50, you can ask your GP about a PSA blood test.
- Prostate Cancer UK recommends talking to your GP from 45 if you're Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
What is a men's health MOT?
- An informal name for checking several things at once, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, PSA, testosterone and vitamin levels.
- The free NHS Health Check (40 to 74) covers heart and diabetes risk. Home test bundles can add other checks.
How often should I check my testicles?
Around once a month (NHS).
Do home tests replace my GP?
- No. They give an indication.
- Always see your GP about symptoms, whatever a home test shows.
Next steps: check at home
Sources
- How to check your testicles, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Cancer of the testicle, NHS 111 Wales (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Testicular cancer, nidirect (Northern Ireland government) (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Testicle pain, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
- NHS health checks, Derbyshire County Council (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Bowel cancer screening, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Prostate cancer facts and figures, Prostate Cancer UK (Checked 30 October 2026)
- The PSA blood test, Prostate Cancer UK (Checked 30 October 2026)
- PSA test, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
- The Big Mental Health Report 2024 (ONS data), Mind (Checked 30 October 2026)
- Contact Samaritans, Samaritans (Checked 30 October 2026)
Change log
- 2026-10-30: Guide written for Movember using the listed NHS and charity sources.
