Men’s Health Check: Investing in Longevity
Australian men are currently living longer than almost any other generation of men in history, and life expectancy for males in Australia is rising faster than it is for females.
However, a "longevity gap" still exists, often driven by how men interact with the healthcare system. Statistics show a significant trend: men are far less likely to engage in preventative screening (41% have never had a cancer screen vs. 5% of women) and are three times more likely to die by suicide. Furthermore, men are 2.6 times more likely than women to die from injury due to higher rates of "risky" behaviors.
At The Village Medical Practice, we aim to break the "don't fix it if it isn't broken" mentality. We provide a space where men can discuss health and wellness proactively, rather than waiting until they are "properly" sick.
The "Service" Schedule: Key Investigations
A Men's Health Check is essentially a preventative maintenance session. Depending on your age and history, your GP will focus on:
1. Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: The "silent" markers of heart health.
Blood Glucose (HbA1c): Screening for Type 2 Diabetes, which often goes undetected in the early stages.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): For men over 65 who have ever smoked, a one-off ultrasound may be recommended to check for a bulge in the main artery of the abdomen.
2. Cancer Screening
Bowel Cancer: Men aged 50–74 should use the free home test kit (FOBT) every two years. It is simple, private, and life-saving.
Prostate Health: We discuss the pros and cons of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood testing. While not a perfect test, it is an important tool for early detection, especially if there is a family history.
Skin Checks: Given our climate, a full-body skin check is essential for detecting melanomas early.
Cardiovascular Disease: You may qualify for a CT Calcium Score, which enables your doctor to assess your risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
3. Mental Health & Substance Use
Men often experience "atypical" symptoms of depression, such as irritability, anger, or escapist behavior (like overworking).
The "Pit-Stop" Approach: We treat mental health with the same practical focus as a physical injury. We offer Mental Health Treatment Plans and support for managing substance use or stress in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.
4. Sexual & Reproductive Health
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): ED is often the "canary in the coal mine" for heart health. If blood isn't flowing well in one area, it might be a sign of future issues elsewhere.
Testicular Checks: Especially relevant for younger men (ages 15–35), we teach you how to perform self-examinations to catch any unusual lumps early.
Why the "Partner Drag" Matters
Many men only visit the GP when encouraged (or "dragged") by a partner. While this often gets the job done, we want to empower men to take the lead. Investing 15-30 minutes in a health check today can prevent months of recovery—or worse—down the road.
Australian Resources & Support
Healthy Male (Andrology Australia): The leading national provider of information on male reproductive and sexual health.
The Men’s Table: A community-focused initiative that provides a safe place for men to share and connect over a meal.
MensLine Australia: A free, 24/7 telephone and online counseling service for men with family and relationship concerns.
Movember: Beyond the mustache, Movember provides excellent resources on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.