Men’s Health Checks: What to Test and When to Ask About PSA

Depending on your age, family history and health, a men’s health check may cover heart disease and diabetes risk, sexual health, prostate concerns and PSA testing.

At Healthy Haven Family Clinic in Hoppers Crossing, these checks are tailored to the individual, rather than following the same checklist for every man.

What this article covers

• What gets checked and why
• Health changes to tell your GP about
• PSA testing and prostate health
• When to book a health check

Men’s health check: A GP appointment tailored to your age, health history and risks, which may include heart health, diabetes risk, sexual health, mental health and prostate health.

PSA test: A blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and can help assess prostate health and prostate cancer risk..

What gets checked at a men’s health appointment?

What your GP checks will depend on your age, medical history and individual risks. Common areas include:

Blood pressure: High readings over time can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

Cholesterol and blood sugar: These can help build a clearer picture of your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, including problems that may need attention before symptoms develop.

Sexual health: Changes in erections or libido can be related to several factors, including medications, stress, hormones and cardiovascular health.

Mental health: Sleep, stress, anxiety, mood and alcohol use can also be discussed as part of your overall health.

For a broader look at routine checks, read our Guide to GP Annual Health Checks.

Health changes your GP should know about

Some changes can provide useful clues about your broader health, including:

• Changes in urination: Going more often, particularly overnight, difficulty starting, or a weaker stream can be associated with prostate enlargement and other urinary or prostate conditions.
• Erectile difficulties or changes in libido: These can have hormonal, psychological or medication-related causes, while erectile dysfunction can also be associated with cardiovascular health.
• Blood in your urine: This can occur with urinary infections, kidney stones, prostate conditions and, less commonly, cancers of the urinary system, so it should be medically assessed.
• Persistent fatigue: Ongoing tiredness can have many causes, including sleep problems, low iron, thyroid conditions, diabetes and mental health concerns.
• Ongoing pelvic or back pain: Persistent unexplained pain can have many causes and deserves assessment, particularly when accompanied by urinary or other symptoms.
• Changes in mood, motivation or concentration: These can be associated with stress, sleep, mental health, medications and other physical health issues.

Healthy Haven’s Men’s Health GP service covers these concerns and other areas of men’s physical and mental health.

What is a PSA test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate. A PSA test is a blood test that measures its level in your bloodstream.

A higher PSA result doesn’t automatically mean prostate cancer. PSA can also rise because of an enlarged prostate, inflammation and other factors, so an an elevated result may lead to repeat PSA testing and, if needed, imaging or specialist assessment..

Current Australian guidelines recommend discussing PSA testing from age 50 for men without higher-risk factors, and from age 45 for men at higher risk or those concerned about prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s PSA testing information provides further detail.

Of interest: Australian prostate cancer screening guidelines were updated in August 2026. ABC News has a short overview of what changed.

What are the possible symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms, which is why PSA testing also considers age and individual risk.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Difficulty urinating
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Urinating more frequently
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis, particularly when it’s unexplained or doesn’t improve.

These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer. Having them checked helps establish what’s actually causing the change.

Book a men’s health check in Hoppers Crossing

Your age, family history, symptoms and previous results all influence which health checks are relevant to you.

If the quiz identified several areas to discuss, you’re unsure about PSA testing, or you’ve noticed one of the changes covered above, book a men’s health appointment at Healthy Haven Family Clinic in Hoppers Crossing.

Extra: What can affect prostate cancer risk?

Associated with increased risk:

• Excess body weight: Being overweight or obese has been associated with a higher risk of aggressive or advanced prostate cancer.
• Smoking: Associated with poorer outcomes and a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.
• A diet high in processed meats and highly processed foods: Diets high in foods such as processed meats, takeaway meals, packaged snacks and sugary drinks have been associated with poorer overall health and potentially increased prostate cancer risk.

Choices that support lower overall cancer risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight through sustainable eating and activity habits.
• Stay physically active, which supports healthy weight and broader long-term health.
• Swap some animal fats for plant-based fats: Using foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil in place of butter and fatty processed meats can support a healthier dietary pattern.

There’s no lifestyle choice that guarantees prostate cancer prevention. Age, family history and genetics remain important risk factors.