8 Reasons Men Should See a Doctor (Even When They Feel Just Fine)

Many conditions don’t cause symptoms right away but can be found during an annual checkup.

When it comes to routine checkups, many men put them off or skip them altogether. Only three out of five men get an annual physical, and more than 40% only see a doctor when a serious medical issue arises, according to research from the University of Utah.

One way men can lower the risk of serious illness is by seeing a doctor regularly. Routine checkups can help catch health issues early, when they are often easier to manage. Here are eight conditions that may be prevented or better controlled with regular screenings.

1. Diabetes - According to the CDC, about 38 million adults have diabetes, but 1 out of every 5 people don’t know it. Because men tend to visit the doctor less often than women, diabetes may go undiagnosed for longer periods. A common way to screen for diabetes is with an A1c test. This blood test measures average blood sugar levels over time. Healthy A1c levels are below 5.7%. Higher numbers may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Once diabetes is diagnosed, it can often be managed. Treatment may include changes to diet or exercise, medications, or insulin therapy.
2. Heart disease - Coronary artery disease is a common type of heart disease. It happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow. Limited blood flow can cause chest pain or shortness of breath. A complete blockage can lead to a heart attack. Men have a higher risk of coronary artery disease than women, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cholesterol testing every year or two can help identify risk. Total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dL are considered normal. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are borderline high, while levels of 240 mg/dL or more are high. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or both to help manage cholesterol.
3. High blood pressure - Blood pressure can offer clues about overall health. When blood pressure stays high, it may signal an underlying problem. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is common in older adults and often causes no noticeable symptoms. Over time, it can damage blood vessels and organs. Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision problems, and dementia. The condition is often manageable with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
4. Prostate cancer - About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Most men with prostate cancer do not die from it, but early detection is important. Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These may include trouble urinating, a weak urine stream, or waking up several times at night to use the bathroom. Prostate cancer screening often includes a PSA blood test. This test measures prostate-specific antigen levels. For men in their 40s and 50s, PSA levels typically range from 0 to 2.5. Levels above 4.0 may need further evaluation. PSA levels can increase naturally with age, but higher levels may signal a greater risk of cancer.
5. Testicular cancer - Testicular cancer is uncommon, affecting about 1 out of every 250 men, according to the American Cancer Society. Treatment is usually effective, especially when the disease is found early. You can check for signs of testicular cancer by doing regular self-exams. Lumps, swelling, or changes in size may be warning signs. Other symptoms may include heaviness in the scrotum or lower back pain. Any unusual findings or symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
6. Colon cancer - Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in men. Most doctors recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the procedure. Removing polyps may help prevent cancer from developing.
7. Skin cancer - Melanoma is more common in men than in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Thousands of more cases are expected to be diagnosed in men than women in 2026. Wearing sunscreen every day can help reduce risk. It’s also important to regularly check your skin for new or changing moles, discoloration, or unusual spots. A yearly skin exam with a dermatologist is painless and can help detect skin cancer early.
8. Thyroid issues - An estimated 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, and many are unaware of the condition, according to the American Thyroid Association. While thyroid disease is more common in women, about 20% of cases occur in men. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls how the body uses energy. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. When it produces too much, it’s called hyperthyroidism. In men, thyroid problems are sometimes mistaken for testosterone issues because symptoms can overlap. Fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss may occur with both conditions. A simple blood test can help determine the cause.

The bottom line: It’s important for all adults to visit the doctor regularly — including men. An hour out of your afternoon could end up saving or improving your quality of life.