Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Men's Health Month is a powerful reminder that men often put their health on the back burner. From skipping routine checkups to delaying preventive care, many men only seek medical help when symptoms become too severe to ignore. This June, we have the perfect opportunity to change that narrative and empower men to take charge of their health. Let’s explore the reasons behind delayed care, key health risks, and how small steps—paired with affordable medications—can make a big difference.
Why Don’t Men Prioritize Doctor Visits?
Despite facing numerous health risks, men are statistically less likely than women to schedule regular doctor visits. Cultural norms often play a role—many men grow up learning to be self-reliant and resilient, which can make seeking help feel unnecessary or even uncomfortable. As a result, some men delay care until symptoms become difficult to ignore, favoring "repair" over prevention.
What Are the Top Health Concerns for Men?
Men face increased risk for several serious health issues, many of which can be prevented or managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and proper medical treatment. Here's a closer look at the top concerns and what can help.
Heart Disease The leading cause of death in men, heart disease includes conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Quit smoking
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low sodium, high fiber, healthy fats)
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes/week)
- Limit alcohol
- Manage stress
Common Medications:
- Lisinopril, losartan – lower blood pressure
- Amlodipine – reduces blood pressure and prevents chest pain
- Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin – reduce cholesterol levels
Diabetes Often linked to obesity and inactivity, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems if left untreated.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Lose excess weight
- Adopt a low-carb, balanced diet
- Monitor blood sugar regularly
- Increase physical activity
- Reduce processed sugar and refined carbs
Common Medications:
Cancer Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most common cancers in men. Early detection and healthy habits can make a difference.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Avoid tobacco use
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Stay physically active
- Get regular cancer screenings as recommended
Relevant Medications:
- Finasteride – may lower prostate cancer risk in some men
- Docetaxel, enzalutamide, immunotherapies – used depending on cancer type and stage
Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use) Mental health issues in men often go unrecognized or untreated due to stigma. Depression, anxiety, and addiction are all treatable.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist
- Limit alcohol and avoid substance misuse
- Establish regular sleep routines
- Practice stress-reducing activities (exercise, meditation)
Common Medications:
- Sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram – treat depression and anxiety
- Bupropion – can help with depression and smoking cessation
- Naltrexone – supports recovery from alcohol or opioid use disorder
Sexual Health (Erectile Dysfunction & Low Testosterone) Sexual health concerns can affect self-esteem and relationships and may also signal underlying health conditions.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Exercise regularly (especially strength and cardio training)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
Common Medications:
- Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) – treat erectile dysfunction
- Testosterone therapy – for clinically low testosterone levels (after evaluation)
Respiratory Conditions (Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)). Chronic lung conditions are more common among smokers and those exposed to occupational pollutants.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Stop smoking (or avoid secondhand smoke)
- Use a home air purifier
- Avoid allergens or air pollutants when possible
- Engage in pulmonary rehab or light aerobic exercise
Common Medications:
- Albuterol – quick-relief inhaler
- Advair, Symbicort – maintenance inhalers
- Tiotropium – long-acting bronchodilator for COPD
How Can Healthcare Providers Help?
To improve men’s healthcare outcomes, providers must tailor their approach. Men often respond better to care that:
- Feels personalized and practical
- Respects autonomy
- Uses shared decision-making Creating welcoming and collaborative care environments can go a long way in helping men take charge of their health.
Key Screenings Every Man Should Prioritize
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other leading medical organizations, regular screenings help detect issues early. Here are key recommendations by age group:
Men Ages 18–39
- Blood pressure: Every 3–5 years if normal
- Cholesterol: Starting at 20 if risk factors; otherwise at 35
- HIV and STI screening: At least once, more often if at risk
- Hepatitis C screening: Once for all adults ages 18–79
- Dental exams: Every 6–12 months
- Eye exams: Every 2–4 years
- Immunizations:
- Influenza (Flu Shot) – every year
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) – once in adulthood if not previously received
- Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) booster – every 10 years after initial Tdap
- HPV Vaccine – if not completed earlier, recommended up to age 26; may be considered up to age 45 depending on risk
- Hepatitis B – 2–3 dose series if not previously vaccinated
- Hepatitis A – for those with travel or lifestyle risks
- COVID-19 Vaccine – stay up to date with current booster recommendations
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – if no prior immunity or vaccination
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – if not previously vaccinated or infected
Men Ages 40–64
- Blood pressure: At least every 2 years
- Cholesterol: Every 4–6 years, more often if high-risk
- Colorectal cancer screening: Starting at age 45
- Prostate cancer screening: Begin shared decision-making around age 50 (or 45 if high-risk)
- Diabetes screening: Every 3 years starting at age 35 if overweight
- Dental exams: Every 6–12 months
- Eye exams: Every 2–4 years; more often if vision issues
- Lung cancer screening: Annual, if high-risk (age 50–80 with smoking history)
- Immunizations:
- Influenza (Flu Shot) – once every year
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) – once if never received in adulthood
- Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) booster – every 10 years after initial Tdap
- Shingles (Shingrix) – 2-dose series starting at age 50
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20, and PPSV23) – if you have certain risk factors (e.g., diabetes, heart/lung disease, or a history of smoking)
- Hepatitis B – 2–3 dose series if not previously vaccinated (especially recommended for men with diabetes or liver disease)
- COVID-19 vaccine – stay up to date with boosters as recommended by the CDC
How Men Can Take Control of Their Health
Men’s Health Month is the ideal time to build healthier habits. Small changes—like scheduling a checkup, getting active, eating better, or quitting smoking—can dramatically lower your risk of disease. Even small improvements can lead to longer, healthier lives.
How the RxLess™ Assurance Plan Can Help
Even with healthy habits, many men need medications to manage chronic conditions. The RxLess™ Assurance Plan can help you save—often up to 88% off—on prescriptions without needing insurance. Whether you're picking up:
- Metformin for diabetes
- Lisinopril for blood pressure
- Atorvastatin for cholesterol
- Sildenafil for ED …you can access lower prices instantly by downloading the free RxLess™ app.
Start prioritizing your health today. Small changes add up—especially when paired with affordable, accessible prescriptions through the RxLess™ Assurance Plan.
