When caught early, most men’s health issues are manageable and treatable, and some are even preventable.
*All images feature a model portrayal
(unless otherwise noted).
Key Takeaways:
Many men’s health issues are either entirely preventable or treatable when caught early. Staying on top of regular checkups helps you catch small problems before they become big.
Men face higher rates than women of certain chronic conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and liver disease. Sometimes — but not always — these health issues can result from lifestyle choices and delayed medical care.
Regular screenings for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can detect a number of problems before symptoms appear and, in turn, help men live longer and healthier lives.
Taking steps to exercise, eat well, sleep better, and address stress or mental health concerns can help men stay ahead of common health risks.
When caught early, most men’s health issues are manageable and treatable, and some are even preventable. From cardiovascular disease to low testosterone and liver disease, we’re breaking down 10 of the top male health issues — in no particular order — their warning signs, and how to stay ahead of them.
According to 2023 data on U.S. life expectancy, men die about 6 years earlier than women — a gap that continues to widen. Yes, biology plays a role, but so does culture. For example, compared to women, men are more likely to die from drug overdoses or suicide and less likely to seek help for health issues, often in an effort to appear self-sufficient.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following statistics on men’s health:
Health indicator | Percent |
|---|---|
Men aged 18+ in fair or poor health | 14.7% |
Men aged 18+ who had more than 5 drinks in 1 day (past year) | 30.9% |
Men aged 20+ with obesity | 39.2% |
Men aged 18+ with hypertension | 50.8% |
When it comes to prevention, your knowledge is your power. Regular checkups and lab work can help spot potential health problems before they start, or catch them early — when they’re easiest to treat.
Schedule an annual checkup with your healthcare provider to review your blood pressure, weight, and overall health. Now is your time to ask questions, discuss any changes you’ve noticed, and plan age-appropriate screenings.
At least once a year, get basic labs to check:
Cholesterol and triglycerides (for heart health)
Blood glucose and A1C (for metabolic health)
Liver and kidney function tests
Hormone levels like testosterone, if you have symptoms of low T
Thyroid function if you’re experiencing fatigue or mood changes
Also consider cancer screenings, including:
Prostate (PSA test)
Colorectal screening
Lung cancer screening
Skin checks
Beyond lab work, remember that not every health issue shows up in your blood. If you’ve been feeling excessively tired, anxious, or disengaged, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest you do a sleep study or a mental health screening — both can reveal underlying issues that impact your energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Your health isn’t something to get around to dealing with. Most male health problems are preventable, treatable, or reversible — particularly if you take action early.. Regular checkups, lab testing, and healthy lifestyle changes can help you stay ahead of potential problems and live a longer, stronger life. Don’t wait until something feels wrong to start paying attention.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States. For many men, heart disease can go undetected until symptoms of a heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure appear.
Risk factors for heart disease include obesity, diabetes, following an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, and not getting enough exercise.
Chest pain
Shortness of breath during activity or rest
Chronic coughing
Fainting
Fatigue
Weakness in the legs
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Check your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly
Quit smoking (or don’t start)
Explore weight loss options if you have overweight or obesity
Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Find healthy ways to cope with everyday stressors
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men and the second-leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). Men older than 65 have a higher risk, but prostate cancer can happen at any age. Regular screening — including getting the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test — can help detect potential issues early, when treatment is most effective.
Other notably common types of cancer in men include colorectal cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, and testicular cancer.
Warning signs depend on the type of cancer in question.
Prostate cancer. Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and blood in semen. You have a higher risk if you’re over 50, Black, have a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Colorectal cancer. Rectal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t go away, discomfort when sitting, abdominal pain, bloating, change of appetite, excessive fatigue. You have a higher risk if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you’re not physically active, you follow a diet high in red and processed meats, and you have overweight.
Most experts recommend an annual checkup, even if you feel healthy. It’s the best way to spot potential issues early.
Most men should start PSA screening around age 50, but you may need to start earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer. Discuss what makes the most sense for you with your healthcare provider.
A basic panel should include cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, and hormone levels (if symptoms suggest an imbalance).
Common symptoms of low T include fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass. A simple blood test can confirm your levels.
Aim to get more exercise. Even a daily walk can improve heart health, mood, and energy levels. Combine that with good sleep and a balanced diet, and you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to meaningful lifestyle shifts worth making.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at blog@forhims.com!
Lung cancer. Persistent cough, chest pain when breathing or coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and swelling of the neck or face. You have a higher risk if you’re a smoker; if you’ve been exposed to second-hand smoke, arsenic, asbestos, or other chemicals; if you have a family history of lung cancer; or if you live in an area with high air pollution.
Skin cancer. New moles or spots on your skin, a change in an existing spot, rough, scaly patches on skin, or a shiny bump. You have a higher risk if you spend excessive amounts of time in the sun, you’ve experienced severe sunburns in the past, and you have fair skin.
Testicular cancer. Lumps or swelling in either testicle, heaviness or aching in the scrotum or lower abdomen, and low back pain. You have a higher risk if you have an undescended testicle, a family history of testicular cancer, or HIV.
Engage in regular physical activity
Don’t smoke
Aim to have a healthy weight
Protect your skin from the sun
Don’t drink excessively
Get regular checkups and any cancer screening tests your provider recommends
When left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to a variety of health conditions like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, incontinence, vision loss, and even amputation. Some men with diabetes also experience sexual health problems like ED and ejaculatory issues.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include a family history of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Excessive thirst and hunger
Blurry vision
Extreme tiredness
Slow wound healing
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Follow a healthy diet
Test your glucose levels
Take prediabetes seriously
According to a CDC analysis of the trends and demographics of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis‐related mortality in U.S. adults, men have a higher risk of developing and dying from liver disease compared to women.
The study concluded that male mortality rates from liver disease consistently surpassed female rates, partly due to behavioral risk factors like higher alcohol and tobacco use among men.
Chronic tiredness or weakness
Poor appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin
Muscle cramps
Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Learn about vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A and B
Limit alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
Stay hydrated
Follow the recommended dosages of medications (including over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen)
Low testosterone affects up to 39 percent of men over age 45 in the U.S., and the condition becomes more common with age. The causes vary depending on whether the issue originates in the testicles (primary hypogonadism) or the brain’s hormonal signaling (secondary hypogonadism), but several risk factors can increase your chances.
Men are more likely to experience low testosterone if they’re older than 40, carry excess weight, have type 2 diabetes, experience sleep disorders like sleep apnea, or have used anabolic steroids.
Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Fatigue
Loss of muscle mass
Increased body fat
Brain fog
Mood changes
Less body hair
Infertility
Maintain a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Lower your stress levels
Prioritize sleep
Limit your alcohol use
If you think you might have low testosterone, learn how to get your testosterone levels checked at home.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a condition of prostate gland overgrowth — but the size is not caused by cancer. BPH is the most common prostate problem in men older than age 50, and it affects around 29 to 33 percent of those ages 65 and older.
You’re more likely to develop BPH as you get older — especially if the condition runs in your family or if you have conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or ED.
Trouble emptying your bladder or starting a urine stream
Frequent urination at night
Dribbling after urinating
Pain during urination
Being physically active
Noticing any unusual urinary tract symptoms
Having your first prostate exam by age 50 (or earlier if you have risk factors)
According to 2025 data, obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent among U.S. adults, affecting 59 percent of men and 41 percent of women. More than just a sleep disorder, sleep apnea is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, insulin resistance, and low testosterone.
Snoring
Waking up with a dry mouth
Frequent nighttime urination
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Brain fog
Mood changes
Low libido
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol consumption
Sleep on your side, not your back
According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) data, more than 1 in 3 U.S. men have overweight compared to 1 in 4 U.S. women. Carrying an unhealthy excess amount of weight can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease, and low testosterone.
Shortness of breath during light activity
Fatigue or low energy levels
Joint or back pain
Snoring or poor sleep
Difficulty losing weight despite effort
Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole foods and fiber
Get regular physical activity — brisk walking counts
Prioritize sleep and stress management
Limit alcohol and sugary beverages
Check in with your healthcare provider for regular weight and metabolic screenings
Sexual health problems like ED or premature ejaculation (PE) can have a major impact on your quality of life. They could signal a deeper problem.
For instance, studies show that ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular-related diseases, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and angina.
Trouble getting or keeping an erection
Reduced libido
Anxiety or frustration related to sexual performance
Shortened duration of erections
Lack of morning erections
Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in healthy ranges
Prioritize good sleep and stress reduction
Speak with a healthcare provider about ED medication
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, around 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but fewer than half seek treatment. Men die by suicide four times more often than women — treating mental health issues can be a matter of life and death.
Alcohol or drug abuse
Escapist behavior, like gambling or excessive work
Aggressive or violent behavior
Mood swings
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches or digestive problems
Risk-taking actions, such as reckless driving
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness
Stay connected to your support system
Consider therapy
Take care of your body by eating well, prioritizing sleep, and moving more
Limit substance use
Practice stress-reduction techniques, like mindfulness and meditation
Schedule regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss both mental and physical well-being