The Top Men’s Health Issues — and How to Catch Them Early

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.

Are Men in Trouble? The Stats

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:

1. Heart Disease

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.

Warning signs of heart disease may include:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath during activity or rest

• Chronic coughing

• Fainting

• Fatigue

• Weakness in the legs

• Rapid or irregular heart rate

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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

2. Cancer

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 of cancer may include:

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.

• 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.

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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

3. Type 2 Diabetes

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.

Warning signs of type 2 diabetes include:

• Frequent urination

• Excessive thirst and hunger

• Blurry vision

• Extreme tiredness

• Slow wound healing

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Ways to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Follow a healthy diet

• Test your glucose levels

• Take prediabetes seriously

4. Liver Disease

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.

Warning signs of liver disease include:

• Chronic tiredness or weakness

• Poor appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Itchy skin

• Muscle cramps

• Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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)

5. Low Testosterone

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.

Warning signs of low testosterone include:

• Low sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Fatigue

• Loss of muscle mass

• Increased body fat

• Brain fog

• Mood changes

• Less body hair

• Infertility

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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.

6. Enlarged Prostate

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.

Warning signs of BPH include:

• Trouble emptying your bladder or starting a urine stream

• Frequent urination at night

• Dribbling after urinating

• Pain during urination

Ways to reduce your risk:

• Being physically active

• Noticing any unusual urinary tract symptoms

• Having your first prostate exam by age 50 (or earlier if you have risk factors)

7. Sleep Apnea

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.

Warning signs of sleep apnea include:

• Waking up with a gasp or choking sound

• Snoring

• Waking up with a dry mouth

• Frequent nighttime urination

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Brain fog

• Mood changes

• Low libido

Ways to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Quit smoking

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Sleep on your side, not your back

8. Obesity

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.

Warning signs of obesity-related health issues include:

• Shortness of breath during light activity

• Fatigue or low energy levels

• Joint or back pain

• Snoring or poor sleep

• Difficulty losing weight despite effort

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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

9. Erectile Dysfunction

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.

Warning signs of ED include:

• Trouble getting or keeping an erection

• Reduced libido

• Anxiety or frustration related to sexual performance

• Shortened duration of erections

• Lack of morning erections

Ways to reduce your risk:

• 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

10. Mental Health Issues

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.

Warning signs of a mental health disorder include:

• 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

How to care for your mental health:

• 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

Annual Physicals

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.

Routine Blood Work

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.

A Final Word On Men’s Health Problems Today

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.

How often should men get a physical exam?

Most experts recommend an annual checkup, even if you feel healthy. It’s the best way to spot potential issues early.

When should I start prostate cancer screening?

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.

What blood tests should men get every year?

A basic panel should include cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, and hormone levels (if symptoms suggest an imbalance).

How can I tell if my testosterone is low?

Common symptoms of low T include fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass. A simple blood test can confirm your levels.

What’s one thing I can do right now to improve my health?

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.