Men's health is often overlooked in everyday life. Work stress, family obligations, and leisure activities leave little time for doctor's visits. Yet, regular checkups are one of the most important steps to detect illnesses early and avoid serious health problems.
Many men hesitate to undergo medical examinations – whether due to lack of time, lack of knowledge, or fear of possible diagnoses. But preventative care is not a weakness, but rather a sign of responsibility towards oneself and the people who are important to oneself.
This article explains which preventative health checkups are relevant for men at different stages of life. We'll tell you when you should schedule which checkups and how to find the right doctor. We'll also clarify the difference between preventative care and early detection – and why both are essential. Finally, we'll take a look at the often overlooked connection between testosterone and overall health.
With the right knowledge, you can actively contribute to maintaining your health in the long term and increasing your quality of life. Let's find out together how you can stay strong, fit, and healthy through preventative care.
Why prevention is so important
Preventive health checkups are a crucial component of a healthy life – yet many men in Germany do not make sufficient use of this opportunity. Statistics show that men in Germany utilize preventive health checkups less frequently than women. In 2019, only 24.1% of men participated in statutory cancer screening examinations, while the figure for women was 47.7% ( MSD SHARP & DOHME GMBH, 2024 ). Furthermore, in a 2018 survey, approximately 45% of women surveyed stated that they regularly attended all recommended preventive health checkups, compared to only about 21% of men ( Statista, 2024 ). These figures illustrate that men more frequently neglect their health and utilize preventive health services less often than women.
This phenomenon is not only observed in Germany, but worldwide. Studies from the USA also show that men undergo significantly fewer preventive health check-ups than women ( Vaidya et al., 2011 ). At the same time, scientific studies demonstrate that preventive measures can significantly increase life expectancy – without incurring additional healthcare costs ( Rasmussen et al., 2007 ).
Preventive health checkups help detect diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer early – often before symptoms appear. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment. Regular checkups can not only save lives but also prevent complications and long-term health problems (Wardle et al., 2015 ).
Regular checkups demonstrate responsibility for oneself and one's loved ones. It's not just about avoiding acute health problems, but also about ensuring one's quality of life in the long term. Preventive care means taking steps today to protect one's health tomorrow.
What preventative health check-ups are available for men?
Preventive health checkups are essential for detecting diseases early and treating them effectively. Many of these checkups are covered by statutory health insurance in Germany, making preventive healthcare more accessible for men. Here are the most important checkups and which ones are covered by health insurance:
1. General health check-up
Recommended for ages 35 and up, every three years
The general health check-up, also known as "Check-up 35," is a comprehensive examination designed for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease. The following examinations are performed ( Check-up 35 (Health Check-Up for Adults) | AOK , nd ):
- Blood pressure measurement
- Determination of cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Urine test for protein, glucose and blood
- Medical history and physical examination
Cost coverage:
Statutory health insurance covers this health check-up every three years for men and women aged 35 and over. A one-time check-up is also available free of charge from the age of 18.
2. Prostate cancer screening
Recommended for ages 45 and up, annually
Prostate cancer screening is an important examination for the early detection of prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men. The screening includes ( Does TK cover cancer screening for men? - Die Techniker , 2023 ):
- Digital rectal examination of the prostate
- Advice on prostate cancer risks
Cost coverage:
Statutory health insurance covers the annual digital rectal examination from the age of 45. Important: The PSA test is only covered by insurance if there is a specific suspicion of prostate cancer. However, the PSA test can be performed as an individual health service (IGeL) at your own expense.
3. Colon cancer screening
Recommended for ages 50 and up
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in men. With timely screening, the disease can be detected at an early stage and treated successfully. The following are recommended ( Preventive Screening for Men , nd ):
- Stool test: Annually, test for hidden blood in the stool.
- Colonoscopy: Every ten years from age 50, more frequently if there is a family history of colonoscopy.
Cost coverage:
Both tests are fully covered by health insurance. The stool test is free annually from age 50, and the colonoscopy is free every ten years from age 55.
4. Skin cancer screening
Recommended for ages 35 and up, every two years
Skin cancer screening serves to detect melanoma and other skin changes at an early stage. The examination includes ( Health Insurance Fund, 2021 ):
- Visual examination of the entire skin by a dermatologist
- Examination of unusual skin changes
Cost coverage:
Statutory health insurance companies cover a skin cancer screening every two years for men and women aged 35 and over. If abnormalities are found, further investigations are also covered by the insurance.
5. Eye and hearing tests
Recommended for ages 50 and up, regularly
Vision and hearing often decline with age. Regular checkups are important to detect any impairments early ( Barmer, nd ).
- Eye examination: Checking visual acuity, retina and intraocular pressure.
- Hearing tests: Examination of hearing ability by an ENT doctor or hearing aid specialist.
Cost coverage:
Eye tests to determine visual acuity and the fitting of glasses are not covered by health insurance. However, special examinations are covered in cases of medical necessity, such as suspected glaucoma or cataracts. Hearing tests are free of charge as part of medical examinations; hearing aids are partially covered with a prescription.
6. Ultrasound for the early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Recommended for ages 65 and up, one-time use only
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a enlargement of the abdominal aorta that can remain undetected until it ruptures, causing life-threatening complications. A simple ultrasound can help detect such an aneurysm early and treat it accordingly. This preventative examination is particularly recommended for men over 65, as they have a higher risk of developing this condition, especially if they are smokers or have high blood pressure ( Early Detection of Abdominal Aneurysms | AOK , nd ).
- Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta: visualization of the vessel wall and measurement of the diameter.
Cost coverage:
The statutory health insurance covers this preventive examination once for men aged 65 and over. Women can have the examination performed as an individual health service (IGeL) at their own expense.
Important:
Some preventive health checkups, such as the PSA test or extended eye and heart examinations, are considered individual health services (IGeL) and must be paid for out of pocket. Private health insurance companies often cover additional preventive services, depending on the policy.
Conclusion:
Preventive health checkups are vital and often free – so there's no excuse to postpone important screenings. Contact your health insurance provider to find out about the specific services offered and ensure you take timely preventive care for your health ( Salkeld, 1998 ). The earlier problems are detected, the better the chances of recovery – and statutory health insurance supports you in this!
When do preventive health checkups become important?
The earlier, the better! Initial preventative checkups are advisable from the age of 20 to maintain long-term health. Regular dental visits should be a matter of course from childhood onward to prevent cavities and gum disease. Skin cancer screening is also beneficial at a young age – especially for people with fair skin or a family history of the disease ( “The Early Detection of and Screening for Melanoma. International Status,” 1995 ).
The importance of preventative care increases with age. A general health check-up is recommended from the age of 35 to detect cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease early. From the age of 45, prostate cancer screening becomes a focus, as the risk of prostate cancer increases.
From the age of 50, preventative examinations such as colorectal cancer screening and regular eye and hearing tests become essential. Skin cancer screening every two years also remains important. The older you get, the greater the risk of chronic diseases – regular checkups can help detect serious illnesses early and treat them effectively.
In conclusion, preventative care should be an integral part of one's health routine at every age. Early preventative care lays the foundation for a healthy and active life well into old age.
How do I find the right doctor for preventative care?
Choosing the right doctor is an important step towards staying healthy in the long term. Here are some practical tips to help you find a suitable practice:
-
Check professional competence:
Make sure the doctor has the necessary qualifications and specializations. For example, a dermatologist should be certified for skin cancer screening, and a urologist should have experience in prostate cancer screening. You can find information about qualifications on the practice's website or on review portals. -
Get recommendations:
Personal recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues are often very helpful. They can tell you about practices they've had good experiences with. -
Accessibility and comfort:
The practice should be easily accessible, whether by car or public transport. The opening hours should also fit into your daily routine. A pleasant and friendly environment will ensure you feel comfortable during your doctor's visit. -
Building a foundation of trust:
A trusting doctor-patient relationship is crucial. You should feel taken seriously and be able to speak openly about health problems. A good doctor takes their time, explains things clearly, and answers all your questions.
Prevention vs. early detection: What is the difference?
The terms "prevention" and "early detection" are often confused, but have different meanings. Both are important components of a healthy lifestyle and help to prevent diseases or treat them early ( Dillner, 2019 ).
Prevention
Preventive care focuses on preventing illnesses from developing in the first place. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking. Typical preventive examinations include general health check-ups and vaccinations against influenza and other infections.
For example, those who have their blood pressure checked regularly and maintain healthy lifestyle habits can prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Early detection
Early detection aims to diagnose existing but as yet undetected diseases at an early stage. This allows treatments to begin in time and complications to be avoided. Early detection screenings are particularly important for cancers such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer.
Example: A skin cancer screening can detect malignant changes early, before symptoms appear.
Conclusion:
While preventative care aims to avert disease, early detection aims to identify and treat existing illnesses as early as possible. Both approaches complement each other perfectly for a comprehensive health strategy.
Prevention and testosterone: Relationship and relevance
Testosterone levels are one of the most important, yet often neglected, aspects of men's health. Testosterone not only influences sexual function, but also numerous other bodily functions such as energy levels, muscle growth, bone density, and mood ( Physiology, Testosterone , 2024 ).
Declining testosterone levels over the course of life
From the age of 30, testosterone levels in men decline by approximately 1-2% annually ( Stanworth & Jones, 2008 ). This gradual decline often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are mistaken for general aging or stress. The most common signs of low testosterone include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion: Less energy and lack of motivation in everyday life ( Straftis & Gray, 2019 ).
- Mood swings: Irritability, depressive moods or lack of motivation ( Hintikka et al., 2009 ).
- Decreased libido: Declining sexual desire and possible erectile dysfunction ( Wang et al., 2000 ).
- Muscle loss and weight gain: Loss of muscle mass with a simultaneous increase in body fat ( Yuki et al., 2013 ).
- Concentration problems: memory gaps and difficulty focusing ( Jäger et al., 2013 ).
You can learn more about testosterone and the effects of a testosterone deficiency in our article " Testosterone deficiency in men: causes, symptoms and treatment options ".
Why is this important?
Untreated testosterone deficiency can significantly impair quality of life. Since testosterone levels are often not automatically measured as part of a routine health check-up, men should actively discuss this with their doctor if they experience relevant symptoms.
The role of preventive medical check-ups
A targeted blood test performed by a general practitioner or urologist can determine testosterone levels and other important hormone values. If a testosterone deficiency is diagnosed, individually tailored testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help. This treatment stabilizes hormone levels and can effectively alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, and muscle loss ( Santos & Bhasin, 2020 ).
Especially convenient: Adon Health offers specially tailored blood tests for hormone analysis ( order a test ). You not only receive precise lab results, but can also have individual consultations with experienced doctors specializing in men's health and hormone therapy. This ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your personal needs.
Our conclusion, your knowledge
Preventive care is far more than just a chore – it's one of the most important investments you can make in your health and well-being. Regular checkups help detect serious illnesses such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or cancer early – often even before symptoms appear.
Regular checkups allow for early detection and treatment of illnesses, significantly reducing the risk of complications. This not only maintains quality of life but also increases the chance of a long and healthy life.
So don't wait until symptoms appear. Take charge of your health and schedule preventative appointments. Do something good for yourself and your body – for more energy, vitality, and a life without avoidable health problems.
