Routine Checks (Men)

Overview: Health checks for men at your IPSA Medical clinic

Men should have regular health check-ups to help them to stay healthy, and at your IPSA Medical clinic, our confidential medical check-ups for men are geared towards detecting any early warning signs of disease or illness. Certain health issues (e.g. cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers) can be picked up early, with treatment then usually being more successful.
When you have your routine health check at your IPSA Medical clinic, your IPSA Medical doctor will talk to you about:

What if I have a risk factor for a particular disease?

If you have any high-risk factors (e.g. a family history of a particular medical condition), then you might have a higher chance of developing that particular condition. By having regular health check-ups, your IPSA Medical physician can pick up on early warning signs (e.g. high blood pressure might be an early warning sign of heart disease).

What will my IPSA Medical physician focus on during my health check-up?

During your health check-up, your IPSA Medical physician will carry out his consultation based on your signs and symptoms, and your medical and family history, and if needed, he will request additional investigations (e.g. scans or blood tests) to ensure you have a full health screen.
Based on your results and your current lifestyle, your IPSA Medical physician will give you advice and tips on staying healthy, including how to undertake testicular checks and skin checks.
Every IPSA Medical consultation is adapted to each individual client and his presenting symptoms. This is why your IPSA Medical physician will decide which areas need to be focused on during your consultation and he will discuss his decisions fully with you. Your IPSA Medical doctor’s focus will depend on your lifestyle, risk factors, your family history and your presenting symptoms.

What are the typical tests I will be given during my IPSA Medical male health check-up?

Blood pressure
If your blood pressure is normal and you are under 40 with no family history of high blood pressure, then you should have your blood pressure checked once yearly. Have it checked every six months if you are over 40, your blood pressure is raised, or you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure, strokes or heart attacks.
Blood tests
Blood tests are carried out during your consultation to check your cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides (as well as some other things). High levels can sometimes indicate increased risk for some health problems (for example, heart disease). Your IPSA Medical doctor will usually recommend a yearly blood test to prevent the development of future problems.
Obesity tests
Being overweight does significantly increase your risk for a range of health conditions (e.g. diabetes; cardiovascular disease).
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This painless and non-invasive test detects heart (cardiac) abnormalities. An ECG measures electrical activity generated by your heart when it contracts. For those over 50, your IPSA Medical clinician might recommend an ECG test every 2–5 years; this will depend on the findings during your consultation regarding your medical history and current health status.
Diabetes check
Diabetes tests at IPSA Medical include your fasting blood-sugar level (which measures the glucose in your blood after you have not eaten anything for a set amount of time prior to the test).
Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors:

Prostate cancer check
During your consultation, your IPSA Medical clinician will determine if a prostate cancer test is required after assessing your symptoms, medical history and family history. He may discuss the test with you alongside your prostate cancer risk.
The test involves your IPSA Medical physician inserting a lubricated and gloved finger into your anus to feel for changes in your prostate gland. This test is combined with blood tests (including the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test).
If you have a family cancer history, not just for prostate cancer, then your IPSA Medical physician may recommend the PSA test and a regular digital test once you pass 40.
Bowel cancer check
The faecal occult blood test (FOBT) uses specific chemicals to check for blood in your stools (poo). For those over 50, the FOBT is suggested every 2 years, and for those over 40 with a family bowel cancer history.
Men at high risk of getting bowel cancer may also need to undergo a colonoscopy every 5 years.
Eye check
The eyesight often deteriorates as we age. Some serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy become more common as we age. Men over 60 should have an annual eye exam. However, your IPSA physician may recommend more frequent testing if you present with certain risk factors, which include:

• A family history of eye disease
• Some medical conditions (for example, diabetes or high blood pressure)
• A personal history of eye injury/disease
• Taking certain medications

Other health topics that might be discussed during your IPSA consultation

At the end of your IPSA consultation, your IPSA doctor might be able to help you directly, either with medication, or by referring you for further investigations/scans. If necessary, your IPSA physician will book a review appointment, and this will depend on your diagnosis. Sometimes, your IPSA doctor might refer to you a specialist for diagnosis/treatment, and any referrals will be arranged immediately at your IPSA clinic on the day of your consultation.
To book your men’s health check-up at your IPSA clinic, simply call your nearest IPSA clinic or book online.