Well man clinics specialise in men’s health care. They're centres where men can have a general health check, which is sometimes called a health MOT.
If you’re aged 40-60, you can have a health check to assess your overall health and fitness.
Well man clinics aren't a replacement for your GP. If you're ill or need medical advice, contact your GP surgery.
Where can I find a well man clinic?
Some NHS GPs and hospitals run well man clinics.
Ask your GP surgery whether it runs a clinic or has well man appointments available. If it doesn’t, it may have information about local well man clinics.
Many private companies offer health checks for men. These companies charge for their services. You can find details in the phone book or on the internet.
What do well man clinics do?
Your general health will be assessed to check for any health conditions that can be treated. For example, high blood pressure is a common condition that often has no symptoms but once detected can be treated.
You’ll be asked about your current health and lifestyle, for example:
- your diet,
- how much alcohol you drink,
- how much exercise you do, and
- whether you smoke.
As well as your own medical history, you’ll be asked about your parents’ health and other family members. This can help to identify health risks that may affect you.
You’ll be given advice and guidance about your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes, stroke or coronary heart disease.
You can also get help and information about male health issues such as prostate conditions or erectile dysfunction.
You’ll probably have more than one appointment. For example, you may need to go back to discuss your test results.
What checks and tests will I have?
Your weight, height and blood pressure will be checked.
You’ll probably have a blood test to check your cholesterol. This will help to identify whether you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke. You may have a urine test to check for diabetes or kidney infections.
Depending on what the clinic offers, other tests may include:
- hearing and vision,
- muscle strength and joint flexibility,
- lung function, or
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems.
If you’re a heavy smoker, you may have a chest X-ray.
Some tests may only be available in private health checks, and you may have to pay extra for them.
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