st john health - men’s health week 2024

Men’s Health Week 2025: The facts

Jun 10, 2025

Men’s Health Week is back for 2025 and it’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

Men’s Health Week focuses not only on physical health, but also mental health and emotional wellbeing. At St John WA we’re calling on men across Western Australia to take a moment, check in with themselves and take a proactive approach to their healthcare and influence the next generation to develop healthy habits.

Why men’s health needs more attention

Every day 50 Australian men die from preventable causes; men often face unique health challenges and a society that doesn’t always encourage open conversations or seeking help. Myths and stigma still prevent many from visiting their GP or talking about what they’re going through.

Let’s break down some of the facts.

🧠 Mental health

Around 1 in 2 men experience mental health issues in their lifetime. Men’s mental health has often been pushed aside, but times are changing thanks to initiatives like Movember, Men’s Shed, and Beyond Blue. Dr Sid Samanta, Head of General Practice at SJWA welcomes this positive shift:

“It’s time to see mental health as part of your overall wellbeing. Your GP’s office is a judgment-free zone where it’s okay to open up and get help.”

If you’re struggling or not feeling right, there are different tests a GP can do for things like stress, depression and anxiety.

⚖️ Weight and lifestyle

Maintaining a health weight provides better quality of life and reduces the risk of ill health, but statistics show that less than 1 in 30 men eat enough fruit and vegetables and 3 in 4 adult men are overweight or obese.

Regular movement is key for physical health and can improve mental wellbeing; it can also help foster social networks.

Chat to your GP about finding out your 4 basic numbers:

  • Body Mass Index
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Blood sugar
🧬 Prostate cancer

More men die from prostate cancer, than women from breast cancer, but there’s no universal screening because there isn’t a good enough test yet.

  • The rule is, if there’s prostate cancer in your family, talk to your GP.
  • If you’re 50 or over, talk to your GP.
  • If you have any symptoms like trouble peeing or you’re peeing too much, talk to your GP

GPs use a simple PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test to see if you are at risk and need to be sent for further tests.

🩺 Vasectomy myths

There aren’t many public conversations about vasectomies but they’re an important part of male reproductive health and not as scary as you think!

Here are 3 myths debunked:

  1. A vasectomy impacts testosterone levels and sex drive. False, it doesn’t change your sex drive and it won’t change your ability to reach orgasm (ejaculate).
  2. A vasectomy surgery takes a long time. False, it’s a actually a very quick procedure and will typically take no longer than 15 – 20 minutes.
  3. A vasectomy can increase the risk of prostate cancer. False, there is no link between the two. Vasectomies are a safe procedure with very minor risks – none of which are related to prostate cancer.
Take charge of your health

Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to pause and prioritise your health; Dr Sid believes it starts with a mindset shift:

“We need to see a social change where men take the initiative to approach their GP without coaxing from loved ones. The behaviours that you exhibit will hopefully have a real good outcome on the rest of your family members and potentially future generations.”

Here are 4 simple ways to start making your health a priority:

  1. Don’t be afraid to visit your GP as a first point of call.

  2. Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and undertaking regular physical activity.

  3. Prioritise your mental health.

  4. Improve your sleep – better rest improves overall wellbeing.

This Men’s Health Week, don’t just scroll past the headlines; be a champion by getting checked, taking action and telling your mates.

Where to get help

Make your health and wellbeing a priority with St John GP

Book an appointment

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Disclaimer: This article is intended to share information about general health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. 

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