Men's Health

The UK has a high death rate from preventable illnesses among men, making it essential for men to be aware of their health and take proactive steps to prevent further harm.

Men's Health

About men's health

Generally, men in the UK have poorer health than women due to their behaviours and attitudes regarding taking care of themselves. Men are less likely to seek help if they experience symptoms like chest pains or feel unwell. They are more likely than women to smoke, drink alcohol and become obese. They are also more likely to take part in dangerous activities such as motorcycling or using recreational drugs.

Mental health in men

One particular area of concern is mental health. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged 20-49 in the UK, accounting for three-quarters of all suicides in this age group. Poor mental health accounts for one-fifth of the total burden of disease among British men over 45 years old, with depression being prevalent.

How to improve men's health

There are several ways that men can protect their health and reduce the chances of a severe illness occurring later in life. These include:

  • Regular exercise is essential for physical and mental well-being; men should aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activities, such as jogging or swimming.

  • Eating a balanced diet is also vital; according to NHS guidelines, men should consume no more than 2-3 units per day (1 unit is equivalent to 8g of pure alcohol). A balanced diet should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and lean proteins like fish, poultry and beans. 

  • Quitting smoking, however, reducing consumption can still significantly improve cardiovascular health when combined with other lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and increased activity levels. 

Available men's health services

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

  • Sildenafil - 4 Tablets

    £20.50 per patient

    Our prescribers can prescribe sildenafil tablets (Generic Viagra) at an appropriate dose of either 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg. Sildenafil is just as effective as Viagra but more cost-effective. It works in 1 hour and lasts up to 4 hours.

  • Sildenafil - 8 Tablets

    £30.99 per patient

    Our prescribers can prescribe sildenafil tablets (Generic Viagra) at an appropriate dose of either 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg. Sildenafil is just as effective as Viagra but more cost-effective. It works in 1 hour and lasts up to 4 hours.

  • Tadalafil - 4 Tablets

    £25.99 per patient

    Our prescribers can prescribe Tadalafil Tablets (Generic Cialis) at an appropriate dose of either 10mg or 20mg tablets. Tadalafil can be taken with food, works in 30 minutes, and lasts up to 36 hours.

  • Tadalafil - 8 Tablets

    £40.99 per patient

    Our prescribers can prescribe Tadalafil Tablets (Generic Cialis) at an appropriate dose of either 10mg or 20mg tablets. Tadalafil can be taken with food, works in 30 minutes, and lasts up to 36 hours.

  • Tadalafil Daily - 28 Tablets

    £45.99 per patient

    Our prescribers can prescribe Tadalafil Tablets (Generic Cialis) at an appropriate dose of either 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. At a dose of one tablet daily, Tadalafil enables spontaneous erection.

Find out more about the Erectile Dysfunction Service

  • £25 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £45 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £75 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £125 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £55 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £95 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £135 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • £210 per patient

    This treatment option is for adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Generally, you will see evidence of stabilisation of hair loss after three to six months of treatment.

  • Private Consultation

    £30 per patient

    Gain swift access to our prescribers and receive tailored expert guidance and confidential service via our private consultation.

Find out more about the Private Prescription Service

  • Wegovy - 0.25mg, 0.5mg or 1mg

    £189 per patient

    Each pre-filled pen contains four doses. You stay on each dose for at least four weeks. We'll help you choose a suitable dose. This service option is not suitable for diabetic patients.

  • Wegovy - 1.7mg

    £239 per patient

    Each pre-filled pen contains four doses. You stay on each dose for at least four weeks. We'll help you choose a suitable dose. This service option is not suitable for diabetic patients.

  • Wegovy - 2.4mg

    £290 per patient

    Each pre-filled pen contains four doses. You stay on each dose for at least four weeks. We'll help you choose a suitable dose. This service option is not suitable for diabetic patients.

  • Saxenda - 3 Pens

    £149 per patient

    Saxenda is an injection you take daily that reduces your appetite. You should start feeling less hungry in a few days and lose weight within a few weeks. This service option is not suitable for diabetic patients.

    Currently unavailable

  • Saxenda - 5 Pens

    £239 per patient

    Saxenda is an injection you take daily that reduces your appetite. You should start feeling less hungry in a few days and lose weight within a few weeks. This service option is not suitable for diabetic patients.

    Currently unavailable

Find out more about the Weight Loss Service

Warning signs of ill health

It is important for men to keep an eye out for signs that may indicate ill health or risk factors such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels – these can be detected via routine blood tests available on the NHS, which all adults between 40-74 years old are eligible for every five years or sooner if recommended by a healthcare provider. You can also get these privately via our private blood test service. Other tests include screenings for prostate cancer (for those aged 50 and above) and bowel cancer screening (for those aged 60 and above). Lastly, it's also essential not to neglect regular checkups with your GP - regardless if you're feeling unwell or not - so any potential issues can be identified early on before they become serious problems down the line.

Be proactive

By taking proactive steps towards improving one's overall level of health through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and exercising regularly combined with regular checkups at their GP -men living in the UK can significantly reduce their risk factor towards developing severe diseases later on down the line whilst promoting improved mental well-being too.

Other service categories

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

    • Where are these services available?

      These services are available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.

    • Are next-day appointments available?

      Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.

    • How can I improve my chances of becoming a dad?

      It may seem obvious, but you need to have regular sex (2 or 3 times a week) if you want to become a dad. Having sex around the time your partner ovulates (when an egg is released from the ovary) will increase your chances of conceiving.

      You can also make several lifestyle changes to improve your chances of becoming a dad.

    • Why is my penis smelly and sore?

      Common causes for a smelly and sore penis include:

      • smegma

      • balanitis

      • a sexually transmitted infection

      • non-specific urethritis

      • a urinary tract infection

      • prostatitis

    • Why can I not get and keep an erection?

      Most people with a penis will have an occasional episode of being unable to get and keep an erection. This can be caused by the following:

      • stress

      • tiredness

      • anxiety

      • drinking too much alcohol

      However, if you frequently have erection problems, you could have erectile dysfunction (ED).

      What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

      ED is when you regularly cannot get and keep an erection. It may only happen in some situations – for example, you may be able to get an erection when masturbating but not when you're with a partner.

      Identifying the cause of your symptoms is essential because ED can be an early sign of other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

    • What should I do if my penis is torn?

      If you have torn the skin that joins your foreskin to the tip of your penis, you should avoid sexual activity until the tear has healed. In most cases, the tear will get better without treatment.

      Once it has healed, you can use a lubricant during sex to prevent the problem from happening again. If it does not heal, go to a GP or local sexual health clinic.

    • What should I do if my erection will not go down?

      If you've had an erection for more than 4 hours, go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

      If it's been less than 4 hours, the following tips may help:

      • gentle exercise, such as jogging or using an exercise bike, may help your erection go down

      • having a warm bath may also benefit, as can having a pee. Having had a warm bath may make it easier for you to pee

      • use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort

      However, if these steps do not help and you've had an erection for more than 4 hours, go to A&E, as this is an emergency.

    • What should my testicles look and feel like?

      Most men's testicles are about the same size, but it's common for one to be slightly bigger than the other. It's also common for one testicle to hang lower than the other.

      The testicles should feel smooth and firm but not hard, without any lumps or bumps. You may feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle called the epididymis.

      If you notice any changes or anything unusual about your testicles, you should see a GP.