Men's Health GP in Wollongong
Our GPs at Illawarra General Practice provide health care for men of all ages, from regular health checks and screening to heart health, prostate health, sexual health and mental wellbeing. We see men from Wollongong and across the Illawarra at our Market Street practice in the Wollongong CBD.
Many men put off seeing a doctor until something feels wrong. A regular check-up gives you the chance to talk about your health early, ask questions and get clear advice on what, if anything, needs attention. Male GPs are available if you prefer.
What does a men's health GP help with?
A GP can help with most men's health concerns, including:
- Men's health checks and screening
- Prostate health and PSA testing
- Heart health checks and cardiovascular risk
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk
- Sexual health, including STI testing and erectile dysfunction
- Mental health, stress and sleep
- Weight, nutrition, alcohol and quitting smoking
If you need further tests or specialist care, your GP can arrange them and help coordinate your care.
Men's health checks
A men's health check is a chance to review your overall health with your GP, even if you feel well.
What happens during a men's health check?
Depending on your age, history and health, your GP may:
- Ask about your medical and family history, medications and lifestyle
- Check your blood pressure, weight and waist measurement
- Discuss blood tests, such as cholesterol and blood sugar
- Talk about mental health, stress, sleep, alcohol and smoking
- Review your vaccinations
- Check any skin spots you're concerned about
- Discuss which screening tests may be right for you
Screening that may be recommended
Your GP can explain which screening applies to you, including:
- Bowel cancer screening through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for people aged 45 to 74
- A Heart Health Check for people aged 45 and over, or 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- A discussion about PSA testing for prostate cancer, generally from around age 50, or earlier if you have a family history
Prostate checks and PSA testing
A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a blood test that can help detect prostate changes, including prostate cancer. There is no national prostate cancer screening program in Australia, so whether to have a PSA test is a decision you make with your GP.
Should I have a PSA test?
PSA testing has possible benefits and possible downsides. It may find prostate cancer early, but it can also find slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm, and an abnormal result can lead to further tests. Your GP will talk through your age, family history and preferences so you can make an informed choice.
Prostate symptoms to see your GP about
Book an appointment if you notice:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- A weak or interrupted urine flow
- Difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Pain when urinating
These symptoms are often caused by conditions other than cancer, such as an enlarged prostate, but they should be checked. Your GP can assess your symptoms and refer you to a urologist if needed.
Heart health checks
A Heart Health Check helps your GP estimate your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the coming years. Your GP will look at factors such as your age, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking, weight and family history.
Your GP will explain your results and discuss options to help lower your risk, which may include lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, medication. Heart Health Checks are available through Medicare for eligible patients.
Sexual health and erectile dysfunction
Our GPs provide confidential sexual health care for men, including STI testing and treatment and advice on contraception and fertility.
Erectile dysfunction is common and can have physical or psychological causes. It can sometimes be linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, so it's worth talking to your GP. Your GP can assess possible causes and discuss treatment options that may suit you.
Men's mental health
Stress, low mood, anxiety, sleep problems and changes in alcohol use can affect anyone. Your GP is a confidential place to start. Your GP can talk through how you're feeling, discuss support options and, where appropriate, prepare a mental health treatment plan and refer you to a psychologist.
If you need to talk to someone now, you can call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time of day or night.
Can I see a male GP?
Yes. Male GPs are available at our practice. You can choose your preferred doctor when you book online or call reception.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your age, health and family history. Many men benefit from a check-up every year or two, and more often if they have ongoing health conditions. Your GP can recommend what's right for you.
It's a personal decision to make with your GP. Your GP will explain the possible benefits and downsides based on your age, family history and preferences.
Yes. Consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some procedures may incur a small fee, which we'll discuss with you beforehand.
Yes. Erectile dysfunction is a common concern and your consultation is confidential. Your GP can look at possible causes and discuss options with you.
Not always. If your GP requests fasting blood tests, they'll let you know how to prepare. Pathology collection is available onsite through 4Cyte.