International Men’s Health Week: Why It Matters and What You Can Do
International Men’s Health Week takes place every June, shining a spotlight on the unique health challenges men face and encouraging practical action. First launched in the USA in 1994, it arrived in the UK in the early 2000s. The aim is simple: to raise awareness, spark conversations, and help men lead longer, healthier lives.
We know that men are often less likely to talk about their health or seek help early. Statistics consistently show that men are more at risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health problems. Sexual health, too, is often overlooked—yet it plays a vital role in overall wellbeing.
Why sexual health matters
Good sexual health isn’t just about preventing infections—it’s about healthy relationships, confidence, and knowing where to turn for support. Men can sometimes delay seeking care for symptoms or avoid regular check-ups, which can lead to missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. Whether it’s a simple STI test or conversations about contraception, erectile dysfunction, or reproductive health, taking control of your sexual health is a vital step towards feeling better in your body and mind.
This Men’s Health Week we are urging heterosexual men to take charge of their sexual health.
New analysis of over 2.5 million STI tests in 2023 found that heterosexual men are the least likely group to get tested, despite having some of the highest positivity rates for infections like chlamydia.
Free, confidential, and discreet at-home test kits are now widely available, through services like Sexual Health London (SHL.UK). These can be ordered online, completed in the privacy of your home, and returned by post—making it easier than ever to know your status and protect your health.
The risks of not getting tested
Many STIs don’t present noticeable symptoms in men, which means infections can remain undetected—and untreated—for years. The long-term consequences can be serious, including:
Infertility due to untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea
Chronic testicular or pelvic pain
Prostatitis, leading to urinary and sexual dysfunction
Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV
Neurological complications from advanced syphilis
Liver damage or cancer linked to hepatitis B or C
Cancers related to HPV, including penile, anal, and throat cancer
Mental health impacts, including anxiety, stigma, and relationship strain
By getting tested regularly—particularly if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners—you can protect yourself and others from avoidable harm.
International Men’s Health Week is about giving men the space, support, and encouragement they need to take their health seriously—without stigma or shame
Let’s use this opportunity to open up, take action, and build a culture where looking after your health, be it sexual, mental or physical is a strength, not a weakness.