Men’s Health Month: Why Preventive Care Matters More Than Ever
June 1, 2026
During Men’s Health Month, prioritizing preventive care, regular screenings and open conversations with your primary care physician about both physical and mental health can make a meaningful difference. At Episcopal Health Services (EHS), our primary care physicians encourage men to take a proactive approach to their health and well-being, with particular attention to urologic health, sexual health and emotional wellness. In essence, they serve as a manager of your healthcare.
According to Dr. Natan Davoudzadeh, a Urologist at EHS, men’s health often is deprioritized due to work, family responsibilities and the demands of daily life. Delaying care can allow serious health issues to go unnoticed until they become more challenging to treat.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Many men delay seeing a primary care doctor because they feel healthy, are too busy, or don’t think anything is wrong. Unfortunately, underlying conditions can progress, even to an advanced stage, if care is delayed. Preventive care helps detect and identify problems early, often before symptoms become obvious. This approach leads to more and often less invasive treatment options, better outcomes and a higher likelihood of averting serious complications.
The encouragement to schedule a primary care appointment often begins with the women in a man’s life, such as wives, sisters, daughters or other loved ones, whose support can make a meaningful difference in overall health. Feeling ‘fine’ is not necessarily synonymous with actually being healthy. Regular screenings and routine medical visits are essential for maintaining long-term well-being.
Common Men’s Health Concerns: Prostate and Sexual Health
From a urologic perspective, prostate health and sexual health are among the most important aspects of men’s health. These concerns become increasingly common with age and often go unrecognized until symptoms begin to affect daily life. Conditions such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone can impact not only physical health, but also confidence, relationships and overall quality of life. Prostate health is particularly important, as many men delay screening or overlook symptoms until the condition has advanced. Open communication with a healthcare provider and routine evaluations can help identify potential issues early and support better long-term health outcomes.
Why Prostate Cancer Screening Is So Important
Prostate cancer screening is one of the most important preventive steps men can take as they age. For most men, screening should begin around age 50. However, men with a strong family history of prostate cancer and African American men may need to start earlier – often around age 40 -or sooner, depending on individual risk factors.
Early detection is crucial. When prostate cancer is identified at a localized stage through routine screening, treatment outcomes are highly favorable, with cure rates approaching 100%. This underscores the importance of timely screening, which remains one of the most effective strategies for detecting prostate cancer early and preserving long-term health.
Erectile Dysfunction May Signal More Than a Sexual Health Issue
Sexual health is another critical aspect of men’s overall well-being that should not be overlooked or ignored. While erectile dysfunction can occur at all ages, it is particularly important for younger men to seek evaluation, as it may sometimes be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
Men experiencing erectile dysfunction may require additional cardiovascular screening and, in some cases, a referral to a cardiologist. In this way, addressing sexual health concerns can help identify underlying medical issues before they become more serious.
Men’s Mental Health Deserves Attention
Men’s overall health encompasses far more than physical screenings. Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. Many men experience stress, anxiety or depression but may suppress these feelings out of concern of appearing weak or vulnerable. Too often, emotional struggles go unspoken until they reach a crisis point.
Work, family obligations and constant daily pressures can make it easy for men to neglect their mental health. Prioritizing emotional well-being is not a sign of weakness – it’s an essential part of staying healthy. Open conversations, support from loved ones and seeking professional care when needed all play a vital role in helping men maintain their overall health and resilience.
Take Charge of Your Health
Men’s Health Month serves as an important reminder that preventive care through routine primary care visits saves lives. Whether it’s scheduling a prostate cancer screening, addressing sexual health concerns, or prioritizing mental health, taking action early can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind. And at the heart of all of these actions, is your relationship with your primary care physician. At EHS, the primary care physicians act as your healthcare manager, and will guide you through each next step in your journey.
EHS encourages men to be proactive, ask questions, and make their health a priority. The earlier a concern is identified, the more options are available for effective treatment and support.
For a comprehensive list of services, visit ehs.org/services or to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, call 718-EHS-DOCS (718-347-3627).