Men’s Health

Men’s health in general practice focuses on the specific health needs, risks, and behaviours more commonly or uniquely experienced by men. While many health issues are shared across genders, men’s health warrants particular attention due to the persistent disparities in health outcomes and healthcare engagement⁽¹⁾.

In Ireland, men have a life expectancy nearly four years shorter than women and are more likely to die prematurely from major causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and suicide.⁽²⁾ The vast majority of suicides in Ireland occur in men⁽³⁾, reflecting broader issues around mental health, stigma, and help-seeking behaviours. Men are also more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, including poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity⁽⁴⁾. Compounding this is the fact that men tend to consult less frequently and often later than women, which can delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes⁽⁵⁾.

Cultural and societal perceptions of masculinity can further influence how men approach their health. Risk-taking or avoidance of care may be seen as expressions of strength or independence. These attitudes present a challenge but also an opportunity for GPs to use every consultation as a platform for case-finding, opportunistic screening, and proactive health promotion.

Building rapport, using gender-sensitive communication strategies, and fostering a non-judgmental space are all key to engaging men more effectively in their health. As a GP, you are in a unique position to influence change by encouraging early help-seeking, supporting behaviour change, and addressing the broader determinants of men’s health across the life course.

While this chapter refers to men's health, we acknowledge that not all individuals with male reproductive organs or who were assigned male at birth identify as men. The curriculum aims to support inclusive, respectful, and person-centred care that is responsive to the needs of all individuals, regardless of gender identity. There are specific professional standards statements regarding the care of transgender and gender diverse individuals in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Health and Sexual Health Chapters.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) underpin workplace-based assessment in this curriculum. Each EPA represents an integrated clinical task that General Practitioners must perform safely and independently, assessed through direct or indirect observation in real clinical settings.

The curriculum and EPA framework are closely aligned: the curriculum defines the required knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours, while EPAs assess their application in practice. Together, they create a coherent approach to developing and demonstrating readiness for independent clinical work.

The examples show how specific activities within general practice & chapters of the curriculum align with particular EPAs.

 EPA 12: Manage the mental health needs of adults including older people

A patient presenting with low mood and increased irritability provides an opportunity to demonstrate EPA 12. If the GP Trainer observes the consultation, a PIP-C can be used to assess recognition of atypical presentations of depression in men, risk assessment, and sensitive communication that encourages engagement. A succinct case entry could be: “low mood and irritability in middle-aged man.” Reflection should explore strategies to reduce stigma, address barriers to help-seeking, and tailor interventions to the patient’s social and occupational context.

Core Knowledge Test (CKT)

• Management of lower urinary tract symptoms

• Prostate cancer screening

• Assessment of low testosterone 

Clinical Competency Test (CCT)

• A patient presenting with a testicular lump.
• A patient has an abnormal Prostatic Specific Antigen test.
• A patient presenting with low libido, low mood and low energy. 

Disclaimer: The examples provided within this section are intended to be indicative only and are included to illustrate how elements of the curriculum may be assessed in the Clinical Competency Test (CCT).

Examination questions in the CCT test the ability of candidates to integrate knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours across multiple curriculum areas to address the challenges posed by the question.

The indicative content should therefore be used solely as a general guide as to some of the topics that may be introduced. Actual examination questions will assess a greater depth and complexity of understanding than the illustrative examples provided.

Please note that a number of CCT questions will require candidates to undertake a physical examination of the simulated patient. In some circumstances, for example in the case of an intimate examination, candidates may be required to display their examination skills through use of a manikin or other device.

1.    The Real Face of Men’s Health report [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 18]. Available from: https://au.movember.com/movember-institute/the-real-face-of-mens-health-report
2.    HSE publishes 2024 Annual Report: Advancing reform to deliver better care [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 18]. Available from: https://about.hse.ie/news/hse-publishes-2024-annual-report-advancing-reform-to-deliver-better-care/
3.    Suicide Statistics 2021 - Central Statistics Office [Internet]. CSO; 2024 [cited 2025 Aug 18]. Available from: https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-ss/suicidestatistics2021/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4.    Institute of Health Equity [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region: final report. Available from: https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/resources-reports/review-of-social-determinants-and-the-health-divide-in-the-who-european-region-final-report
5.    Baker P. Missing persons? Men’s use of primary care services. Trends in Urology & Men’s Health. 2024;15(1):2–5.