His and hers: How to level up your health as a couple

This article was updated February 2025

You know how we’re always talking about glowing up and taking care of ourselves? Well, part of that glow-up is making sure he is on top of his health too! I know we always focus on girl talk. You know, things like our annual exams, understanding our cycles, and getting tested for STIs. But we can’t forget about the guys. How do you get your partner to care about their health? If you’re curious about helping your man stay current with his STI testing and have healthy habits, you’ve found the right crew here in our blog section. We are here to support you, even in your relationship! 

This is about keeping things 100% in your relationship and making sure you’re both thriving. Because a healthy bae is a happy bae, right?

First Up: STI Testing – Don’t Sleep on It

Let’s keep it real! STI testing isn’t just YOUR thing — it’s a both of y’all’s thing. Whether you’re vibing in a serious relationship or you’re still figuring things out, you want to be sure you’re both in good condition. And girl, ThriVe has your back with no-cost, confidential STI screenings for women. Worried you might be pregnant or have an STI? We understand. Schedule your screening when you’re ready.

If your man is “lowkey stressing” about taking care of himself, try to keep it casual and supportive. You’re both adults, and this is just part of taking care of yourselves. Think of it as a team effort. Mutual trust = major couples’ goals. How do you get your partner to care about their health? Work together to keep your future and well-being safe! Don’t take unnecessary risks that have big impacts on your relationship. You can decide together to take steps like delaying sex because pregnancy, STIs, and extra stress about your future are probably things you don’t want to mess with right now. You’re in charge of your future.

Let’s Talk About Those Other Screenings for Men

Alright, so STI screenings are important for men and women who’ve been sexually active in the past. But what about health screenings specifically for guys? 

You might not think about it now, but it’s good to know what to expect for the future. You might have questions about whether your guy needs a PSA test (a screening for prostate cancer).. Prostate exams and prostate cancer might sound like things for your dad or grandpa’s generation — like age 65!, but guys usually need to start thinking about them around age 50.¹ Around this age experts recommend getting a PSA test (prostate-specific antigen).² This is a kind of prostate cancer screening. The PSA is a blood test that tests for a substance made by the prostate gland. If his PSA level is high, that might indicate an enlarged prostate or a risk of prostate cancer.³ So yeah, it’s probably still a minute away for your man, but when the time comes, his PSA test is an important screening. Early detection of prostate cancer is key. When you catch it early, a man might not even need prostate cancer treatment — he might just to keep an eye out for changes.⁴

One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.⁴ Starting good habits now can reduce a man’s overall risks!^{1, 3} Things like eating a diet full of fruits and veggies, regular exercise, and staying at a healthy weight are all ways to plan for a great future.¹

Even though prostate cancer can be on their radar for the future,  testicular cancer is something for him to watch for now. It’s much more common than prostate cancer in younger guys.⁵  So even though our guys might feel invincible, it’s something to watch. A quick self-check can be a part of their routine. If your partner is between age 15 and age 45, you might mention “getting a check up” to him.⁵ If he has an elevated cancer risk like a family history his doctor can talk to him about the details. And down the road, when he’s at the prostate exam age, getting a screening test will already be part of his routine.

You don’t need to be an expert to help your partner take care of himself physically. It’s a caring and supportive nudge, that’s all.

Overall Health = Major Couples Goals

Healthy bae, healthy you — that’s the vibe! If he’s taking care of himself, you both can both feel  better together. Whether it’s hitting the gym, eating better, or going to regular check-ups, it’s all part of that #GlowUp lifestyle. 

And, let’s be real, caring for his health means everything else in your relationship gets a boost too. Looking out for each other’s well-being isn’t just sweet — it’s essential. You both deserve to feel your best, inside and out. Make sure you’re giving each other the time and space to get in that work out, enjoying nutritious foods that are special to both of you, and seeing your physicians yearly. 

How to Talk to Your Boo About Health (Without Being Awkward)

I get it, bringing up medical stuff might feel a little weird at first. But honestly? It doesn’t have to be! And you don’t have to address specific details with him, especially if you aren’t in a committed relationship like marriage. Keep it chill. 

How do you get your partner to care about their health? You can drop it into a conversation like, “Hey, I’m booking my annual check-up soon. Have you had yours lately?” Or, if either of you have been sexually active (even in the past), you might want to go in for an STI screening. You might just ask,  “I’m scheduling an appointment for myself. Do you want to talk with a medical professional too? It’s super important for both of us.” Preparing for a future together? Taking care of yourselves as a team is a great practice. 

If you’re looking for an affordable and discreet STI screening for women, look no further. ThriVe offers no-cost STI screenings for women. Come see us to get checked out.

Pro tip: Frame it as self-care in the way you express it. You wouldn’t skip your annual gyno visit or ignore something feeling off, so he shouldn’t either. Health = confidence, and that’s the real deal.

Quick Tips for Helping Your Man Level Up:

– Lead by example. When manage your own health well, it can inspire him to do the same. 

– Keep it casual, no pressure. Don’t come in too hot — just remind him it’s all about both of you thriving. 

– Suggest low-stress check-ups. Maybe plan them around the same time so it feels like a normal thing, not a big deal. This might also be a helpful way to remind each other of your appointments!

Being each other’s advocate is a major flex. By reading up on men’s health (including cancer risks, good habits, and STI testing), and growing together, you’re already on track for a healthy connection. You’re both in this together, so why not make sure you’re both staying on top of your health? And remember, ThriVe is always here if you need some extra support. We got you, girl.