Yearly medical tests every man needs

Have you ever met a man who likes going to the doctor for an annual physical?   Neither have I.  Yet that once a year trip for a routine check-up is an investment in a man’s health that is both cost-effective in the long run and can reduce the risk of illness and death. 

Men should look at it in this way – most are very good at keeping their vehicle operating smoothly.  They wouldn’t dream of skipping an oil, lube and filter change or failing to fix a leaky roof on their home.  It’s important to keep up our methods of transportation and our home in good working order so why should it be any different when it comes to a his body and his health?  Why wait for symptoms to happen when a disease condition may be too far advanced by the time he gets to a doctor?  

Annual physical exams are a vital part of a preventative illness measure meant to safeguard a healthy, long life.  Even if a man is taking good care of himself by maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and getting in regular exercise, a health professional can use an annual exam and perform specific medical tests to keep alert to any signs and symptoms that have the potential to lead to a serious illness.

Depending on a man’s age, will determine what tests he should have and how often to have them.  By seeing his physician yearly and doing the testing that is suggested, a man can keep himself a finely-tuned machine able to enjoy his family and life to its fullest.

Male physical exam

Just like women have annual breast and pelvic exams, men too require an annual physical specifically assessing the health of the male body.  These exams include:

·      Testicular exam – A doctor can check each testicle for lumps, tenderness, or changes in size.  Most men with testicular cancer notice a growth before seeing a doctor.

·      Hernia exam – This exam will check for any weakness in the abdominal wall between the intestines and scrotum.

·      Penis exam – A doctor might notice evidence of sexually transmitted infections such as warts or ulcers on the penis.

·      Prostate exam – By inserting a finger in the rectum lets a doctor feel the prostate for its size and any suspicious areas.

Here is a decade-by-decade breakdown of the most important medical tests a man should have yearly:

In his 20s

·      Annual physical exam by his primary care physician, including blood pressure, and height/weight checks

·      Screening for testicular cancer, including teaching how to do monthly self exams.

·      Cholesterol screening every 5 years

·      Depending on risk factors electrocardiogram to check for heart disease and blood tests to screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems, and anemia

·      Depending on risk factors screening for skin cancer, oral cancer, sexually transmitted disease, HIV infection, and alcohol abuse

In his 30s

·      Same medical testing as in his 20s

·      Vision examination

·      Screening for coronary heart disease in men with a strong family history and/or risk factors

In his 40s

·      Same medical testing as in his 20s and 30s

·      Screening for prostate cancer

·      Diabetes screening every 3 years over the age of 45

In his 50s

·      Same medical testing as in his 20s, 30s and 40s

·      Annual screening testing for Type 11 diabetes

·      Screening for lipid disorders

·      Annual electrocardiogram

·      Screening for colon cancer with fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy at age 50

·      Screening for depression

In his 60s

·      Same medical testing as in his 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s

·      Depending on risk factors possible screening or coronary heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery ultrasound screening

·      Vision and hearing examinations

·      Screening for osteoporosis

·      Screening for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

In his 70s and older

·      All of the above same medical testing as in his previous years