Men should schedule regular urological checkups. Currently, many men mistakenly believe visiting a urologist is solely for STDs, rarely seeking proactive urological exams. Even when experiencing "those issues," they often secretly self-medicate.
Don't view urological exams as solely for infertility or sexual dysfunction. Just as women undergo regular gynecological checkups, middle-aged men should have at least one annual urological exam to monitor reproductive health—treating existing conditions and preventing future ones.
In truth, most men will experience symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, nocturnal emissions, bloody semen, or sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. Rather than worrying blindly, it's better to openly schedule an andrological checkup.For men planning fatherhood, timely assessment of sperm count and motility provides reassurance for their partner's conception. Psychological factors causing sexual dysfunction may be resolved simply by discussing them with an andrologist during the examination.
Andrological checkups vary in focus across different age groups. Before the exam, consult your doctor one week in advance about any recent medications, especially those enhancing sexual function, to determine if discontinuation is necessary.Avoid sexual intercourse for 3-5 days prior to semen collection, but not exceeding 7 days. Also avoid excessive fatigue. For men requiring a full bladder for ultrasound, empty your bladder before arriving at the hospital and then drink 500-1000ml of mineral water.
Children and Adolescents: Primary examinations focus on detecting conditions such as phimosis, external genitalia abnormalities, cryptorchidism, and penile hypoplasia. These issues are generally observable through clinical examination.
Ages 20–50: As this is a period of frequent sexual activity, men should begin monitoring sexual function, such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, and undergo prostate examinations to check for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Men of reproductive age should also consider sperm motility testing.Additionally, this includes prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to detect abnormal prostate antigens via blood analysis, digital rectal examination (DRE), and ultrasound.
Ages 50+: Annual PSA testing is recommended, with ultrasound examinations every 1-2 years.
Key Components of Men's Health Screenings
Many individuals now undergo annual routine physicals, which typically include:
Physical Examination: Weight, blood pressure, general medical and surgical assessment, gynecological evaluation (for women), and physical checks of eyes, ears, and oral cavity;
Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, lipid profile, blood glucose;
Urinalysis: Urinalysis, renal function, uric acid;
Supportive tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG), abdominal ultrasound.
It is recommended to undergo routine physical examinations annually without delay. Individuals with hypertension or diabetes require more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, following medical advice.