Experts note that standard male physical exams can easily detect conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol—which can lead to heart disease—and these are usually manageable with treatment. Thus, men's health checkups are a key tool for safeguarding men's well-being. Below, 163 Health details the specific items covered in urological examinations for men.
Male Health Examination Item 1: Eye Examination. If you don't require vision correction and are under 50 years old, an eye exam every 3-5 years is sufficient. If you wear corrective lenses and are over 50, you should have your eyes checked approximately every 2 years. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease must have their eyes examined at least once a year.During the exam, your doctor will check for glaucoma (elevated eye pressure causing vision loss), macular degeneration (retinal deterioration), and cataracts (clouding of the lens).
2. Dental Examination. At least once a year, a dentist should examine the health of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth, as well as screen for oral cancer. Smokers and men who chew tobacco should have more frequent checkups.
3. Blood Pressure Measurement. If you have no history of heart disease, get your blood pressure checked every 2 to 5 years before age 50, and annually after age 50. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or sudden cardiac events, or if you have diabetes or are overweight, you should also get checked annually.
4. Cholesterol screening. Blood tests measure cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), helping assess your risk for coronary heart disease.Starting at age 20, you should have annual screenings. If your cholesterol levels are higher than normal (readings between 80/50 and 130/85 are considered normal) or you have a family history of coronary heart disease, consult your doctor about whether more frequent testing is needed.
5. Colonoscopy. Screening typically begins at age 50. If results are normal, follow-up exams are generally every 3 to 5 years. If you have a family history of polyps, colon cancer, or ulcerative colitis, you should be screened more frequently.
6. Prostate Screening. The digital rectal exam (DRE) directly checks for abnormal prostate enlargement or tumors. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein found in blood. Elevated levels may indicate potential cancer. While not universally recommended, annual screening starting at age 40 is advisable.
7. Testicular Self-Exam.Doctors recommend monthly self-examination for any unusual changes or growths in the testicles, though this cannot replace a professional medical examination. Testicular cancer is more easily cured when diagnosed early. Men aged 15 to 35 should undergo testicular examinations at least every 2 to 3 years. Doctors may not automatically perform this check. If it is omitted during your physical or any other item listed here, you should request it yourself.