Men's Health Screening Checklist

Routine healthcare checkups can help doctors spot problems early on so they can be treated before they become more serious.

Many women feel that they can’t give a man directions. Maybe it’s the stubborn tendency of males, or maybe it’s that they don’t like to be told what to do. It comes as no surprise, then, that it’s difficult to get most men to go to the doctor. Maybe they don’t want to talk about their health problems. Perhaps they feel normal and don’t see a need to make an appointment. Or it could be because they don’t want to hear that anything is wrong with them. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that men get regular health screening tests. Catching problems early on, can often help prevent them from turning into something more serious down the road.

Below are some guidelines on men’s screening tests. If you are a man reading this, talk to your doctor about when he thinks you should schedule these exams, as test frequency varies based on your age, your health history and your family’s health history.

BODY MEASUREMENTS

Taking your height, weight and body-mass index (BMI) helps determine whether your are overweight. Overweight people are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. BMI is assessed using a mathematical form of weight and height.

BLOOD PRESSURE

A blood-pressure test is the only way to determine if you have high blood pressure. If undetected and untreated, it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. According to the American Heart Association, you should get it checked at least once every two years - and more often if your doctor says it’s high.

CHOLESTEROL TEST

A blood test is used to determine your good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. According to the AHA, cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body’s cells. Humans need cholesterol, but a high level increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Men age 20 years or older should have their cholesterol checked every five years and more frequently as they age or if they have high cholesterol levels.

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

This screening uses various tests to examine the colon for polyps that may become cancerous or to find colon cancer before symptoms occur. Men 50 or older should talk to their doctor about which tests are right for them and when to have them done.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING TEST

Prostate cancer is detected through a blood test that determines the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PDA) in your blood, or through a digital rectal exam (DRE) where a doctor inserts his lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to examine the prostate gland for any irregularities. The American Cancer Society suggests that men get tested for prostate cancer every year, starting at age 50.

TESTICULAR EXAM

This test examines the testicles for enlargement, swelling or a lump. Doctors usually check for this at your physical exam, especially if you tell them that you’ve noticed a change in your testicles or are between the ages of 15 and 40.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE TESTS

These tests determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) like syphilis, chlamydia or HIV/AIDS. Your doctor will determined which tests you should get based on risk factors and sexual history.

DENTAL EXAM

During this exam, a dentist will examine your teeth and gums for cavities or oral cancer. The American Dental Association recommends that you go once or twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

EYE EXAM

Eye exams assess if you need your vision corrected by either wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. They also identify existing vision problems like glaucoma or cataracts. Eye experts suggest that you get your eyes checked by an eye-care professional every year.

HEARING TEST

A hearing test gauges your speech and sound recognition at various levels. Ask your doctor how often you should get your hearing tested.