Screening tests and health counseling are a key part of managing your health. A screening test is done to find disorders or diseases in people who don't have any symptoms. Screening tests are not used to diagnose. They are used to find out if more testing is needed. The goal may be to find a disease early so it can be treated with more success. Or the goal may be to find a disease early so you can make lifestyle changes. You may need regular checkups to help you reduce your risk of disease.
Below are guidelines for men ages 18 to 39. Talk with your healthcare provider. Make sure you’re up-to-date on what you need.
We understand gender is a spectrum. We may use gendered terms to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.
Screening
Who needs it
How often
Alcohol misuse
All men in this age group
At routine exams
Blood pressure
Once a year if your blood pressure is normal. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure is higher than this, follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Men ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese
At least every 3 years (yearly if blood sugar has already started to rise)
Hepatitis C
All men ages 18 to 79
High cholesterol or triglycerides
All men ages 20 and older, and younger men at high risk for coronary artery disease.
At least every 5 years
HIV
All men
Obesity
Syphilis
Men at higher risk for infection. Talk with your healthcare provider.
Tuberculosis
Ask your healthcare provider
Vision
Every 5 to 10 years if no risk factors for eye disease
Health counseling
Diet and exercise
Use of tobacco and the health effects it can cause
Every visit
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention
Men who are sexually active
Skin cancer
At routine exams. You may be reminded to avoid outdoor tanning and tanning beds.