Health check-up for men aged 18 to 39: what to ask your doctor

Many young men only see a doctor when they are ill. Yet regular check-ups can catch problems early and keep vaccines up to date. This article summarises what MedlinePlus lists for men aged 18 to 39. It is general information, and your own doctor will tailor it to you.

What happens at a routine visit?

MedlinePlus says that at every check-up your provider should check your blood pressure, height, weight and BMI. You may also be asked about your mood, diet, exercise, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, safety and the medicines you take. Be open about these topics; the advice you get is only as good as the information you share.

Screening tests listed for this age group

MedlinePlus lists these routine checks:

• Blood pressure: at least every 3 to 5 years, and more often if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, overweight or obesity, a close relative with high blood pressure, or if you are Black.
• Cholesterol: start at age 20 if you have no known risk factors for coronary heart disease, then repeat every 4 to 6 years, or sooner after lifestyle changes or with certain conditions.
• Dental exam: once or twice a year, with a cleaning. Your dentist may suggest more visits.
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: start at age 35 if you are overweight or have obesity, and repeat every 3 years if that is still the case. Start earlier and test more often if you have risk factors such as a parent or sibling with diabetes.
• Eye exam: every 5 to 10 years before age 40, every 2 years if you have vision problems, and yearly if you wear contact lenses.
• Hepatitis C: a one-time test between ages 18 and 79.
• HIV: a one-time test between ages 15 and 65, and yearly if you are at increased risk.
• Other infections: tests such as syphilis and chlamydia, based on your lifestyle and history.

MedlinePlus also says a skin exam by your provider is suggested if you are at high risk, for example with a history of skin cancer, close relatives with skin cancer or a weakened immune system. Colon cancer screening is worth discussing if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, or a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

A test that is not recommended

MedlinePlus notes that the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against testicular exams by a clinician because they have little to no benefit. If you notice a lump or any change that worries you, tell a doctor anyway.

Vaccines to discuss

MedlinePlus suggests discussing these with your provider:

• Flu vaccine every year
• COVID-19 vaccine, as your provider recommends
• Tdap once at or after age 19 if you did not have it as a teenager, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
• Chickenpox vaccine, 2 doses, if you never had chickenpox or the vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine, 2, 3 or 4 doses depending on your circumstances
• MMR vaccine, 1 or 2 doses if you are not immune
• HPV vaccine if you did not have it or did not finish the series

Getting ready for your visit

• Bring a list of medicines and supplements.
• Write down family history and any symptoms.
• Ask which tests are due and when to come back.

When to see a doctor

Do not wait for a routine check-up if you notice new symptoms, a lump or a change in your health. See a doctor soon. For warning signs such as chest pain, trouble breathing or sudden weakness, get emergency help. In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

This is general education only, and the schedule that suits you may be different.