7 must-check items for men during physical examination

If your vision does not need correction and you are under 50, an eye exam every 3-5 years is sufficient. If you wear corrective eyeglasses and are over 50, you should have your eyes checked every 2 years or so. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease should have their eyes checked at least once a year. During an eye exam, your doctor will check for glaucoma (increased eye pressure that causes decreased vision), macular degeneration (degeneration of the retina), and cataracts (clouding of the lens).

Dental examination

At least once a year, a dentist should check the age of the teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, and the presence of oral cancer. Smokers and men who chew tobacco should be checked more often.

Measuring blood pressure

If you don't have heart disease, you should have your blood pressure checked every 2 to 5 years before age 50, and every year after age 50. You should also have your blood pressure checked every year if you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, sudden heart attack, or if you have diabetes or are overweight.

Cholesterol test

Blood tests can check cholesterol levels, including LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol), which can help assess your chances of developing coronary artery disease.

You should have a test every year starting at age 20. If your cholesterol level is higher than normal (readings between 80/50 and 130/85 are considered normal) or if your family has a history of coronary heart disease, you should ask your doctor if you need more frequent tests.

Colon examination

The examination mainly starts at the age of 50. If the results are normal, it is generally necessary to check once every 3 to 5 years. If you have a family history of polyps, colon cancer, or ulcerative colitis, you should check more frequently.

Prostate examination

A regular digital rectal exam (DRE) directly checks your prostate for abnormal growth or tumors. A prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) measures a series of proteins hidden in the blood. If the test results are higher than normal, it may indicate the presence of cancer in the body. Although there is no official endorsement, you should have a test every year starting at age 40.

Testicular examination

Doctors recommend monthly self-examinations of the testicles for abnormal changes or growths, but this is not a substitute for a professional examination by a doctor. The earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to cure. Men between the ages of 15 and 35 should have a testicular examination at least every 2 to 3 years. Doctors sometimes do not automatically perform this examination, so if this or other items listed in this article are not included in the physical examination, you should request the examination yourself.