Men's Health

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The American Urological Association highlights the importance of annual wellness visits for men. This is a key part of our Men's Health Program, focusing on education, counseling, prevention, and additional screening exams beyond a standard physical. These include prostate cancer screening (PSA test), testicular exams, colorectal cancer screening, bone density scans, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, as early detection leads to successful treatment.

A thorough review of symptoms, past medical, and urologic history helps determine whether specific components of the physical examination—such as prostate or genital exams—are needed during that visit through shared decision-making.

Reproductive and sexual health are also essential elements of the Men’s Wellness Exam. Discussion of personal goals and family planning supports alignment of medical testing and treatments with each patient’s overall health and life plans.

In Your Late Teens

This may be your first Well Man exam. Now is the time to establish open communication with your health provider. Be willing to have an honest discussion about your physical and mental health – no topic should be off-limits. While your Well Man exam will be designed with your unique health in mind, you can expect it to include the following elements:

Evaluation and Appropriate Testing: Your provider will evaluate your risk for certain diseases and take a general evaluation of your health.
STI Testing: This is an important part of protecting your sexual health as it may include testing based on your age, the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk. Your provider can explain common STIs and how screening protects your health.
Immunizations: Vaccinations based on age and risk factors will be addressed during the visit, including tetanus, HPV, meningitis, and measles.
Testicular Self-Exam Education: Your provider will teach you how to perform monthly testicular self-exams to detect any lumps or abnormalities early.
Blood Pressure Check: Establishing a baseline blood pressure reading is important for tracking cardiovascular health over time.

In Your Twenties

Your Well Man visits during ages 20-29 years may include discussions about lifestyle habits, mental health, and establishing healthy patterns. This is a critical time to build the foundation for lifelong health. Your exam may include the following screenings and tests:

Physical Exam: A comprehensive physical examination including vital signs, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to assess overall health.
Testicular Self-Exam: Monthly self-examinations are recommended to detect testicular cancer, which is most common in men ages 15–35. Your provider can demonstrate proper technique.
Blood Pressure Screening: Blood pressure should be checked at least once every three to five years if normal.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing: Testing for sexually transmitted infections including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea based on sexual activity and risk factors.
Cholesterol Screening: Baseline cholesterol testing should begin, especially if you have risk factors such as family history of heart disease, smoking, or obesity.
Mental Health Screening: Assessment for depression, anxiety, and stress management as mental health issues often emerge during this decade.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Blood glucose testing if you are overweight or have other risk factors for diabetes.

In Your Thirties

For men ages 30-39, this may be a time when you're balancing career, family, and health responsibilities. Regular preventive care becomes increasingly important. Your Well Man exam may include the following screenings and tests:

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks every one to three years, or more frequently if elevated.
Cholesterol and Lipid Panel: Screening at least every five years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Blood glucose testing at least every three years, especially if you are overweight or have other risk factors.
Testicular Exam: Continue monthly self-exams and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing: The Centers for Disease Control has established guidelines for STI testing that your healthcare provider will follow. She or he may recommend certain screening tests based on your age, while other tests may be right for you depending on the presence of symptoms or if you have an increased level of risk.
Thyroid Screening: Starting at age 35, thyroid function testing may be recommended.
Mental Health Assessment: Screening for depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
Skin Cancer Check: Visual examination of skin for suspicious moles or lesions, especially if you have risk factors.

In Your Forties

During ages 40-49, preventive screenings become more comprehensive as the risk for certain diseases increases. This is a critical decade for establishing heart health and cancer screening protocols. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your family history and personal risk factors. Your Well Man exam may include the following screenings and tests:

Blood Pressure Check: Annual blood pressure monitoring to detect hypertension early.
Cholesterol and Lipid Panel: Screening every five years, or more frequently if you have elevated levels or heart disease risk factors.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Annual screening if blood sugar is already rising, otherwise at least every three years.
Prostate Cancer Discussion: Starting at age 45 (or age 40 for high-risk men including African Americans and those with family history), discuss the risks and benefits of PSA testing and digital rectal exam with your healthcare provider.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Beginning at age 45, screening with colonoscopy, stool-based tests, or other methods. Colonoscopy is typically done every 10 years if results are normal.
Testicular Exam: Continue self-exams and clinical examinations during your visit.
STI Testing: Testing based on sexual activity and risk factors.
Eye Exam: Comprehensive eye examination every two to four years if no risk factors for eye disease.
Mental Health Screening: Assessment for depression, stress, and changes in mood or cognitive function.

In Your Fifties

For men ages 50-59, this is a time when preventive screenings intensify and chronic disease management becomes important. Regular health monitoring can help detect problems early when they're most treatable. Your Well Man exam may include the following screenings and tests:

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Annual checks with treatment if readings are consistently elevated above 140/90.
Cholesterol and Lipid Screening: Continue testing every five years or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Regular testing, especially if you have prediabetes or other risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Continue screening with colonoscopy every 10 years, or more frequent stool-based testing as recommended.
Prostate Cancer Screening: For men ages 55–69, discuss individualized screening with PSA testing using shared decision-making with your healthcare provider.
Lung Cancer Screening: Starting at age 50, low-dose CT screening is recommended if you have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: One-time ultrasound screening if you are age 50 or older with a family history of AAA and smoking history, or age 55 with family history of AAA.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of heart disease risk factors.
Eye Exam: Regular vision screening and glaucoma testing.

In Your Sixties and beyond

For men 60 or older, maintaining health and quality of life is the primary focus. This is a time when screening continues for cancer and other conditions, while also monitoring for age-related changes such as bone density loss and cognitive function. Your Well Man exam may include the following screenings and tests:

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Annual checks with careful management of hypertension to prevent stroke and heart disease.
Cholesterol Screening: Continue monitoring cardiovascular risk factors.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Regular monitoring and management if diagnosed.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Continue screening at least through age 75, with decisions about continuing beyond 75 based on overall health and life expectancy.
Prostate Cancer Screening: Decisions about PSA testing after age 69 should be individualized based on health status and life expectancy.
Lung Cancer Screening: Continue through age 80 if you meet smoking history criteria and are in good health.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: One-time ultrasound for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked. Men over 60 with a family history should consider repeat screening.
Bone Density Test: Starting at age 70, DEXA scan if you have risk factors for osteoporosis or fractures.
Cognitive Function Assessment: Discussion about any changes in memory, mood, or thinking.
Eye Exam: Annual comprehensive eye exams including glaucoma screening.
Hearing Test: Regular hearing assessments as hearing loss becomes more common.
Immunizations: Stay current on vaccines including annual flu shot, pneumococcal vaccines, shingles vaccine, and tetanus boosters.

In Woodlands Primary Healthcare we can attend any of the mentioned check-ups, do not hesitate and call the office or schedule an appointment online.