For both men and women, maintaining excellent health necessitates routine medical exams, check-ups, and screenings.
However, a lot of guys have a tendency to disregard their health and forego necessary medical exams. According to a study, males often wait until their condition gets worse before seeking medical attention.
The crucial medical exams that men require to maintain their health and live longer are listed below.
- Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA)
PSA test is a blood test basically used to screen for prostate cancer.
The PSA level in the patient’s blood is determined during the test. Males’ prostates are tiny glands that are located behind the bladder. Both malignant and noncancerous tissue in the prostate produces the protein known as PSA.
The PSA test aids in determining the body’s PSA level. Prostate cancer may be indicated by a high PSA level.
Because prostate cancer is rather frequent, getting a PSA test can help identify it early so that treatment can start right away.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men begin PSA testing at age 50. Men who are at a high risk for prostate cancer should begin screening between the ages of 40 and 45.
- Testicular exam
During this examination, your testicles will be checked for lumps, bumps, or changes in size or shape that could indicate cancer or another issue.
Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are advised to self-examine their testicles once a month, despite the fact that testicular cancer is uncommon.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the ideal time to perform this test is right after a warm shower or bath, when the scrotum is relaxed.
- Blood pressure screening
A crucial component of your regular checkups should be the measurement of your blood pressure.
Heart disease, stroke, and other health issues can all be made more likely by high blood pressure, a frequent health issue.
This is the reason it is usually recommended for males to have blood pressure screenings every two years, or more frequently if the risk is significant.
- Diabetes screening
A blood test that measures your blood glucose (sugar) levels is crucial for reducing your risk of developing diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has advised adults without diabetes risk factors to begin screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at age 35.
- Colorectal cancer screening
Men are more likely to develop colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This is why one of the crucial medical exams you must get as a guy is a colonoscopy.
The term “colon cancer” refers to a cellular growth that develops in the lower portion of the digestive tract. The majority of these malignancies begin as polyps, which are benign growths.
It has been suggested that routine cancer screenings begin at age 45 because removing polyps can prevent cancer.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) test
If you’re a man who engages in sexual activity, getting tested for STDs is one of the most crucial things you can do to safeguard your health.
It is recommended to check frequently in order to find STDs immediately because the majority of them are curable. Early STD detection aids in preventing the condition from getting worse or from spreading to a partner.
You should therefore get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least once a year if you engage in sexual activity. Additionally, if you have numerous partners, more regularly.
Additionally, if you have HIV, you should get tested for hepatitis C and for HIV at least once per year.
Before beginning the screening process, it is crucial to speak with a specialist. On the basis of your age, present health, and family history, they are the best people to advise you on when and which screenings are appropriate for you.