Seeing a doctor for a physical exam is not about assuming something is wrong, but about staying in control of your health. Getting regular physical exams is important preventative care, helping you identify risks early, track your health over time, and prevent small problems from becoming bigger problems.
The good news is that a physical exam is simple, usually takes less than an hour, and may only be done every two years. But if it’s been a while since your last annual checkup, you may not know what to expect. Continue reading to learn more.
Here is a checklist of what men can expect at a physical exam.
A physical exam is a good way to get a complete overview of your health and is valuable even if you don’t have questions about your health or the conditions you are managing. This is what can happen during the exam.
Your doctor will begin by reviewing your health history and habits.
When talking to your doctor about your health and habits, it’s important to be open and honest. No detail is too small. Everything they can learn about you will help them support you and make sure you stay as healthy as possible. Topics your doctor may ask you about include:
- Your health history – Your doctor will review your personal and family health history, including past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and any conditions that run in your family. This information helps identify inherited risks and guides decisions about screening, testing, and preventive care.
- Medications you use – Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you use, including over-the-counter ones. Some medications can interact with each other, so sharing this information helps your doctor prevent unwanted side effects.
- Your diet and exercise habits. – Talk to your doctor about your eating and exercise routines. They will let you know if you are on the right track and, if you want, they can give you some tips to improve your habits.
- Your mental health – Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. But men with depression and anxiety are less likely to seek treatment due to social pressure. Your annual exam is the perfect opportunity to talk to your doctor privately about sensitive topics if you think you need help, without the need for an additional appointment.
- Your alcohol, tobacco and substance use – It is important to be as specific, open and honest as possible when talking to your doctor about these topics. Your doctor is there to listen to you, not judge you. And if you have questions, they can help you connect with the support you need.
Your care team will check your basic health measures (vital signs)
During your visit, your care team will measure key vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, and more. These measurements provide a snapshot of your overall health and help identify potential problems early. Measures may include:
- Blood pressure – Your blood pressure is an important indicator of heart and overall health. The goal of a blood pressure check is to see how hard blood is pushing against the walls of your arteries and helps determine if your blood pressure numbers are too high or too low.
- heart rate – Your heart rate helps your doctor understand how well your heart is working. Abnormal heart rate may be a sign of stress, dehydration, cardiac arrhythmia, or other health problems.
- height and weight – Your height and weight can influence your chances of developing certain health conditions. Tracking changes over time can help identify risks related to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
- Temperature – A high temperature can be a sign of infection or illness, while a low temperature can indicate other medical problems.
Your doctor will do a physical exam to see how healthy you are.
To get a solid picture of your health, your doctor will perform a head-to-toe physical exam that may include:
- Head, neck and skin examination. – Looking at your ears, nose, throat, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes helps identify signs of infection, swelling, skin changes, or other possible health problems.
- Heart and lung exam – Listening to your heart and lungs allows your doctor to monitor your heart rate and make sure your breathing sounds clear and calm.
- abdominal examination – Gently pressing on your abdomen will help your doctor determine if there is tenderness, pain, or unusual lumps that could indicate digestive or other problems.
- hernia control – Your doctor may look for signs of a hernia, such as weakness or bulge in the abdominal or groin area. If necessary, your doctor can connect you with a hernia surgery specialist.
- testicular examination – Your doctor may examine your testicles for lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities that could be early signs of testicular cancer. This screening usually begins in adulthood and may be done based on age, risk factors, or symptoms.
Your physical exam is individual to you and you may not receive all of the tests and examinations listed above, depending on your medical history and risk factors. Your care team will work with you to determine what your exam will look like so you can live as healthily as possible.
You may have other tests and screenings based on your health, age, and your doctor’s recommendation.
Men’s health screenings can detect conditions early (often before symptoms appear) and monitor current health risks. Many screening tests are done with a simple blood test during the physical exam, although some (such as colorectal cancer screening) require a separate appointment.
Depending on your health history and age, your doctor may evaluate you for:
Immunizations and vaccines you can receive at your appointment
Physical exams are a perfect time to get vaccinated and review which ones you need, are missing, or are overdue. Vaccines are important because they prevent you from getting a preventable disease, protect you against seasonal illnesses, and more. The following are types of vaccines you should talk to your doctor about:
How Often Men Should Get a Physical Exam (and When to Start)
If you are under 45, you may only need to have a physical exam every two years, unless you have a medical condition you are managing, certain risk factors, or have questions about your health. If you are over 45 years old, you should try to schedule your physical exam annually, regardless of health factors.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the doctor, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for a physical exam. This can give you a good idea of how your health is and how often you should see your doctor.
Make an appointment and take control of your health
When you feel good and your body is functioning as it should, it’s easy to let your health take a backseat. That’s why it’s so important to set aside time to schedule your annual physical exam.
When you share the full picture of your physical and mental health with your doctor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re in good shape or have already taken steps to get there. Remember, your physical exam is a judgment-free space so you can speak freely with your doctor. You can get answers to your questions, learn how to manage conditions, and much more.
