Everyone is different, but the general rule of thumb is that men should start regularly seeing a urologist around the age of 40 for a variety of reasons. Prostate cancer is the main exam that comes to mind, but there’s a lot more to urological health than just cancer screenings.
At Arkansas Urology, we offer a 10-point checkup to get your health on the right track. This routine screening covers PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), testosterone levels, blood sugar levels, CBC (Complete Blood Count), urinalysis, sexual health inventory, IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and more. We recommend getting a 10-point checkup once a year if you’re 40 years of age or older.
As far as prostate exams go, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning to get annual exams at 50 years of age if you’re at an average risk of developing the disease. However, if you’re at a high risk of developing prostate cancer, you should start getting screened regularly at 40. If you’re an African American and/or have one or more relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, you’re considered high risk. Early detection is very important when it comes to prostate cancer treatment, so it’s important to not skip your annual exams.
Another necessary screening to keep in mind is testicular cancer screening. Many doctors recommend that boys start performing a self-screening once a month at the age of 15. This can easily be done after a warm shower, and it’s important to let your doctor know if you notice any abnormalities such as pain or tenderness in the testicle, a heavy feeling in the scrotum, or a change in the size or shape of one or both testes. Testicular cancer is rare, but it is most common in males between the ages of 20 and 34.
While every man is different, it’s best to stay on the safe side and start seeing your urologist regularly at age 40. If you do notice problems or start developing symptoms, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t leave your health on the back burner—staying up-to-date on your exams can make a world of difference.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority! Do you need to schedule an exam? Contact us today to schedule your appointment, or book your appointment online.
