Health Screening Guidelines, Men Ages 18 to 39

Screening tests and health counseling are a key part of managing your health. A screening test is done to find disorders or diseases in people who don't have any symptoms. Screening tests are not used to diagnose. They are used to find out if more testing is needed. The goal may be to find a disease early so it can be treated with more success. Or the goal may be to find a disease early so you can make lifestyle changes. You may need regular checkups to help you reduce your risk of disease.

Below are guidelines for men ages 18 to 39. Talk with your health care provider. Make sure you’re up-to-date on what you need.

We understand gender is a spectrum. We may use gendered terms to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.

Screening

Who needs it

How often

Alcohol misuse

All men in this age group

At routine exams

Blood pressure

All men in this age group

Once a year if your blood pressure is normal. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure is higher than this, follow the advice of your health care provider.

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

All adults begin screening at age 35.

At least every 3 years (yearly if blood sugar has already started to rise)

Hepatitis C

All men ages 18 to 79

At routine exams

High cholesterol or triglycerides

All men ages 20 and older, and younger men at high risk for coronary artery disease.

At least every 5 years

HIV

All men

At routine exams

Obesity

All men in this age group

At routine exams

Syphilis

Men at higher risk for infection. Talk with your health care provider.

At routine exams

Tuberculosis

Men at higher risk for infection. Talk with your health care provider.

Ask your health care provider

Vision

All men in this age group

Every 5 to 10 years if no risk factors for eye disease

Health counseling

Who needs it

How often

Diet and exercise

All men in this age group

At routine exams

Use of tobacco and the health effects it can cause

All men in this age group

Every visit

Sexually transmitted infection prevention

Men who are sexually active

At routine exams

Skin cancer

All men in this age group

At routine exams. You may be reminded to stay away from outdoor tanning and tanning beds.

Related Specialties

Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RNRita Sather RNStacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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