Getting A Men's Health Exam: What To Expect

One of the biggest barriers for guys to get a men's health exam is not knowing what is going to happen in the examination.

Many guys have stories told by friends of embarrassing or painful procedures, with fear mounting many simply avoid the doctor till it's absolutely necessary.

To help dampen the fear I wanted to share what happens when I see a patient for a men's health checkup.

Listening

By far the most important part of any interaction with a doctor is to get a good understanding of what issues you are concerned or worried about.

By taking a careful and detailed history the examination can be focused on areas of need rather than a scatter gun approach.

Topics I like to cover include:

• Current health status. Are you allergic to anything? Taking an medications? Have you had any operations or major medical issues?
• Current concerns: What are your worries, what prompted you to come get an exam?
• Smoking and Alcohol use
• Common issues associated with prostate problems: difficulty passing urine, having to get up frequently at night, poor stream...
• Any issues or problems with gaining or maintaining erections
• Any signs of sexual health problems or infections

This information allows for a more focused examination

Examination

Having discussed the various issues that need to be addressed doctors are able to have a very focused examination.

With all patients I like to check blood pressure, listen to heart and lungs, checked the abdomen as well as examining skin for any early skin cancers or changes.

Depending on our conversation prostate may be examined via a finger in the back passage. While this is an uncomfortable procedure it's over and done with quickly.

Examination of the genitals may be required particularly if there are any lumps on the testicles.

Further Testing

After examination I like to organise any other tests that may be required. This includes blood tests, urine tests and perhaps ultrasounds or x-rays if required.

Common blood tests that are part of a male health checkup include full blood count, kidneys and liver, blood sugar for diabetes as well as cholesterol and other lipids.

I like to get patients to return after these tests have been done so the results can be discussed.

Dr George Forgan-Smith

The Healthy Bear