Generally speaking, men in their 20s and 30s have fewer health problems than older men. Adopting healthy habits when you’re young can help lower your chances of developing health problems as you get older.

Healthy habits to add to your diet may include:

• using a condom or other barrier method during sex
• minimize stress and get enough rest
• wear sunscreen and minimize sun exposure
• limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day
• avoid smoking, secondhand smoke and tobacco
• maintain a moderate weight
• avoiding activities with a high risk of injury, such as extreme sports
• always wear a seat belt in a vehicle

Even if you don’t have any known health problems, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor for regular check-ups. Most people under 50 should have a medical exam at least once every 3 years.

During an examination, the doctor will check for things such as:

Many young men live with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem, it is also a good idea to speak with a doctor about an evaluation.

Many men become sexually active in their teens or twenties. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections if you’ve had sex without a condom or other barrier method, especially with a new partner.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 have at least one routine HIV test. People who change partners frequently should get tested more often.

Questions you might ask your doctor

• Am I moderate weight for my height?
• Do I have a good chance of developing future health problems?
• Is there anything I can do to improve my overall health?
• Are there any specific screening tests or vaccines that I should receive?

Screening tests

• Eye exam. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people with healthy eyesight have a comprehensive eye exam in their 20s and twice in their 30s. See your eye doctor more often if you have vision problems.
• Screening for arterial hypertension. The United States Task Force on Preventive Services (USPSTF) recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 39 be screened for high blood pressure every 3 to 5 years.
• Dental check-up. Get a comprehensive dental exam at least every 2 years, as recommended by a 2020 study.
• Screening for testicular cancer. There are no standard screening guidelines for testicular cancer, but the National Cancer Institute says it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 15 to 34. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you have testicles and notice any changes in their size or shape.
• Cholesterol screening. The CDC recommends that people 20 years of age and over and at low risk of cardiovascular disease have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If you are at high risk, get tested more often.
• Screening for hepatitis C. The CDC recommends that adults over 18 get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.

Vaccines

• HPV vaccine. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect you against genital warts and certain cancers caused by HPV. The CDC recommends that everyone under the 26 years old get the HPV vaccine, ideally before you have sex for the first time.
• Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (pertussis). The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for adults who did not receive the vaccine as a teenager. They also recommend that you get a booster dose every 10 years or 5 years if you have a serious wound.
• Vaccine against influenza. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get the flu shot every year, with some exceptions.
• Vaccine against covid19. This is a good idea for anyone who is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines dramatically decrease your chances of getting COVID-19 or developing serious illness.
• Chickenpox vaccine. According to CDC, people 13 years of age or older who have never had chickenpox should receive 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine at least 28 days apart.
• MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends that all adolescents without proof of immunity to measles, mumps or rubella receive the MMR vaccine.

When you take advantage of regular health checkups, a doctor can help you assess your risk for future medical problems. They will also examine you for medical issues that you may not know you have.

As weight gain is more common in your 40s, you are more likely to develop health problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Maintaining healthy habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these conditions.

Questions you might ask your doctor

• Is my blood pressure in a healthy range?
• Are my blood sugar and lipid levels typical?
• Is my heart healthy?
• Do i need additional screening tests?

Screening tests

• Colon cancer screening. The CDC recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer from the age of 45. If you have an increased risk, such as a family history, get tested earlier.
• Diabetes screening. The USPSTF recommends screening overweight adults 35 to 70 years of age for type 2 diabetes and repeating the test every 3 years if your blood sugar is healthy.
• Blood pressure screening. The USPSTF recommends that adults over 40 be screened for high blood pressure annually.

Most people need to connect with a healthcare professional more often in their 50s than when they were younger. As a rule, see a doctor at least once a year for a routine check-up, even if you don’t have a specific health problem.

When you are in your 50s, many types of cancer become more common and your immune system may not work as well as it used to. Getting all of your needed vaccines and taking steps to avoid infections can help you stay healthy for longer.

Questions you might ask your doctor

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking medication to control high blood pressure?
• Should I be screened for prostate cancer with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test?
• What can I do to help manage my weight?

Screening tests and vaccines

• Shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends that adults over 50 take 2 doses of Shingrix vaccine 2 to 6 months apart to prevent shingles.
• Prostate cancer. The USPSTF recommends that men aged 55 to 69 talk to a doctor about screening for prostate cancer with a PSA test.

It is common for men to have difficulty maintaining a moderate weight as they age. Pursuing exercise and healthy eating habits are always necessary. But a slower metabolism can make it harder to reach your weight goals.

Many men over the age of 60 also have some hearing or vision loss. If you find that you are having difficulty hearing or seeing, it is a good idea to see an ear or eye specialist for a checkup.

The CDC currently lists heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States. Your risk of heart disease increases with age, but keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure under control can help lower your chances of developing it.

Questions you might ask your doctor

• Am I at risk of developing heart disease and what can I do to reduce my chances of developing it?
• Are there any medications I should take to reduce my risk of heart disease?
• What dietary changes can I make to improve my overall health?

Screening tests and vaccines

Men 70 and older tend to have weaker immune systems than younger men, so getting the flu shot every year becomes even more important.

While men generally have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis than women, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that men over the age of 70 have a bone density test.

Questions you might ask your doctor

• What can I do to reduce my risk of infection?
• What can I do to increase my bone mineral density?
• How Much Should I Exercise?

The Affordable Care Act requires all insurance companies to cover preventive health services recommended by the USPSTF with no deductible or co-payment, unless your plan is grandfathered.

If you don’t have insurance, you can find low-cost health care at community health clinics in your area. You can search for community health clinics here.

Although you cannot control your genetics, you can lower your risk of developing many diseases by getting all of the recommended tests and vaccines. Even if you are in good health, it is a good idea to see a healthcare professional regularly for check-ups.

Men under 50 with no particular health problem may only need a check-up every 2 to 3 years. It’s generally a good idea for older men to see a doctor at least once a year for routine testing.