How Often Should Men Get Physicals?

Many factors affect how often men should get physical exams.

Yearly Physicals May Not Be Necessary

There is no definite recommendation on how often men should have physical exams. According to a "U.S. News and World Report" article about the need for physical exams, "No major North American clinical medical association specifically recommends that healthy adults get a physical each year." A 2007 study by the "Archives of Internal Medicine" also suggests that the cost may not justify frequent physical exams and that 80 percent of preventative care occurs during other types of office visits, the magazine reported.

Physical Exams Can Detect Problems Early

However, according to a 2005 survey by the "Archives of Internal Medicine," as reported by "U.S. News and World Report," 65 percent of doctors believed that an annual physical is necessary. In all, 74 percent of doctors believed annual physicals are important because they can help detect illnesses early, and 94 percent said it improved relationships between patients and physicians. Detecting problems early can help patients save money on costly procedures later on and put their minds at ease about possible health problems.

Bottom Line

How often you should have a physical exam depends on your age and health. Those with health problems may benefit from more frequent physical exams. Keeping up with scheduled screenings such as those for prostate cancer, high blood pressure and cholesterol is important. How often you should get these screenings depends on your health and age.

References

• "U.S. News and World Report": Do You Actually Need a Physical Exam?
• The Art of Manliness: 30 Days to a Better Man