During a male physical exam, the doctor inquires about the patient's medical history and conducts a physical exam and laboratory tests, explains Manhattan Physical Exams. Screening for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer, depends on factors such as patient's age or blood pressure, notes American Family Physician.Continue Reading
The patient's medical history provides information about family medical history, including hereditary diseases, lifestyle history, sexual history, living conditions and diet, says Manhattan Physical Exams. It also provides details about the current use of medication and exercise routines, adds American Family Physician.
A general physical exam entails blood pressure and BMI screenings. Doctors may measure the waist circumference of some men where the circumference is a better indicator of cardiovascular risk than BMI, especially in Asian and black men, states American Family Physician. The doctor also checks the heart rate, lung function and body reflexes, claims Manhattan Physical Exams.
A genital exam checks for abnormalities, such as a discharge, discoloration or lesions on the penis, and growths or bumps on the testicles. A prostate exam involves the doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for any swelling on the prostate or any signs of prostate pain resulting from touch. The doctor may take urine and blood samples to test for conditions such as prostate issues and tumors in older men, according to Manhattan Physical Exams.
Doctors screen for dyslipidemia in men who are at least 35 years old or between the ages of 20 and 34 and have cardiovascular risk factors. Men between 65 and 75 years and who have ever smoked should undergo one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Diabetes tests are necessary for men with blood pressure at least 135/80 millimeters of mercury, reports American Family Physician.Learn more about Diagnostics & Imaging