Screenings Specifically Recommended for Men: What the Guidelines Say

Why Men Have Distinct Screening Recommendations

Most health screenings — blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer — apply broadly to all adults. But biology and epidemiology create a smaller set of screenings that either apply exclusively to men or carry recommendations that differ meaningfully by sex. Understanding which tests fall into this category, and the evidence behind them, helps men have more informed conversations with their doctors.

For a broader foundation, see our overview of preventive health screenings. For a parallel look at women's specific screenings, the women's screening overview covers cervical, breast, and bone density tests.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A One-Time Ultrasound with High Stakes

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issues a Grade B recommendation — meaning substantial net benefit — for a one-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men aged 65 to 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. AAA rarely produces symptoms until rupture, at which point mortality is very high. The ultrasound is painless and takes about 10–20 minutes.

Men in this age group who have never smoked are not covered by a formal USPSTF recommendation, though clinicians may still discuss the test individually based on other cardiovascular risk factors. If you qualify, ask your primary care provider whether this screening has been ordered.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Evidence, Nuance, and Shared Decision-Making

Prostate cancer screening with the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is among the most nuanced areas in men's preventive health. The USPSTF recommends that men aged 55 to 69 engage in shared decision-making with their clinician before proceeding — meaning the decision should be individualized, weighing potential benefits (detecting cancer early) against harms (false positives, unnecessary biopsies, overtreatment).

For men 70 and older, the USPSTF recommends against routine PSA screening, based on evidence that harms are more likely to outweigh benefits in this group. Importantly, men at elevated risk — including those with a family history of prostate cancer or those of African American ancestry — may benefit from earlier conversations, potentially starting at age 40 or 45, according to guidance from the American Cancer Society.

For related context on men's reproductive health, see our comprehensive men's sexual health overview.

Sexual Health Screenings and Testicular Awareness

No major clinical body currently recommends routine population-wide testicular cancer screening for asymptomatic men — the USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against it. However, testicular cancer most commonly affects men between ages 15 and 35, and clinical guidelines encourage men to be familiar with what their testicles normally feel like so they can report changes — such as lumps, heaviness, or swelling — promptly to a clinician.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening is also a key component of men's preventive health. Guidelines from the CDC recommend annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing for sexually active men who have sex with men, and HIV screening at least once for all adults ages 15 to 65. Frequency increases with risk level. See our guide to sexual health screening for men for a detailed breakdown, and safe sex practices for prevention strategies.

For a broader look at cancer screenings including colorectal and lung, visit our cancer screenings overview.

This article provides general health information and educational content only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your personal screening needs.