Men's health screening may not have had as much attention as women's health screening over the years. But now that's all changed. Each year, the month of June is dedicated to Men's Health Month, and it's all about getting men and boys as healthy as possible.
Did you know that life expectancy for men in the US is five years lower than for women? Something needs to change, and it all starts with men's health screening. These tests can help you take control and get all your numbers moving in the right direction.
Let's look at precisely what men's health screening is and why it's so important.
What is Health Screening For Men?
A men's health screening is a set of checks and tests that help detect diseases and prevent diseases from occurring.
Lab tests can show what's going on with critical systems in the male body.
- cardiovascular system
- liver
- kidneys
- hormones
- blood sugar
- vitamin levels
Men's health screening and physical exams should be a regular part of every man's health care routine.
Why Should Men Get Health Screening??
The goal is to catch problems in one's health early before they can be reversed and before they cause permanent damage to vital organs. When your doctor reads your lab results, she will be able to spot issues that have already developed. She can also detect problems that are likely to develop without lifestyle changes and or medications.
Even younger adult males should have regular health screening. At ages 18-39, you should regularly get your blood pressure checked, have a physical, and be checked for testicular cancer. Order a set of comprehensive lab tests to establish your baseline biomarkers and check your cardiovascular health, major organs, and endocrine system health.
As you get older, you'll need additional tests. You'll need to undergo screening for colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis.
You may feel fine. However, you should still have regular men's health screenings, even if you do not feel unwell, because many serious diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, do not have any symptoms in the early stages.
Benefits of Men's Health Screening with Lab Tests
Lab tests are a vital part of a thorough men's health screening program. A physical can only reveal so much. Lab tests allow your doctor to take a look under the hood at what's really going on.
Cholesterol problems, diabetes, Hepatitis B and C, and many STIs can only be accurately diagnosed with blood tests. Older men should take PSA tests, which can help with prostate cancer detection.
Regular screening and diagnosis can lead to much better long-term outcomes. For example, high cholesterol increases your chance of heart disease and stroke. Men tend to have higher cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk of developing these diseases.
Talk to your doctor about the next steps to improve your health. Early detection can lead to treatments and lifestyle changes that can ultimately save lives.
The Lab Tests Included in A Comprehensive Men's Health Screening
Ulta Lab Tests offers nine men's health screening packages. If you're unsure which one is right for you, your doctor may give you a health screening form. Based on this, which includes your family history, your doctor will advise which panel is most appropriate.
Each of these men's health panels listed here includes Lipoprotein Fractionation. This test takes a deep look at cholesterol in the body, beyond the HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol to identify the particle sizes and risks that a traditional lipid panel does not include.
All men's wellness panels include the following tests:
- CBC (includes differentials and platelets)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Urinalysis
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- Apolipoprotein A1+B
- Lipid panel with ratios
- Lipoprotein fractionation
- PSA Total (prostate health check)
- Lipoprotein (A)
These tests are focused primarily on the cardiovascular system, liver, kidney, and prostate health. They are all included in the Wellness - Men's Select with Lipoprotein Fractionation.
The following panels all include the tests mentioned above. Please note the additional tests included in each panel:
Wellness - Men's Baseline with Lipoprotein Fractionation - this panel also tests the iron and iron-binding capacity (TIBC) levels in the blood. It also takes a closer look at thyroid and liver function.
Wellness - Men's Essential with Lipoprotein Fractionation - this panel examines diabetes and insulin resistance, vitamin D levels, as well as inflammation markers.
Wellness - Men's Essential Plus with Lipoprotein Fractionation - takes a closer look at metabolic and endocrine health and fibrinogen activity.
Wellness - Men's Performance with Lipoprotein Fractionation - this panel looks at blood and hormone health in more detail. It includes tests for insulin, testosterone, and cortisol levels.
Wellness - Men's Performance Plus with Lipoprotein Fractionation - includes tests for Myeloperoxidase Antibody (MPO). This is a key marker for a number of autoimmune diseases. It also tests for magnesium levels, which are crucial to the healthy functioning of the heart and other systems in the body.
Wellness - Men's Premium with Lipoprotein Fractionation - this panel includes the Direct LDL test. This test for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is one of the key risk factors for developing heart disease.
Wellness - Men's Premium Plus with Lipoprotein Fractionation - takes a closer look at the T3 Reverse (RT3) hormone, which can indicate if your body is undergoing significant stress or depression. Vitamin K, which the body uses to maintain healthy bones and tissues, will also be tested.
Wellness - Men's Comprehensive with Lipoprotein Fractionation - the most comprehensive panel on offer, this looks at genetic factors affecting heart disease. It also screens for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This is associated with colorectal cancer and other serious conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Men’s Health Screening and Lab Testing for Men’s Health Screening
It's natural to have questions about men's health screening. Here are a few of the most commonly searched-for questions about men's health screenings and associated lab tests:
What health screenings do men need?
Men should get regular screening to check their Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure. Take lab tests for prostate cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, other forms of cancer, and STIs.
How often should a man go to the doctor?
If you're younger than 50 and in good health, a physical exam and men's health screening tests every 3 years should be sufficient. From age 50, kick this up every year.
When should I get prostate cancer screening?
If you are at average risk, you should have a prostate exam and PSA lab test at 50.
Check your family history. If your father or brother developed prostate cancer before 65, then start getting tested at 45. If more than one first-degree relative (father or brother) had prostate cancer at an early age, then start screening at 40.
Time for Men's Health Screening Tests with Ulta Labs
A men's health screening can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Detect conditions early, get health tips for men from your doctor, and make lifestyle changes that can significantly impact how you feel. You'll never regret getting a thorough men's health check.
Benefits of Men's Health Screening Lab Testing with Ulta Lab Tests
Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:
- You'll get secure and confidential results
- You don't need health insurance
- You don't need a physician's referral
- You'll get affordable pricing
- We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Order your men's health screening lab tests today with Ulta Lab Tests. Get your specimen collected locally and review your results securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.
Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!
