Men's Health Month Checklist: The Urology Screenings to Know at Every Age
By Dr. Christopher Vendryes, MD · Board-Certified Urologist · · 4 min read
Quick answer: November is a month of men's health awareness, with campaigns like Movember focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. From a urology standpoint: men in their 20s and 30s should know the signs of testicular cancer, men in their 40s should start the PSA conversation (earlier for higher-risk men), and men of every age should take erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine, and changes in urination seriously. Many of these issues are early warning signs of problems elsewhere in the body.
In your 20s and 30s
- Know your testicles. Testicular cancer is most common in men 15 to 35. A painless lump, swelling, or heaviness should be checked promptly. See Testicle Pain or Lump.
- Fertility planning. If you plan to have children, avoid testosterone and anabolic steroids, which suppress sperm production.
- Safe sex and STI testing.
- Kidney stone prevention, especially in South Florida's heat.
In your 40s
- Start the PSA conversation. The AUA recommends offering a baseline PSA between 45 and 50, and between 40 and 45 for higher-risk men, including Black men and men with a family history. See The PSA Test Explained.
- Don't ignore ED. Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of heart disease. See ED Treatment Options.
- Notice energy and libido changes, which can point to low testosterone, sleep apnea, or other issues.
In your 50s and 60s
- Regular PSA screening, typically every two to four years based on results.
- Urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, frequency, or waking at night deserve evaluation.
- Know bladder cancer warning signs, especially if you smoke or used to.
At any age, see a urologist for
- Blood in the urine, even once
- Fever with flank pain
- A testicular lump
- Sudden severe testicular pain, which is an emergency
- Erectile dysfunction
- Recurrent UTIs
- Kidney stones
Why men delay, and why they shouldn't
Many men put off appointments because of embarrassment or a hope that the problem will go away. Urologists talk about these issues every day. Most problems are easier to treat when caught early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Talk to a Board-Certified Urologist
Dr. Vendryes sees patients in Plantation and across Broward and Palm Beach Counties for men's health, fertility, kidney stones, urologic cancers, and bladder problems.
References
- American Urological Association. Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Guideline. 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Testicular Cancer Key Statistics.
- Urology Care Foundation. Men's Health Checklist.