Guidelines Ages 18-39
Unless your doctor advises that you require a different checkup schedule, the National Institutes of Health recommends the following:
Screen for high blood pressure
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Check every 2 years.
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If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
Screen for high cholesterol
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Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years.
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If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
Immunizations
- After age 19, you should have a one-time tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (TdAP) vaccine as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.
- You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
- Your doctor may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for conditions such as pneumonia.
Physical exam
- You should have two physical exams in your 20s.
- During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked.
Men
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Men should do a monthly testicular self-exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your healthcare provider for instruction.
Women
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You may decide to do a monthly breast self-exam. Contact you doctor immediately if you notice a change in your breasts.
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A primary care provider should do a complete breast exam every 3 years for women age 20-40.
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Women should have a pelvic exam and Pap smear every 1-2 years to check for cervical cancer. Screening should start within 3 years after first having vaginal intercourse or by age 21.
- If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative for 3 years in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 2-3 years.
- If you have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) you may choose not to have Pap smears.
- If you are sexually active you should be screened for chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.
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