From the Guidelines
For a 24-year-old male, wellness visit screening should include blood pressure measurement annually to detect hypertension early, as it often develops without symptoms. Height, weight, and BMI should be assessed to monitor for obesity risk. A complete lipid panel is recommended every 5 years to screen for high cholesterol. Diabetes screening with fasting glucose or HbA1c should be considered if the patient has risk factors like obesity or family history. Mental health screening for depression and anxiety is important, as these conditions often emerge in young adulthood. Substance use assessment for alcohol, tobacco, and drugs should be performed, with CAGE or AUDIT questionnaires being useful tools. Sexual health screening includes testing for HIV at least once, with more frequent testing if sexually active with multiple partners, and STI screening based on sexual activity and risk factors, as recommended by the USPSTF 1. Immunization status should be reviewed, ensuring tetanus-diphtheria boosters every 10 years, completion of HPV vaccine series if not already done, and annual influenza vaccination. Skin examination for concerning moles or lesions and testicular self-exam education are also recommended. Lifestyle counseling regarding diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management completes a comprehensive wellness visit for a young adult male. Male reproductive health issues should be discussed at every wellness visit, including assessment of the patient’s understanding of reproduction and his reproductive plan, as well as a physical examination looking for signs or conditions that may affect fertility 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The American Cancer Society recommends cancer-related checkups every three years for people ages 20 to 39, and every year for people 40 and older 1.
- The USPSTF recommends screening for HIV in all adults aged 15 to 65 years, and screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually active women 24 years and younger and in older women who are at increased risk for infection 1.
- The HPV vaccine series should be completed if not already done, as it is recommended for all adults through age 26 years for the prevention of HPV-related diseases 1.
Overall, a comprehensive wellness visit for a 24-year-old male should prioritize screening for common health issues, discussing reproductive health, and providing lifestyle counseling to promote overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Wellness Visit Screening Recommendations for a 24-Year-Old Male
- The medical history should focus on tobacco and alcohol use, risk of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, and diet and exercise habits 2, 3.
- The physical examination should include blood pressure screening, and height and weight measurements to calculate body mass index 2, 3.
- Lipid screening is not recommended for men under 35 years of age without cardiovascular risk factors 3.
- There is no recommendation for screening for prostate cancer, osteoporosis, or skin cancer in men under 55 years of age 2, 3.
- Screening for colorectal cancer should begin at 50 years of age in men of average risk and continue until at least 75 years of age 2, 3.
- Immunizations should be updated according to guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 2, 3.
- General health checks may be associated with increased detection of chronic diseases, such as depression and hypertension, and moderate improvements in controlling risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol 4.
- Patients with anxiety and/or depression may have faster rates of hypertension control due to greater healthcare utilization 5.
- Metabolic profile, including lipid, apolipoprotein, and carbohydrate metabolism, may be associated with the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders 6.