Physical Exam Frequency

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Age 18 to 39

• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years.
• Have your blood pressure checked every year. Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies. If the systolic number (top number) is greater than 130 or the diastolic number (bottom number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.
• You should have 2 physical exams in your twenties. During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. Your height and weight should be checked at every exam. Other blood tests are not indicated in healthy young people.
• MEN should perform a monthly testicular exam. WOMEN should perform a monthly breast self-exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
• WOMEN should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cervical cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for three years in a row, your doctor may decrease the frequency of Pap smears to every 1 to 3 years.
• You should have a tetanus-diptheria booster every ten years.