How Often Should a 45 Year Old Man Get a Physical?

Oct 16, 2025 4 min read •

Men's Health Primary Care Preventive Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are significantly less likely than women to visit a healthcare professional, yet tend to die earlier. This highlights the importance of understanding how often should a 45 year old man get a physical and the specific screenings that become crucial in midlife.

Quick Summary

Recommendations vary based on overall health and risk factors, but most healthy men in their 40s should see a doctor every one to three years. Key screenings for this age group include tests for colorectal cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular health issues like high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Key Points

Start Colorectal Cancer Screening: Begin discussing screening options for colorectal cancer with your doctor at age 45.
Assess Cardiovascular Risk: Get cholesterol checked regularly and have your blood pressure monitored, especially if you have risk factors.
Screen for Diabetes: Initiate or continue diabetes screening at age 45, or earlier if you are overweight or have other risk factors.
Discuss Prostate Health: Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, especially if you have high-risk factors.
Don't Ignore Mental Health: Be open with your doctor about any mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
Consider Annual Wellness Visits: Regular check-ins help establish a health baseline and track changes over time, even if a full physical isn't needed every year.
Update Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including the annual flu shot and tetanus booster.

General Recommendations for Physical Exams in Your 40s

For men in their mid-40s, the frequency of physical examinations is not a one-size-fits-all answer, and guidelines can vary based on your overall health. For a generally healthy 45-year-old man with no chronic conditions, some healthcare providers may suggest a physical exam every two to five years. However, others may recommend an annual wellness visit to establish and maintain a relationship with a primary care provider, which is crucial for preventative care. These visits serve to track health trends over time and to ensure all necessary screenings and vaccinations are up to date.

Factors That Influence Physical Exam Frequency

Your personal health profile is the most important factor in determining how often you should see a doctor. This includes your family medical history, lifestyle choices, and existing health issues. For example, if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or are overweight, your doctor will likely recommend more frequent check-ups, potentially on an annual basis. Men are also at an increased risk of certain conditions as they age, making consistent check-ups more important.

Core Components of a Physical Exam at 45

A physical exam for a 45-year-old man typically includes a comprehensive review of your overall health.

Medical History Update: Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and use of tobacco or alcohol.
Vital Signs Check: This includes measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature.
Physical Examination: The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, check for abnormalities in the abdomen, and inspect your skin for any unusual moles or growths.
Mental Health Screening: Many physical exams now include a mental health screening to assess for anxiety or depression, which can be common in midlife.
Routine Laboratory Tests: Blood work may be ordered to check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and organ function.

Essential Screenings for Men in their Mid-40s

At age 45, several key screenings are recommended to detect potential health issues early.

Cholesterol Screening

This is a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association suggests cholesterol screening every 4 to 6 years for men over 40, but your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have existing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes Screening

Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is recommended for adults starting at age 35 and should be repeated every three years if you have a healthy weight. However, if you have a high BMI or other risk factors, screening for diabetes should begin at 45 or earlier.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Official recommendations from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that adults at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. A colonoscopy every 10 years is one option, but other tests are also available.

Skin Cancer Screening

Men over 40 have a higher risk of melanoma, particularly if they have had significant sun exposure in their younger years. Regular skin checks by a doctor and at home are recommended to monitor for any new or changing moles.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screening with a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is not routinely recommended for men under 55 with average risk. However, for high-risk men (African American men or those with a family history), discussions with a doctor about screening may begin as early as age 40 or 45.

Comparison of Physical Exam Recommendations by Health Profile


Health Profile	Recommended Frequency	Typical Screenings Included
Generally Healthy, Low Risk	Every 1–3 years (depends on doctor's advice)	Basic vital signs, blood work, discussion of lifestyle and family history
At Increased Risk (Family history, overweight, etc.)	Annually or more frequently	All standard screenings plus more frequent tests for cholesterol, diabetes, and other specific risks
Existing Chronic Condition (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)	At least annually, sometimes more often	Varies significantly depending on the condition; may include more frequent blood tests, monitoring, and specialist visits

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

The frequency of physicals for a 45-year-old man is a personalized decision best made in consultation with a primary care provider. While general guidelines for healthy individuals may suggest less-than-annual visits, risk factors related to family history, weight, and existing conditions often necessitate more frequent check-ups. The most important takeaway is to have a proactive relationship with a doctor to ensure that important, age-specific screenings for conditions like colorectal cancer and diabetes are conducted at the appropriate time. Taking charge of your health in your 40s is essential for preventing future problems and maintaining your quality of life.

UNC Health offers a valuable men's health timeline for various age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

While guidelines for healthy men under 50 often suggest physicals every one to three years, many providers still recommend annual wellness visits. These annual visits are helpful for tracking health trends, updating vaccinations, and discussing age-specific screenings with your doctor.

The primary purpose is preventive care. The exam focuses on assessing your risk for potential chronic diseases, updating your medical history, ensuring vaccinations are current, and conducting specific age-based screenings for conditions like colorectal cancer and diabetes.

The decision to screen for prostate cancer should be based on a discussion with your doctor. While average-risk men typically begin this discussion around age 50, those with high-risk factors like family history or African American descent may start the conversation earlier, potentially in their early 40s.

For those with average risk, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. Men with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to begin screening sooner.

Common health concerns in this age group include increasing risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Men may also experience decreased testosterone, weight gain, and mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

A routine physical includes a medical history review, vital signs check (blood pressure, heart rate), a physical exam by the doctor, and potentially lab tests for cholesterol and blood sugar. It is also an opportunity to discuss any specific concerns.

With a family history of heart disease, your doctor will likely recommend more frequent physical exams and screenings, including more regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks, to proactively manage your risk.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.