Regular visits to your doctor are important for good health.

But did you know that you can also perform self-examinations at home to keep an eye on your health and detect potential problems early on? In this guide, we will show you how to perform self-examinations for various health conditions, and when to seek professional help.

Breast Self-Examination

Regular breast self-exams are crucial for detecting early signs of breast cancer. To perform a breast self-exam, follow these steps:.

Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or color of your breasts, or any visible signs of swelling or dimpling.
Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.
In front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and press firmly to tense up the chest muscles. Look for any changes in the shape or size of your breasts, or any visible signs of swelling or dimpling.
Tilt your chest forward and feel for any lumps or thickening in your breasts.
Lie down and examine each breast with the opposite hand. Use a circular motion, starting from the outside of the breast and moving towards the nipple. Be sure to examine all areas of the breast, including the armpit and the area above the collarbone.

If you notice any changes, such as a lump, thickening, or discharge from the nipple, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Testicular Self-Examination

Testicular self-exams are important for detecting early signs of testicular cancer. To perform a testicular self-exam, follow these steps:.

Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your pants off. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or color of your testicles, or any visible signs of swelling or lumps.
With both hands, examine each testicle by feel for any lumps or irregularities. Using your thumb and fingers, gently roll each testicle between your fingers.
If you notice any changes, such as a lump or swelling, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Skin Examination

Regular skin exams are important for detecting skin cancer early on. To perform a skin examination, follow these steps:.

Begin by standing in front of a mirror with good lighting. Examine your skin for any unusual moles or spots.
Examine your entire body, including hard-to-see places like your back, scalp, and the bottoms of your feet.
Use a mirror to examine your genital area, between your buttocks, and under your arms.
If you notice any changes, such as a new mole or changes in the size or shape of an existing mole, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Oral Cancer Self-Examination

Oral cancer self-exams are important for detecting early signs of oral cancer. To perform an oral cancer self-exam, follow these steps:.

Begin by standing in front of a mirror with good lighting. Look at the inside of your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth.
Check for any red or white spots, sores that don’t heal, or lumps or growths.
Examine the back of your throat and the area behind your tongue.
If you notice any changes, such as a sore that doesn’t heal or unusual growths, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring

Regular blood pressure monitoring is important for maintaining good heart health. To self-monitor your blood pressure, you will need a home blood pressure monitor. Follow these steps:.

Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight.
Place the cuff on your upper arm, following the manufacturer’s directions.
Press the start button on the monitor.
Remain still and quiet while the monitor takes your blood pressure. Make note of the numbers.
If your blood pressure is consistently high or low, contact your healthcare provider. They may want to adjust your medication or recommend lifestyle changes.

Dental Self-Examination

Regular dental self-exams can help to detect oral health problems before they turn into more serious issues. To perform a dental self-exam, follow these steps:.

Use a mirror to examine your teeth and gums for any signs of discoloration, swelling, or bleeding.
Feel for any lumps or bumps on your gums or the inside of your cheeks.
Check for any signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or pockets between your gums and teeth.
If you notice any changes or have concerns about your oral health, contact your dentist right away.

Eye Self-Examination

Regular eye self-exams can help to detect vision problems and eye diseases early on. To perform an eye self-exam, follow these steps:.

Use a mirror to examine your eyes for any changes in color, such as redness or yellowing.
Examine the whites of your eyes for any signs of blood vessels or other irregularities.
Check for any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or double vision.
If you notice any changes or have concerns about your vision, contact your eye doctor right away.

Abdominal Self-Examination

Regular abdominal self-exams can help to detect early signs of digestive problems and other health issues. To perform an abdominal self-exam, follow these steps:.

Lie down on a flat surface with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
Use your fingertips to press gently on your abdomen, feeling for any lumps or tender areas.
If you notice any changes or have concerns about your digestive health, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Bone Density Self-Examination

Regular bone density self-exams can help to detect early signs of osteoporosis. To perform a bone density self-exam, follow these steps:.

Take a calcium and vitamin D supplement as recommended.
Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish.
Get regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or weight lifting.
If you have concerns about your bone density, contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend a bone density test.

Conclusion

Performing regular self-examinations at home is an important step in maintaining good health and detecting potential problems early on.

While these self-examinations do not replace regular visits to your healthcare provider, they can help you to stay on top of your health and take action when necessary.