Should I book a physical exam with my gp?

Unless you are over 65 or have specific worries or are suffering from a chronic disease, to to so is not the norm in the UK.

Actually I strongly believe you should. There are two reasons: 1. you haven't had one since you were 12 and 2. you have a completely different body now. If your last exam was when you were 20, and you're completely healthy, there's not much reason until, say, 30. However, your last exam was pre-pubertal, so lots of things have changed since then (you have hair now. And other things).

Specific reasons to have a physical now as opposed to later:

- testicular cancer is most prevalent between 15-25 (rough number)

- ensure puberty has gone successfully, and your height/weight have changed accordingly

- discuss family history with doc and see if it's pertinent to you (example, high cholesterol in your family is better prevented now in you, than have to deal with consequences)

- yes, sexual health - doc may answer a few questions for you that I'm sure you have (and those are not answers that should be sought on the internet)

- physical things - if you're a runner, at some point you will get knee pain. Or, if you're a baseball player, you'll get shoulder pain. You can mention this to your doc, or discuss what types of injuries you could have. This makes treatment later (post injury) easier, and you would be more prepared.

- say hi to your doctor. We like to know that patients are still alive and well. Also, our office freezes records if someone hasn't been for a while (a while being 4 years). Given the GP shortage everywhere, or insurance problems, etc, it's a really good idea to have your GP, and stick with the same doc for as long as you can.

So no, nothing would be wrong with you now, but for the above reasons, it's a good idea to drop by and say hello.

depends on your age and health.

If you are middle aged and perfectly healthy, there's no point.

I you are in your ninetys, and have several ailments, then yes.