Women are most vulnerable to diseases these days. The modern lifestyle, daily habits, and working culture are taking a toll on women’s health, and we never know what’s silently growing in our bodies. That’s why routine health screening is an absolute must to stay on top of our health.
This guide covers the main preventive health screenings that women should have at different ages. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or older, this helpful resource will give you the info and tools you need to handle preventive screenings.
If you live in Memphis, contact the Poplar Avenue Clinic – women’s health clinic for screenings.
The Importance Of Preventive Health Screenings For Women
Preventive health screenings are essential for women. It’s a great way to catch any potential issues early and keep feeling great. Getting these screenings can really make a big difference in your quality of life!
- You detect diseases early.
- You achieve better treatment outcomes.
- You save on healthcare costs.
- You increase your life expectancy.
- You gain peace of mind.
- You empower yourself with health knowledge.
- You prevent serious complications.
- You improve your quality of life.
When To Start Getting Screenings
The timing for starting health screenings varies depending on factors such as age, family history, and individual health risks.
Generally, screenings for breast cancer may commence at age 40, cervical cancer screenings at age 21, and bone density tests around age 65.
Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are advisable from early adulthood, while diabetes screening typically starts at age 45. Colon cancer screenings generally begin at age 50.
Reproductive health screenings, including gynecological exams and STI checks, may start in adolescence or upon becoming sexually active.
Mental health screenings, such as those for depression and anxiety, can begin in adolescence and should continue throughout adulthood. Contact your women’s health clinic in Memphis for screenings.
General Health Screenings
Staying healthy starts with knowing how your body is doing. Health check-ups give your doctor a starting point to keep an eye on your well-being and spot any signs of long-term health issues. They’re usually quick, painless, and can easily fit into your regular health routine.
Blood Pressure Screening:
Getting your blood pressure checked is a simple way to measure the force of blood against your arteries. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can up your risk for heart disease and stroke, so it’s good to get it checked at least once a year, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
Cholesterol Screening:
Cholesterol screening is another blood test you might want to consider. This test measures the different types of cholesterol in your blood. High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease.
The American College of Cardiology suggests getting your cholesterol checked every 4-6 years if you’re between 40 and 75, but it might be more often if you have high cholesterol or other risk factors.
Blood Sugar Testing:
A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, it could be a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for type 2 diabetes starting at age 35 for all adults, with more frequent testing for those with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening:
Lastly, there’s the Body Mass Index (BMI) screening. This simple calculation uses your height and weight to estimate your body fat percentage. A high BMI might signal an increased risk for certain health conditions, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Breast Health
Here are the key breast health screenings recommended for women:
Breast Self-Exam (BSE):
It’s a good idea to do a quick self-exam every month to visually and manually check for any lumps, changes in size or shape, or nipple discharge. It’s a simple way to stay aware of what’s normal for you.
Clinical Breast Exam (CBE):
Don’t forget to schedule your regular check-up with your doctor. They’ll perform a physical exam and feel for any abnormalities.
The frequency of these exams may vary based on your age and risk factors, so it’s best to discuss this with your doctor.
Mammogram:
Once you hit 40, it’s recommended to start scheduling regular mammograms every 1 or 2 years. This X-ray of the breast tissue can help detect any potential issues early on. It’s an important step in taking care of your breast health.
Reproductive And Sexual Health
Pap Smear And HPV Test:
This test helps find precancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV, which is super important for catching cervical cancer early. The American Cancer Society suggests starting Pap smears at 21 and doing them every 3 to 5 years until you’re 65. Keep in mind that the frequency may change depending on your risk factors.
Pelvic Exam:
This exam lets your doctor check the health of your reproductive organs, like your uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. It’s great for catching potential issues like fibroids, cysts, or infections. Usually, these exams are recommended during routine well-woman visits, and how often you need them might vary based on your age and healthcare needs.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing:
STIs can be sneaky and not show any symptoms, so regular testing is super important for catching them early and getting treatment. This will help prevent complications and protect your sexual partners. The frequency of STI testing depends on your sexual activity and risk factors, so it’s best to have a chat with your doctor to figure out what’s most appropriate for you.
Pregnancy-Related Screenings
Here are some key pregnancy-related screenings recommended for most women:
Diabetes Screening During Pregnancy:
At 24 weeks gestation or later, it’s important to get screened for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Early detection and management of gestational diabetes are crucial for reducing the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
Preeclampsia Prevention:
For women at high risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and other symptoms, low-dose aspirin therapy may be recommended. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine if this preventive measure is right for you.
Additional Screenings Based On Risk Factors
Diabetes Screening:
If you have a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or certain risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure, you may benefit from routine diabetes screening.
This blood test checks your blood sugar levels to assess your risk for type 2 diabetes, allowing for early interventions to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Osteoporosis Screening:
Women over 65, those with a family history of osteoporosis, and those with a history of fractures should consider osteoporosis screening. This test measures bone density to assess the risk for osteoporosis, allowing for early interventions to help maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):
If you are at high risk of contracting HIV, it’s important to discuss with your doctor whether PrEP is right for you. Women at high risk due to sexual behavior or intravenous drug use may benefit from this preventive approach, which can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Immunizations:
Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations to protect yourself from preventable diseases. Discuss your immunization history with your doctor and ensure you are current on all recommended vaccinations according to guidelines provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Syphilis Screening:
Hey, remember to get that simple blood test for syphilis soon. It’s important to detect this sexually transmitted infection (STI) early on to prevent serious health problems. If you’re in a high-risk group or have certain risk factors, like multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner, this screening could be beneficial for you.
Tuberculosis Testing:
Don’t forget to schedule that tuberculosis (TB) test. Whether it’s a skin test or a chest X-ray, detecting TB early can help prevent its spread and avoid serious health complications. If you’ve traveled to high-prevalence countries or have been in close contact with someone with TB, getting tested could be a good idea.
Lung Cancer Screening:
Just a reminder to consider getting a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening, especially if you have a significant smoking history. Detecting lung cancer early can make a real difference in treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Skin Cancer Counseling:
Also, keep in mind the importance of regular skin cancer screenings and counseling, especially if you have fair skin, a history of sunburn, a family history of skin cancer, or multiple moles. It’s the most common cancer in the United States, but highly treatable when detected early.
Visit Poplar Avenue Clinic – The Best Women’s Health Clinic In Memphis
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Contact Poplar Avenue Clinic, the leading women’s health clinic in Memphis, today!