Regular check-ups can assist women in detecting potential health problems before they become a problem. When we visit our doctor on a regular basis, they are able to detect health conditions or diseases at an early stage. Early diagnosis gives every woman the best chance of receiving the right treatment as soon as possible, avoiding complications. By receiving the proper medical care, screenings, and treatment, they are making significant progress toward longer life expectancy with better lifestyles.
Purpose of Screenings and Tests for Women’s Health
Specific health screenings and tests are recommended depending on a woman’s age and stage of life to detect the presence of distinct medical conditions or warning symptoms that they are constructing. While there are basic recommendations for which tests to have and when, based on the personal and family medical histories, it may need to be screened sooner or more frequently than what is usually recommended.
Health screenings for women aged 18 to 39
Even if they are healthy, women in this age group should see their doctor on a regular basis. These consultations are intended to:
- Check for any medical problems.
- Determine the risk of future medical problems.
- To promote an active way of life
- Boost the vaccinations.
- To assist in getting to know the doctor in case of a medical emergency.
Health screenings for women aged 40 to 64
The reasons for visiting health screenings differ for women between the ages of 40 and 64. These visits are intended to:
- Examine for chronic medical problems.
- Determine the likelihood of future and current medical problems.
- Encourage a healthy way of life.
- Strengthen the vaccinations.
- Inform the doctor of their medical history and everything concerning their health.
Screenings and Tests
Blood pressure test
Hypertension (high blood pressure) increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney problems, vision problems, and sexual dysfunction. Everyone over the age of 18 who does not have known hypertension should have their blood pressure measured on a regular basis, but how frequently depends on the blood pressure. If it is less than 120/80 mmHg, the upper limit of normal, the American Heart Association recommends having it checked at least once every two years beginning at age 20, while the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening every three to five years for low-risk people ages 18 to 39.
Screening for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer was once one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. However, rates have decreased due to the widespread use of the Pap test, which can detect cellular changes in the cervix before they become cancerous. Cervical cancer screenings should begin at the age of 21 for all women. If the results are normal, the next one can be done in three years, but it is recommended to stick to that interval until the age of 29. If the results are consistently normal, every woman between the ages of 30 and 65 can have a combination of the Pap and HPV tests every five years (a practice known as co-testing).
Screening for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer .[3] Regular mammograms are the best way for doctors to detect breast cancer early (when it is most treatable) and often years before symptoms appear. The American Cancer Society recommends that women get mammograms every year between the ages of 45 and 54, and then every two years after that. Meanwhile, the USPSTF recommends that women have mammograms every other year between the ages of 50 and 74, while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests that women begin receiving mammograms every one to two years, beginning at the age of 40 to 50 and continuing until the age of 75.
Screening for Bone Density
Bone density screenings look for osteoporosis, a disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone or produces too little of it. These screenings can predict the chances of breaking a bone before it occurs. The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis for women aged 65 and older, as well as younger women who are at increased risk—either because they regularly take certain medications that compromise bone density, have a parent who fractured a hip, smoke, drink excessively, or have a low body weight.
