The anatomical configuration of a woman’s body predisposes her to certain medical diseases, particularly autoimmune disorders. As a result, performing a routine health screening is critical.
Having medical testing on a regular basis will assist uncover disease warning signs early and diagnose and treat potential problems quickly.
Without further ado, here are the important medical tests you must get done as a woman.
- Pap smear
A pap smear, often known as a pap test, is a cervical cancer screening technique.
The test is used to look for precancerous or cancerous cells on a woman’s cervix, which is the entryway to her uterus.
During this operation, cells from the cervix are gently scraped away and checked for abnormal growth.
Although the test is moderately painful, it does not cause long-term pain, and it aids in the detection of cervical cancer and urges prompt treatment when identified early.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman should begin having pap smears at the age of 21, with a basic screen every three years until the age of 65 — after which it is only safe to stop being tested if the doctor recommends it, and only if you have had several tests in a row that did not find cancer within the previous ten years.
The American Cancer Society also recommends that persons between the ages of 25 and 65 get a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. The HPV test can be performed alone or in conjunction with the pap test.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a frequent sexually transmitted infection. It is a virus that produces warts as well as an increased risk of cervical cancer and other cancers.
- Mammogram
According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second most frequent malignancy in women, emphasizing the need of mammography for women.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast in which the breasts of a woman are crushed between two firm surfaces in order to spread out the breast tissue and identify malignancy.
It’s the best way to detect breast cancer early.
Women between the ages of 40 and 45 can choose whether or not to have a mammogram, while women between the ages of 45 and 54 must have one every year.
It further suggested that women above the age of 55 should have the operation done every two years.
However, if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, you should consult a doctor.
Also, a regular self-breast examination is a must for women of all ages.
- Blood pressure test
In women, hormonal and lifestyle factors such as menopause, pregnancy, and stress can induce blood pressure fluctuations, increasing the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been identified as the main cause of death in women.
This is why ladies should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
If your blood pressure is normal, you should have a biannual blood pressure screening starting at the age of 20.
However, if your blood pressure measurement is abnormally high or low, your doctor may advise you to have it checked on a regular basis.
It is important to have your blood pressure checked because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured.
- Pelvic exam
A pelvic exam is necessary for women to maintain their reproductive and sexual health.
Your reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus, are examined during this physical examination.
A pelvic exam is performed to detect ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted diseases, uterine fibroids, and early-stage cancer.
During pregnancy, pelvic exams are often performed to detect for anomalies and infections.
- Diabetes screening
A blood test to assess your blood glucose (sugar) levels is essential to lowering your risk of diabetes.
Starting at the age of 35, persons without diabetes risk factors should be evaluated for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Diabetes screening is critical for women planning to conceive in order to lower the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Sexually Transmitted Disease screening
As a sexually active woman, you should obtain an STD screening to protect your health.
Women aged 24 and younger should be checked for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year.
Because STDs can have no symptoms at times, it is critical to obtain this screening on a frequent basis.
- Skin check
Another test that a woman should prioritize is this one. A skin check is a thorough examination of your skin for signs of malignancy.
This screening is advised for women to lower the risk of skin cancer, which is one of the top causes of death in women.
- Lipid panel
A lipid panel test is also necessary because it determines your cholesterol level and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The lipid panel recommends that people between the ages of 20 and 65 get their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years.
However, if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, you may need to have this test done more frequently; discuss this with your doctor.
