Health is wealth. A wise man once said that once you have health, you can have everything. Being susceptible to diseases, women need to take care of their health because they are fragile and delicate. This is enough reason for women to go for health checks regularly. Doing medical tests can identify diseases when they are most curable and, in many circumstances, stop the major health concerns that might lead to more complications. The following are important medical tests all women need and the right time for them:
1. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, otherwise regarded as hypertension, is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and is the primary cause of death in women. The American Heart Association (AHA) advises routine blood pressure checks as from age 20.
2. Diabetes screening
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that persons without diabetes risk factors get screenings for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in 2022. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recommended that type 2 diabetes and prediabetes screenings for persons without diabetes risk factors begin at 35 years old rather than 45 years. Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women should also have a gestational diabetes screening.
3. Pap smear
Pap smears screen for the cancer-causing human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. During this test, cells around the cervix are removed using a little brush. Pap tests for women should start at age 21 and should be repeated at least every three years. Around age 30, HPV testing should begin along with Pap tests, and you should undergo follow-up exams at least every five years.
4. Mammogram
Women with a high family history of breast cancer may benefit from getting mammograms more frequently and earlier especially if they self-examined and noticed lumps. For women without a family history of breast cancer, the current advice is to start getting mammograms at age 40 and then get checked once a year after that. Breast tissue is compressed between plates during a mammogram, which detects breast cancer.
5. STD testing
STD testing is done for sexually transmitted diseases. STDs sometimes have no symptoms, you can spread them to your partner or, if you’re pregnant, to the unborn child without knowing. As soon as you start having sex, or sooner if feasible, sexual health checks should start. You need to discuss with your doctor about STDs and pregnancy prevention even if you are not sexually active.
6. Skin check up
When women turn 18 years old, they have to check their skin once a month for abnormal moles or colour changes, especially if they have fair skin or spend a lot of time in the sun. As from age 40, it is advisable to start getting yearly full-body skin checks with her dermatologist.