Crucial Health Screenings All Women Should Know: A Comprehensive Guide

Women’s health dynamics is intricate, requiring regular monitoring from a specially trained gynaecologist. This comprises inspection of different aspects, such as, physical, mental and emotional realms.

A regular health screening holds prime importance in preventive healthcare and detection of potential health issues, well beforehand. From reproductive well-being to chronic disease management, such screenings help women at various life phases.

This blog acts as a comprehensive guide for all the essential health screenings every woman must undergo. Read below to understand their importance and the recommended timelines.

Why routine health screenings are important for women?

Health screenings are nothing but diagnostic tests that help recognise diseases or conditions even before the symptoms come. For women, these screenings are even more essential because they are vulnerable to disorders like breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart diseases, etc.

Most of the above-mentioned diseases remain symptomless during the early periods and develop gradually. However, an early detection can significantly enhance the outcomes, minimise costlier treatments down the line and improve lifespan.

Additional factors such as, age, lifestyle, family history, hormonal shifts, etc.; can contribute to women’s health challenges. Consider seeing a private gynaecologist in London to obtain personalised care and treatment regime for better health.  

Top 3 crucial health screenings for women

Below is a comprehensive list of essential health screenings that women need to consider. This has been organised according to specific age groups and health requirements.

• Reproductive Health Screenings

Reproductive health is a critical aspect for women and screening it timely can help avert potential complications related to fertility, pregnancy, and sexual matters. 

• Pap smear and HPV Test

What it is: Also known as a pap test, it involves collecting cervix cells to detect abnormalities, such as cervical cancer or the presence of a precancerous condition.

The HPV, on the other hand helps determine the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus – the leading cause of cervical cancer, worldwide.

Why it is important: A timely screening can prevent occurrence of cervical cancer and its development to other parts of the body.

When to get it

• Women aged between 21 and 29: After every 3 years.
• Women aged between 30 and 65: Pap smear after every 3 years. For a combined pap smear and HPV test, (after every 5 years).
• Women above 65 years: May stop the testing procedure if the previous results were normal.
• Pelvic Exam

What it is: It is a physical examination of the female reproductive organs, comprising the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

Why it is important: Pelvic exams are beneficial in detecting infections, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and similar reproductive abnormalities.

When to get it: One must get the test every year, especially if the individual is sexually active or experiencing signs, such as, pelvic pain or bleeding issues. The starting age must be around 18 years.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing

What it is: These are tests for identifying infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, etc., that are transmitted through sexual contact.

Why it is important: Most STIs remain asymptomatic, leading to serious complications in the long run. For example, fertility problems and pelvic inflammatory disease.

When to get it:

• Women ageing under 25:Annual testing (for chlamydia and gonorrhoea).
• Women above 25 years:Must get this test if they have multiple sexual partners, and do unprotected sexual activity.
• All women:HIV testing at least once in a lifetime if there is no apparent risk. For increased risky cases, frequent testing is needed.

Cardiovascular Health Screenings

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread cancers in the globe. Hence, routine screenings are essential to detect it early, when the cancer is at its most treatable phase.

• Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

What it is: Comprises a physical assessment of the breasts by a clinical professional. It helps to check for lumps and other abnormalities.

Why it is important: This test is useful in detecting breast cancer early, especially in women having dense mammary tissue.

When to get it: Preferably after every 1-3 years; for women who are between their 20s and 30s. And, once in a year for middle-aged and older women (40 years and more).

• Mammogram

What it is: It is an X-ray of the mammary glands, helpful in detecting tumours and similar abnormalities.

Why it is important: Mammograms are the best and most reliable ests for detecting breast cancer.

When to get it:

• Women aged between 40 and 44:It is optional, and mostly based on respective risk factors.
• Women aged between 45 and 54: Once in a year.
• Women 55 and older: After every 1-2 years.
• Women having high risk (with an existing family history of breast cancer): May require earlier and more frequent screenings.

Cardiovascular Health Screenings

Heart disease is among the biggest cause of deaths among women, prompting the need to get health screenings. They comprise:

• Blood Pressure Test

What it is: Helps measure the force of blood against the arterial walls.  =

Why it is important: High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for heart ailments, such as, heart disease and stroke.

When to get it:

• At least once after every 2 years - for women with apparently normal blood pressure.
• Once in six months if existing conditions like obesity and diabetes are there. 

Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)

What it is: A blood examination that evaluates the amounts of total cholesterol, LDL (unhealthy cholesterol), HDL (healthy cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Why it is important: Elevated cholesterol levels can cause plaque accumulation in arteries, raising the chances of heart disease.

When to obtain it:

• Starting at 20 years of age: Every 4-6 years if the risk is minimal.
• More often if you possess risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, or a family background of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Examination

What it is: A test that assesses blood glucose levels and identifies diabetic or prediabetic syndrome.

Why it is important: Diabetes significantly heightens the risk for heart disease, stroke, and various other complications.

When to get it:

• Women at age 45 must undergo the test after every three years.
• Existing risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, or a family background of diabetes prompt more frequent checks.

Conclusion

The above three health screenings are the most important of all. However, there are more, such as, bone health assessments, cancer checks, and mental wellness screenings. For a more detailed and personalised guidance, book a consultation with your local private gynaecologist in London.