You exercise regularly, try to eat right, and make time for relaxation. But do you also make time for a checkup?
Health screenings can detect disease early on, which is crucial for women’s health. Many severe conditions, such as cancer and osteoporosis, are easier to treat if caught in the earlier stages.
Adolescence
During this stage of life, adolescents often face health hurdles like obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and depression.
Pap smears for signs of cervical cancer are recommended every three years for sexually active women. The test involves gently inserting a speculum into the vagina to swab the cervix. Young women may be nervous or embarrassed about their first pelvic exam. That’s why many healthcare professionals allow teens to bring a mother or other person they feel comfortable with to their first visit.
During their time alone with the health care professional, adolescents can discuss their concerns and become savvy about their health care. It translates into the ability to make healthy choices once they are adults.
Young Adults
People in their 20s and 30s need regular checkups that help GPs detect diseases or health problems in the early stages. It allows for earlier treatment and intervention.
All sexually active women should get a pap test at any abortion clinic Dallas to screen for cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues. They should also have a test for the sexually transmitted infections chlamydia and gonorrhea.
In addition, young adults should get their blood pressure checked and vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza. Depending on their family medical history and lifestyle, they might also be at risk for diabetes and should get regularly tested. They can receive routine screenings and vaccinations during their yearly checkup, usually covered by health insurance or Medicare. Typically, these visits are quick and painless.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a critical phase for the mother and her baby. Periodic antenatal checkups help monitor and handle any abnormalities that may occur during the pregnancy.
In general, expectant mothers will receive blood pressure checks and glucose screening tests. They will also get ultrasounds to check for fetal growth and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Women should also tell their doctors about their health conditions or medications. They should also share their family history with their healthcare provider, as this information can help determine if they are at risk for complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The doctor may also recommend that the woman eat a healthier diet and take prenatal vitamins, which can help ensure the proper development of the fetus.
Postpartum
Women with a history of complications during pregnancy or delivery benefit from a visit to their doctor at four to six weeks postpartum. This appointment allows them to discuss their emotional and physical health, including breastfeeding and contraception options.
Women can also be screened for postpartum depression and anxiety during these visits. These conditions can be triggered by changing hormones and often respond to treatment.
Putting a postpartum checkup at the bottom of your to-do list after having a baby is easy, but don’t skip it: a three-week postpartum appointment and an in-depth checkup within 12 weeks of delivery. Talk to your provider about scheduling these appointments and ensuring your insurance covers them.
Women with sociodemographic and newborn health characteristics that suggest they are more likely to miss these appointments should be targeted for interventions to increase the accessibility of postpartum care.
Later Life
Women in later life must have regular screenings to identify potential issues that may develop as the body ages. These include pap tests to determine cervical cancer, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Regular health checks can also catch long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease in their earliest stages when they are easier to treat. They can also pick up on risk factors to help prevent such diseases, including blood pressure levels, diet, weight, and lifestyle.
Keeping up with routine checkups gives your primary care provider the best chance to notice any changes in your health that might lead to a diagnosis. They also know your medical history better than anyone, which can lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
