16 Types of Tests Women Should Take

 Here are 16 types of tests that medical experts recommend women to take to detect early as well as prevent disease risks and improve quality of life.

1. Gynecological examination

Women should start having a gynecological exam between the ages of 13 and 15 and have an annual check-up at age 21 and older. This is one of the most important tests for women to receive timely care and to prevent gynecological diseases .

 

2. General health examination and family medical history

History or genetic factors can affect all of us. Annual screening can reduce risk factors for serious or chronic diseases. In addition, women should also visit a doctor to learn about their menstrual history, sexual habits , physical and mental health. Checking blood pressure , weight, and body mass index are also easy tests to do to assess overall health.

3. Clinical examination of the breast

Lumps under the arms or unusual signs in the mountains should be detected early. Women should have a clinical breast exam from the age of 20. From 20 to 39 years old should be examined every 3 years. From the age of 40 and above, women should have a double mountain health check every year. You can also test yourself at home every month or more.

4. Mammography

Mammography is one of the methods that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the tissues in the breast area. This method is very effective in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer . Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you have a family history of breast cancer , you should have a mammogram earlier.

 

5. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening

All women should be screened for STDs when they begin having sex . Women under the age of 25 should be screened for gonorrhea and Chlamydia every year.

After age 25, screening depends on risk factors or symptoms. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening includes urinalysis, cervical screening, and HIV blood-viral testing.

6. Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the three most common cancers in both men and women. Colonoscopy can detect and treat this type of cancer early. People with colitis or those with a family history of colon cancer should be screened between the ages of 13 and 18. Meanwhile, people 19 to 49 years old should be screened if they are at high risk for irritable bowel disease or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn). Women should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45 to 50.

7. Diabetes

Starting at age 45, women should be screened for diabetes every 3 years and earlier if factors such as obesity or family history are present. Diabetes is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and is increasing due to the obesity epidemic. Early screening is very important. Testing is done via a fasting plasma glucose test or a hemoglobin A1 test.

 

8. Evaluation of lipid profile

Blood tests help check the risk of heart disease and measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. These tests should be done between the ages of 13 and 44 if you are obese and have a family history. From age 45, women should be screened every 5 years. Dietary changes or medication use can lower these levels.

9. Hepatitis B and C . Tests

Factors that increase the risk of hepatitis B are drug use, people born in countries where the prevalence is 2% or higher, and people living with HIV. Women in these groups should be screened for these diseases between the ages of 13 and 18. The risk of hepatitis C is increased by exposure to contaminated needles, tattooing, or transmission from a biological mother. Screening frequency should be done on the advice of your doctor.

10. Pap smear

In a vaginal smear test, cells are taken from the cervix to screen for cancer. This test is recommended every 3 years, starting at age 21 and ending at age 65. If your results are abnormal, you will be offered an HPV test to screen for high-risk strains of HPV. HPV virus.

 

11. HPV test

HPV is the human papillomavirus. It is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease, causing cervical and other cancers. HPV testing is often done at the same time as vaginal smear testing. Because HPV is quite common in women under 30, it is only done when the results of the PAP test are abnormal.

Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are recommended to have this test every 5 years.

12. Pelvic organ prolapse

About one-third of women are affected by pelvic organ prolapse or a similar condition in their lifetime. That means one or a few pelvic organs – bladder, uterus, vagina, small intestine, rectum – are not working properly. Starting at age 65, women should be screened annually for this condition.

13. Bone density

Women over 65 should have their bone density measured every two years. And if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as having an eating disorder or a sedentary lifestyle, you should get this screening done sooner.

When bone density is measured, X-rays are used to measure the number of grams of calcium and bone minerals present in a segment of bone, these tests usually focus on the spine, hips, and arms.

14. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test

This blood test checks for thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. This type of screening should be performed between the ages of 19 and 49 in women with a family history of the disease. For women over 50, get checked every 5 years.

 

15. Skin Cancer Test

Women should have their overall skin checked every 2 years or sooner if you notice any unusual skin symptoms, possibly once a month. Unusual signs such as acne, uneven skin color …

16. Vision test

Experts say having an eye exam at least every 2 years is essential. However, for people with vision problems, it's a good idea to have an annual check-up.