It is important for everyone in every stage of life to have regular physical exams performed by their doctor. Health care professionals recommend everyone get a physical at least once a year, but if you are at risk for certain conditions, you may want to get checked out more often. Women can expect a number of specific tests and checkups when they attend their annual physicals, and many of these specifics even vary by age.
Review of Family History
Everyone having a physical exam should review their family history and personal medical history, as well as diet and lifestyle. This will help the doctor assess the patient's risk for chronic illnesses and address steps that can be taken to avoid or reduce the chances of getting sick.
Sexual Health Checkup
All women who are sexually active should have a pap test done on a regular basis, and women over the age of 18 should have internal exams regardless of sexual activity. Women should also talk to their doctors about birth control options as well as protection and testing for sexually transmitted infections and discuss their sexual behavior to assess their risks.
Heart and Body Health
Blood pressure, breathing and pulse should all be checked at every physical. Starting at age 20, women should undergo cholesterol screening. Women with high cholesterol or blood pressure should talk to their doctor about manage it, be it through diet and exercise, medication, or both. Blood lipid tests should also be a part of a woman's annual physical, especially if she takes oral contraceptives. If she does not take oral contraceptives, a blood lipid profile is not necessary until the age of thirty and if it comes back normal is not necessary again for five years. Starting at age 40, women should undergo an electrocardiogram every year to check up on their general heart health. Regular blood tests are also a great indicator of certain health problems.
Mammograms and Cancer Screening
Starting at age 40, a woman should undergo a mammogram every two years, increased to every year at 50. Mammograms can catch breast cancer early and increase the chances of survival. Annual pap and pelvic examinations should continue to be performed during a woman's regular checkup as they can detect things like cervical cancer in its early stages.
Tags: should undergo, cancer early, every year, oral contraceptives, should also, should have
