When it comes to health, women have a lot more checkmarks to check off. They not only have to take into account regular health factors that affect them differently but also childbirth and menopause. For example, women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men. Thankfully, women are more proactive when it comes to health and prevention. However, when it comes to all phases of women’s lives, it can be challenging to stay on top of the latest guidelines for exams and screenings.

The earlier women start, the better. Early patient care is essential for maintaining positive health outcomes. Addressing overall women’s health in a personal way with individual needs is important to meet her needs and focus on her risks. Our health tips for women include prioritizing various screenings and tests at every stage of life for optimal well-being.

Health Tips for Women in Their Teenage Years

• First OB Visit: Starting at the age of 13-17, meeting with an OB-GYN helps young women begin to understand what to expect in future visits. They can become educated on how to stay healthy at their age. Teenagers don’t necessarily need any exams or a Pap Smear, even if sexually active. Being under 25 means it’s common to have changes in the cells of your cervix, which often go away by themselves.
• Contraceptive Counseling: It’s good to inform teens of the idea of sexual activity and how to take care of their bodies first and protect themselves. Discuss the idea of contraceptives and what to look for in an intimate partner and a healthy relationship.
• HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus): The HPV protects against the development of certain cancers. The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine around age 11 or 12.
• Sexual Orientation: It’s important that all patients feel comfortable with their healthcare provider. They should be able to discuss gender desires and sexual orientation in the early years if they need to.

Health Tips for Women in Their 20s and 30s

• Primary Care: Consider your once-a-year visits. These years are great for maintaining your health or identifying what your risks are for different diseases at these ages. This includes assessing issues found in your family history, such as a genetic predisposition to cancer and other potential health risks.
• Cervical Cancer: From ages 21-29, women should be screened for cervical cancer every three years. Between the ages of 21-25, the risk of cervical cancer is pretty low. However, for women without the HPV vaccine, screening should be taken into consideration. Screening and an HPV vaccine depend on the history of a woman’s abnormal pap smear tests. Talk to your OB-GYN if you’re unsure.
• Pap Test and Pelvic Exam: A Pap test is used to screen for cervical cancer and HPV. While many believe an annual Pap test is necessary, it’s a common misconception. In most cases, a yearly Pap test isn’t needed. Women from ages 30 to 65 should be screened every three years for cervical cancer only, HPV screening every five years, or a combined screening for both every five years.

However, regular Pap tests remain essential. Most HPV strains are harmless. For healthy individuals who don’t smoke, the virus often clears up within 3-5 years. This is why Pap smears are important after the age of 21. From then on, it only needs to be done every three years until you turn 30. If you consistently have negative results, If your results continue to come back negative, consult your doctor about extending the screening interval to every five years.

The HPV vaccine was originally a four-strain vaccine until now. It was recently redeveloped into a nine-strain vaccine. HPV has the potential to increase your risk of cancer. This vaccine helps safely protect you from the possibility. The FDA has approved the HPV vaccine for any person up to the age of 45. It was originally only for ages 11-26.

Early detection is important, especially for women from ages 20-40 who are not thinking about the risk of cervical cancer.

• Breast Exam: Typically, this is done during your OB-GYN visit, beginning at age 19.
• STI Screening: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia should be tested for in women younger than 25 who are sexually active. Women older than 25 who have new or multiple partners should also be tested for an STI. This is especially true if their partner has had a known STI.

The number of tests or screenings for STIs should be discussed with your doctor. Getting tested for an STI is a proactive thing you can do for your health. Make sure to have these important conversations with your healthcare provider to guarantee the best care for yourself.

When you have a screening for sexually transmitted STIs, make sure you’re aware of which specific infections are being tested. Each screening may test for infections you may not expect or specifically request.

Infections like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can be detected with a basic urine sample or vaginal swab. Infections like hepatitis, syphilis, herpes, and HIV normally require blood work and sometimes more than once. Being aware is just as important as getting tested. This way you are thorough in what you need to get done and making sure it was done properly.

Even when condoms are being used, it’s still important to be screened for STIs. STI detection can be time-sensitive. If left undetected, infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can damage reproductive organs like the fallopian tubes. This can cause long-term effects on women’s fertility. Fortunately, it can be treated with early detection.

• Planning for a Family: Talk to your OB-GYN about family planning. Discuss current contraception, reproductive health, and planning. It’s important to have a plan and know the status of your health when interested in starting a family. Assessing current health issues is critical. Pregnancy can act as a magnifying glass for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Genetic Testing: This is optional. However, if your family history dictates that breast, ovarian, cervical, or colon cancer runs in your family. You can be referred to a genetic counselor, also known as Carrier screening. Testing to see if a woman is a carrier for specific mutations helps identify potential genetic traits that could be passed down to future generations.

If both parents carry a mutation, the child has a 1 in 4 chance of also having the mutation. Advanced screening can help inform couples and prepare them for future health risks. Carrier screenings can be done at any time, and a woman doesn’t have to be pregnant to get checked. She can simply add it to a Pap test.

Health Tips for Women in Their 40s and 50s

• Primary Visit: It’s recommended to schedule a primary care visit at least once a year to monitor overall health, catch potential issues early, and update necessary screenings. Regular check-ups are key to maintaining long-term well-being.
• Routine Blood Tests: These visits assess blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other vital health indicators. They should be done at least once a year or more frequently if necessary.
• Pap Test / Pelvic Exam: A screening is necessary every three years for HPV and cervical cancer. A combined screening of both every five years is recommended too.
• Screening for Breast Cancer: Annual screenings should begin at age 45. Women aged 40-44 have the option to start yearly mammograms, while those 55 and older can switch to screenings every two years. Starting early helps identify potential risks, as the chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. Prioritizing these screenings allows for proactive management of your health.

Health Tips for Women in Their 60s and Beyond

• Pap Test / Pelvic Exam: A Pap Test is not recommended routinely after the age of 65. This is dependent on each woman individually and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
• Blood Tests / Lipid Screening: These tests should be carried out at least once a year. This varies depending on family history or for any woman who is at average risk.

Additional Screenings for Women of All Ages

Vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D can have a negative impact overall. A Vitamin D deficiency can affect energy levels, metabolism, bone health, and mood. Vitamin D can be checked for annually. This is important because it impacts many aspects of your health. Most people aren’t even aware they’re deficient. Identifying deficiencies early can prevent further complications.

Mental Health

Your OB-GYNs are your top resource for women’s health. They address both physical and emotional well-being. It’s crucial to discuss any feelings of anxiety or depression, as well as any experiences of emotional, sexual, verbal, or physical abuse. Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as your physical care.

Mental wellness can truly affect all quality of life and impact women in ways that affect health. Screening at any point in time is important but often overlooked.

Everyone takes their health for granted at some point in time in their lives until a serious ailment affects them or someone they love. So, understanding what screenings are necessary and what it takes to make your health a priority at any age is extremely important. Your health should be number one!

Call Rosh MFM For All Your Testing and Screenings

Many women only visit their gynecologist for birth control, a routine Pap test, or a vaginal infection, but gynecology embraces more than routine health care.

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, the team specializes in women’s wellness. We bring expert diagnosis and treatment of all reproductive health issues no matter how routine or complex. Our team welcomes women of all ages. If you have any questions or it’s time to schedule an annual exam or screening, call our office in the Midtown East area of New York City or book an appointment online.

FAQ Section

What are five ways for females to keep healthy?

Five ways for women to maintain their health include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, staying on top of routine screenings, and maintaining mental wellness.

What are the tips for holistic health for women?

Holistic health for women involves balancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can be achieved through regular exercise, stress management, proper nutrition, and mindful practices such as yoga or meditation.

What every woman should know about health?

Every woman should understand the importance of regular health screenings, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and staying informed about reproductive health. They should address any changes in their body early on with a healthcare provider.

How often should women have routine health screenings?

Women should schedule routine health screenings according to their age and risk factors. Typically, routine screenings include annual primary care visits, Pap tests every three years for women 21-29, and every five years for women 30-65, along with regular mammograms starting around age 40. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screening schedule based on individual health needs.

What role does mental health play in the overall well-being of women?

Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being for women. It affects physical health, daily functioning, and quality of life. Managing stress, seeking therapy when needed, and engaging in self-care practices are important for maintaining mental health. Regular mental health check-ins and support can help address issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, contributing to overall wellness.