Women's health changes every decade, and so do the tests worth getting. Many women take care of the whole family and leave their own checkup for later. This guide summarizes what to check by age, based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Which checkups do I need at my age?
| Age | What to check |
|---|---|
| 21 to 29 | Pap smear every 3 years; chlamydia and gonorrhea through age 24 if sexually active |
| 30 to 39 | Pap smear every 3 years, or every 5 with HPV testing; blood pressure |
| 40 to 49 | Mammogram every 2 years from 40; blood sugar from 35 if overweight; colon from 45 |
| 50 to 64 | Mammogram every 2 years; colon; cholesterol; Pap smear through 65 |
| 65 and older | Bone density for osteoporosis; mammogram through 74 |
Your medical team may start or repeat tests earlier if you have a family history or symptoms.
If you could become pregnant
Take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, even if you are not trying to get pregnant. It helps prevent neural tube defects in the first weeks, when many women do not yet know they are pregnant.
Signs that need a visit soon
- Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause.
- Discharge with an odor, or itching or burning that does not go away.
- A lump or change in the breast or armpit.
- Pelvic pain that keeps coming back.
- Burning or frequent urge to urinate.
Menopause can be treated too
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and trouble sleeping are common between ages 45 and 55. You do not have to put up with them in silence: there are options your medical team can review with you.
What can be done in one visit?
At a family clinic you can get a Pap smear, a culture if you have symptoms, a pregnancy test, blood and urine tests, and leave with a mammogram order. If something needs a specialist, you get a referral.
Women's health at Clínica Hispana Mangum
We offer gynecology and Pap smears, ultrasound, pregnancy testing and blood tests, no appointment needed. See our women's health promotions too. We are at 2912 Mangum Rd, Suite A, every day from 9 AM to 9 PM; call (832) 834-5507.
Sources: USPSTF: A and B recommendations · CDC: Folic acid
