Which Health Checkups Do Women Really Need?

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Regular checkups and preventive care can help you stay healthy and catch potential problems early. So, which tests should you get? Here’s what the Carilion Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology team recommends for women:

1. Blood Pressure (Ages 18 and Older)

• If you’re age 18 – 40, get your blood pressure checked at least every 3 – 5 years if it’s normal and you have no risk factors.
• After age 40, get it checked annually.

2. Cervical Cancer (Ages 21 and Older)

• Get a Pap smear or HPV test every 3 – 5 years, depending on your age and medical history.
• Talk to your doctor to find out which test is best for you.

 3. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and HIV (Ages 24 and Younger)

• If you’re sexually active, get tested annually for these infections.

 4. Thyroid Conditions

• Get screened if you’re pregnant, want to become pregnant or have risk factors like family history of thyroid problems.
• If you’re not pregnant and have no symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if you need to be screened.

 5. Breast Cancer (Ages 40 and Older)

• Get screened at least every 2 years.
• Discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine how often you need screening and the best type of mammogram for you.

 6. Diabetes (Ages 35 and Older)

• If you’re overweight, get screened every 3 years.
• Based on your risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Discuss this with your doctor.

 7. Colorectal Cancer (Ages 45 and Older)

• Ask your doctor which test is best for you and how often you need it.
• You may need to start screening earlier depending on family history and risk factors.

8. Cholesterol (Ages 45 and Older)

• Get this checked every 4 – 6 years.
• If you have risk factors, you may need to start testing earlier. Ask your doctor how often you should be tested.

 9. Bone Mineral Density (Ages 65 and Older)

• Get tested at least once.
• Discuss your risk of osteoporosis with your doctor to see if you need further screening or if you should start earlier.

Other Recommendations

• Flu Shot: Plan to get it every year.
• COVID–19 Vaccination: Stay fully vaccinated to protect yourself and others.

 

Some conditions—like cervical cancer—can develop without symptoms. That’s why regular checkups are important even if you feel healthy. Reach out to your doctor to stay ahead of potential health issues and boost your well–being.

 

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The Carilion Clinic Breast Center offers a patient-centered program led by experienced staff. We use advanced technology and digital mammography techniques, including both 2D and 3D mammography. With 12 locations in Southwest Virginia, we are here for you. Call 540-985-9885 to make an appointment.