Women Health Check-Ups: Importance and List of Checks

Overview

Women perform multiple tasks in today's world. They are not only homemakers but also career women playing different roles with panache. However, with such a hectic routine and a fast-paced lifestyle, they hardly find the time to look after their health and self-care. 

Women are an important part of the family and a backbone of a successful society. And it is for their well-being that regular health check-ups for women are of utmost importance. 

Here are some reasons why health checks for women are essential and a list of health check-ups that must be carried out on a regular basis. 

The Importance of Health Checks for Women

Regular health check-ups have several benefits for women. They help detect any serious health conditions before the situation worsens. This helps provide timely medical treatment. Regular health tests also save lives as diseases like cancer, when detected early, improve the chances of recovery. 

Here are some more benefits of regular health checks for women:

• Regular health checks help detect life-threatening diseases, such as breast, cervical or ovarian cancer.

• The chances of recovery are higher when treatments are started early.

• Regular health checks prevent sickness and infections

• With the help of regular health checks, doctors can advise changes in diet and lifestyle and help prevent the onset of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• Health checks on a regular basis help in maintaining overall health and well-being.

• Regular check-ups help in reducing complications of symptoms of any condition 

• Close monitoring of health conditions ensures a faster recovery and prevents recurrence.

• Regular check-ups and timely detection of illnesses also help in reducing the cost of medical care.

Health Checks for Women

Women are prone to several health conditions. Regular health check-ups and better management of diet and lifestyle can help prevent these conditions and ensure a healthy, active life. 

Doctors recommend the following health checks for women: 

Cervical Screening Test

A cervical screening test, also called a Pap smear test, is usually recommended by doctors to women in the 21 to 65 age group every three years. If women have certain risk factors, such as a weak immune system, the presence of precancerous cells, HIV infection and a history of smoking, doctors recommend this test more frequently. 

A cervical screening test consists of collecting cells from the cervix, that is, the lower end of the uterus. 

Detecting cervical cancer in its early stages increases the chances of recovery.

The test is a safe way of screening the cervix. It takes just a few minutes.

HPV Testing

The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test helps in detecting the human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer. Doctors recommend this test to women who are 30 and above. This test is done along with the cervical screening. Doctors advise the HPV test if the Pap smear test shows abnormal results. 

During the test, the doctor collects samples of cervical cells with a soft brush and a spatula. The test takes a few minutes. 

Positive results of the test mean the presence of high-risk HPV. This means the patient could develop cervical cancer in the future. Doctors recommend a follow-up test in the following year to check if the infection has cleared. 

STI Tests

The STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) test, also called STD (Sexually transmitted diseases) test, is advised for sexually active women. As sexually transmitted infections rarely have any symptoms, these can be difficult to detect. If left untreated, STIs can cause fertility issues and cancer. 

This test is recommended for women who have multiple sexual partners, who do not use protection during intercourse and who think they might have symptoms of STIs. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, change in urination, genital itching or burning, and pain during intercourse.

The STI test helps detect several sexually transmitted infections, such as

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• HIV

• Hepatitis B

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis. 

This test requires blood and urine samples and vaginal, urethral and cervical swabs. 

Pregnancy Check-Up

A pregnancy check-up is advised before planning a pregnancy to detect any potential health risks and get timely treatment. This test helps check any health conditions that may affect the mother and the baby. A pregnancy check-up helps the doctor to make sure that the body is ready for pregnancy. 

A pregnancy check-up includes the following:

• a physical examination

• blood pressure check

• a pelvic exam to make sure the uterus, cervix, vagina and ovaries are healthy

• Pap smear test

• blood test to check the blood type and Rh factor

Doctors also advise tests for diabetes and STIs during the pregnancy check-up.

Check-Ups for Breast Cancer

A breast cancer check includes screening the breasts for timely detection of breast cancer. Doctors recommend breast cancer check-ups for women who are 50-74 years old.

A breast cancer screening test consists of a mammogram, breast MRI and a clinical breast exam. 

A mammogram is a breast X-ray that helps in the early detection of breast cancer. 

A breast MRI uses radio waves and magnets to acquire clear pictures of the breast. A breast MRI and a mammogram are done together for women at a high risk of breast cancer. 

A clinical breast exam is conducted by hand by a doctor or a nurse to feel for lumps or any changes in the breast. 

Eye Health Checks

Vision tends to decline with age. Hence regular eye health checks are necessary to help detect any vision issues and take timely precautions. 

Regular eye health checks help screen for basic vision sharpness and accuracy. These tests help women know if they are far-sighted or near-sighted and if glasses are required.

Eye health checks also help detect other vision-related conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma or any retinal abnormalities.

Women above 20 must go for regular eye health checks every 2-4 years, and women in the 40-64 age group, every two years. Doctors advise an eye health check once every year for women above 65 to check for age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy.

Bowel Cancer Checks

Bowel cancer or colon cancer checks are recommended for women in the 50 - 70 age group. As colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, doctors advise this test every two years. If detected in time, it has a better chance of recovery.

The bowel screening test consists of,

• Stool test: This includes a yearly faecal occult blood test and faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the FIT-DNA to check for altered DNA and blood in stools, every three years.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy for polyps and cancer in the rectum

• Colonoscopy for polyps and cancer in the entire colon

• CT Colonography for X-rays of the colon. It is conducted every five years.

Diabetes Check-Ups

Regular diabetes checks are recommended for women above 45 and with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 and above. Doctors also recommend this test for women with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), gestational diabetes and a family history of diabetes. 

A regular diabetes check-up is vital for women who may have symptoms of high blood glucose levels, such as 

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urination

• Exhaustion

• Frequent vaginal infections

• Weight loss

• Slow-healing wounds

• Blurry vision

Diabetes can have several long-term complications, like loss of vision, diabetic retinopathy, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, foot problems, miscarriage and stillbirth. It is, therefore, necessary for women to go for regular blood sugar tests. With timely medical treatment and lifestyle changes, they can prevent complications.

Conclusion

The importance of health checks for women can not be underestimated, as these help in the early detection of several health issues. These health checks can prevent diseases from developing into their advanced stages. Regular health tests can also help women alter their diets and lifestyles for better overall health in the long run. 

FAQ

Why is it Important to Take Care of Women's Health?

Women lead busier lives today, balancing home and a career. However, they fail to put themselves on top of their priority lists, resulting in their health suffering. To ensure that they give equal attention to their health so they can take better care of their families, it is important to take care of women's health. 

What is the Importance of Regular Screening?

Certain health conditions like lifestyle diseases and cancer have better chances of recovery if detected early. Regular screening brings to the doctor's notice any hidden health issues that may not have symptoms in the early stages. Regular screening is important as timely treatment and lifestyle changes can prevent complications and help women live healthy lives. 

What is Most Important in Women's Health?

Certain health conditions specific to women, such as breast, cervical and ovarian cancer and pregnancy issues, require specialised attention and are hence most important. Furthermore, breast, ovarian and cervical cancer can be nipped in the bud through timely detection and personalised treatment preventing complications. And with the help of pregnancy check-ups, women can ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. 

How Often Should a Woman Get Checked?

Women should get checked based on their doctor's instructions. They must get frequent health checks if they are at a high risk of certain health conditions. If they are in the safe category, they can get checked once a year or two. 

What are the Most Important Health Screening Tests?

The most important health screening tests for women are:

• Cervical cancer and HPV tests

• STI test

• Mammogram

• Diabetes and cholesterol

• Blood pressure 

• Colonoscopy

• Eye Health 

• Bone density

What is the Advantage of Routine Health Check-Ups?

Routine health check-ups help monitor overall health, stay on the lookout for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease and provide timely treatment. These increase the chances of recovery and reduce medical costs. Routine health check-ups help women take better care of their health, make important dietary and lifestyle changes and ensure a healthy future.