Lifesaving Benefits of Regular Women’s Health Screenings

Scheduling regular women’s health screenings is an important part of maintaining optimal health throughout life. Health screenings for women in their 20s are about prevention and establishing a strong foundation for their future health.

Scheduling regular health screenings during your 20s to 30s also gives you the opportunity to establish a relationship with your obstetrician-gynecologist, talk about your family history, or have your health risk factors evaluated. Check for high blood pressure and cholesterol starting at age 20. Unfortunately, over 44.3% of women in America have high blood pressure.

On the same note, if you’re sexually active, you can get screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some STDs have no symptoms, like chlamydia, but can lead to infertility if left unaddressed.

Disease Detection & Prevention

Among those diagnosed with Cancer who are between the ages of 23 and 39, cervical Cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality. Getting an HPV vaccine protects against a wide variety of cancers, as well as genital warts, for that matter. Women ages 9 - 45 should get it. Most women should get the HPV test at least every 5 years.

Even if you’re not currently at risk for Cancer, it’s important to verify your health with an annual breast exam, pelvic exam, and health screening. One of the best preventative measures is the Pap Smear. Women should get their first pap smear at age 21 and continue to do it at least every three years. At age 30, pap smears should be conducted at least every five years.

Pap smears are the most common way of detecting cancerous cells in the cervix. This test has reduced overall mortality rates for women in the United States. Detecting it early through regular screenings allows proper time for an intervention and lifesaving treatment.

Your OB-GYN can give you tips on how to prepare for your pap smear. You could try taking Tylenol or Advil a few hours before your appointment or bringing a friend or family member with you for comfort.

Cervical cancer rates have been decreasing since the mid-70s, but for certain populations (women ages 30-44), the rates have steadily increased by 1.7% from 2012 to 2019. It’s important to have this be a part of your health screening.

It should also be noted that women between the ages of 40 and 50 should regularly get their blood sugar checked, have mammograms, and have colorectal screening tests.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

OB-GYN services extend beyond physical ailments and conditions. They also include mental health screenings and checkups to ensure a holistic approach to well-being. The relationship between mental health and gynecological health can be underestimated, but both play a crucial role in the overall health of women. Addressing mental health concerns early leads to a better quality of life for women and their future newborns. OB-GYNs often help their patients with:

• Women struggling with anxiety and/or depression due to infertility.
• Women experiencing hormonal changes while moving through different phases of their life.
• Women going through menopause, which can cause changes in cognition, mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels.
• Both pregnancy and postpartum time periods can have significant effects on mental health.

Contraceptives and Family Planning

Obstetricians specialize in offering great counsel on matters such as family planning, as well as reproductive health, and potential pregnancy risks. Contraceptive counseling, for instance, gives women insight into the side effects, risks, benefits, or limitations surrounding different contraceptive options.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle & Updating Vaccinations

Your healthcare provider can update you on any vaccines you might be missing. Because OB/GYNs are highly specialized doctors, they can offer a holistic perspective on your lifestyle choices, including what works, what doesn’t, and what changes can be made. Getting expert consultation on structuring a healthier life is well worth the visit.

Empowering Women’s Lives

Regular screenings help women better understand their body as a whole. An experienced women’s health provider will give you the knowledge to take proactive steps to better your health, achieving more peace of mind and decreased stress.

Schedule Your Health Screening at Northland Women’s Health Care

Build a strong foundation for your health today. Here’s what to expect at your first health screening. Get connected to a provider at Northland Women’s Health Care in North Kansas City by calling 816-741-9122.