Women’s health is a complex subject that requires the utmost care to prevent and manage potentially severe health complications. In most cases, it can be affected by various factors such as age, lifestyle, hormonal changes, and previous medical conditions. Scheduling regular health screenings can help detect early symptoms of different health conditions like heart disease, cervical cancer, and bone density related problems.

The demands of everyday life can affect taking the recommended care of your overall health. However, it’s essential to consider preventative care as you get older. Read on to find out about the importance of regular health screenings for women and the types of health screening that you should consider.

Health examinations are essential to detect underlying health concerns. In most cases, you don’t notice symptoms until it becomes a serious health complication. Over time, a woman’s health needs change depending on various factors like age, lifestyle, or medical history.

A recommended health screening for you as a woman ensures you establish a foundation for your general health, and it helps prevent future medical risks you may be vulnerable to. For instance, your doctor can provide preventative screenings for breast or cervical cancer. These health screenings ensure you understand your body and create ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, a health screening can provide information your doctor requires for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, a woman’s complex reproductive biology requires more tests compared to men. If your doctor has advised specific screenings, it’s crucial to follow through to monitor your well-being.

7 Types of Health Screenings Women Need

Blood Pressure

Did you know that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms? The only sure way to tell if there’s a spike in your blood pressure levels is through a test using a sphygmomanometer that’s wrapped around your upper arm or lower leg. It’s crucial to get an accurate blood pressure reading to determine if you are at risk of heart disease or a stroke.

Blood Sugar

According to research, diabetes is a leading cause of lifestyle disease fatalities in South Africa. Accessibility of proper healthcare in vast communities contributes to the increased risk factors like heart disease, kidney disease and depression that are commonly associated with diabetes. Blood sugar monitoring is a significant part of ensuring you manage and reduce these related health complications.

Cholesterol

Your body requires cholesterol to build healthy cells, hormones and related substances like vitamin D and bile. However, high levels of cholesterol can build up in your heart arteries and increase the likelihood of developing heart disease or a heart attack. Additionally, women require regular screening of cholesterol compared to men due to the fluctuation of hormones during menstruation or pregnancy.

Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a significant test that can test for cervical cancer and related complications. For instance, it can help determine if you have abnormal cells on your cervix that can pose a risk. It’s to essential schedule regular pap smears depending on your age and lifestyle habits to provide preventative measures to improve your health in the long run.

Mammogram

Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women of all races? According to studies, one in 27 women are at a risk of developing breast cancer with 16% of fatalities attributed to it. Early detection through a mammogram test is vital and ensures you avoid screening when it has advanced to later stages.

Bone Density

Hormone changes that affect women at menopause have a direct link to weakened bone density that can increase the likelihood of Osteoporosis. Any rapid decrease in oestrogen levels can lead to bone fractures and possible hip and spine complications. The older you get, the more crucial it is to schedule a regular bone density screening to ensure you receive proper treatment options to strengthen your bones.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Most sexually transmitted diseases don’t cause severe symptoms. As a result, you won’t be certain if you’ve been exposed unless if you get tested. Syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are amongst some STDs that are curable yet pose severe risks when they remain untreated for a prolonged period.

In summary, you shouldn’t wait to make your health a priority. Most importantly, the health screenings women require evolve over time and it’s important to speak to your doctor about your health needs. Get in touch with Affinity Health to find a network doctor who can ensure you get the most out of your health screening needs.