Women bodies goes through major changes in every aspect of her life. It is therefore highly important for women to get checked up regularly. Regular health checkups are essential for women to stay healthy, prevent potential diseases, and ensure detection of health issues. These checkups are vital for general well-being and fluctuate according to age, lifestyle and medical history.
Importance of Regular Health Checkups for Women
Regular health checkups are not luxury; they are necessity. They provide early detection, prevention, and treatment of a variety of illnesses by arming women with the information and resources they need to take control of their health. Giving time in regular heath checkups is an investment in a better and happier future life of women.
1. Early Identification and Timely Treatment
Several diseases, including osteoporosis, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, don’t show any indications, in their early stages. Regular health examinations and screenings support in the early recognition of many disorders, improving the efficacy and minimizing the invasiveness of therapy. Mammograms and Pap smears are crucial tests that can detect early signs of cancer and greatly improving survival rates.
2. Prevention is better than Cure
The goal of routine examinations is to avoid diseases rather than only treat them. BP, diabetes and cholesterol tests can spot risk issues before they become dangerous diseases. Vaccinations like the HPV vaccine, can prevent cervical cancer, underlying the importance of repetitive medical care. Hence, it is better to get checked and prevent these diseases than curing.
3. Monitoring Reproductive and Sexual Health
Women encounter unique challenges concerning their reproductive health. Regular appointments with a gynecologist can help monitor menstrual well-being, address issues such as PCOS or endometriosis, and provide guidance on pregnancy and family planning. These consultations can also support the management of menopausal symptoms, making the transition between different life stages smoother.
4. Emotional and Mental Health
Women frequently balance many responsibilities, which can cause stress and mental health issues. Talking with a healthcare professional about mental well-being during routine checkups gives the chance to get support or, if necessary, a recommendation for counseling. Mental health is integral part of overall health and routine care can help manage disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Encouraging longevity and Quality of life
Women who have regular checkups are able to treat minor health issues before they become serious ones. By maintaining a proactive approach to health, women can enjoy a longer, healthier and fulfilling life.
Types of Regular Health Checkups Tests
As women are prone to several health conditions, regular health checkups and personal guidance from doctors can help prevent these diseases. Some recommended tests are:
1. General Health Checkups:
General health checkups are important for both men and women. These are such tests which shows how the body is functioning and what does it need to recover (if needed). These includes:
- Blood Sugar Levels ( Diabetes )
- Lipid Profile ( Cholesterol )
- Complete blood count ( CBC )
- Vitamins test ( Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Calcium and others )
- Body Mass Index ( BMI )
2. Cervical Screening Test and HPV Testing
Doctors often advise women aged 21 to 65 to get a cervical screening test, generally known as a Pap smear test, every three years. Doctors recommend this test more often if women have certain risk factors, such as a history of smoking, precancerous cells, HIV infection, or a weakened immune system.
Detecting cervical cancer in its early stage increases the likelihood of recovering from it. The human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer can be found with the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test. Using a spatula and a gentle brush, the physician gathers cervical cell samples during the examination. This test also takes only few minutes.
Apart from this, women must be vaccinated for Cervical Cancer. For girls, age 11-12 years is the right time to get the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STI ) Tests
Sexually active women are advised to take the STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) test, also known as the STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) test. Since STIs rarely show any symptoms, they can be hard to detect, and if untreated, they can lead to cancer and fertility problems.
This test is recommended for women who have multiple partners, who do use protections and who think might have STIs. Symptoms may include, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, change in urination, genital itching or burning, and pain during intercourse. This test can help detect several infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
4. Eye Health Checkups
As we age, our vision begins to deteriorate. To assist, identify any visual problems and take prompt action, routine eye exams are therefore essential. 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. Other vision-related disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, or other abnormalities of the retina can also be found with the help of eye health examinations.
Regular eye exams are required for women over 20 every two to four years and for those between the ages of 40 and 64 every two years. For women over 65, doctors recommend an annual eye exam to screen for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, dry eyes, and age-related macular degeneration.
5. Breast Cancer Checkups
A breast cancer check includes screening the breasts for timely detection of breast cancer. According to doctors, women between the ages of 50 and 74 should have consistent breast cancer screenings. A clinical breast exam, breast MRI, and mammography make up a breast cancer screening test. 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.
Women can also check the risks of breast cancer through self-examination. In the self-examination process, women must stand in front of the mirror, check for any kind of lumps, discharge, dimpling or redness by using light pressure in a circular motion around her breast up till her arms. Check for any changes in the shape and size and if any unusual thing is seen, consult the doctor immediately.
6. Diabetes
The diabetes health checkups are necessary for those women with gestational diabetes, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and a family history of diabetes are also advised to get this test by their doctors.
A regular diabetes check-up is vital for a person who may have symptoms of high blood glucose levels, such as Excessive thirst, Frequent urination, Exhaustion, Frequent vaginal infections, Weight loss, Slow-healing wounds and Blurry vision. Long-term complications from diabetes might include diabetic retinopathy, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, foot issues, miscarriage, stillbirth, and vision loss. As a result, women must undergo routine blood sugar testing.
To prevent diabetes, person should opt for jaggery instead of white and brown sugar which are harmful for the body. Jaggery works as natural sweetener, giving the same level of satisfaction and also helps in boosting energy.
There are multiple tests which can be taken based on your medical condition and medical history. Therefore, women must consult their doctor before getting any tests done. Some hospitals which provides the facility for getting tests done are:
- GMCH 32 ( Chandigarh ): https://gmch.gov.in/
- EK Parivartan Foundation ( Delhi ) : https://www.epfngo.org/
- Shri Shyam Parivar Trust ( Panchkula, Haryana ) : https://shrishyamparivaartrust.com/
- Kamlabai Charitable Trust ( Jaipur, Rajasthan ): https://kbct.org/chikitshya-shivir/
How often should you get Tested?
Though visiting a doctor varies from person to person, it is usually recommended to visit the doctor:
- Once every 3 years if you are under 50 years of age and healthy.
- Once every year if you are above 50 years of age. ( Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-get-routine-checkups-at-the-doctor#how-often )
But if you have some chronic disease like diabetes or COPD you must see the doctor frequently, no matter what your age is.
Summary: Health Check Ups are Vital for Women
Health check-ups play a dynamic role in maintaining and improving women’s overall health. They help identify diseases in their early stages when treatment is more operative, reducing difficulties and saving lives. Regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart diseases ensure that women can take timely preventive measures.
Additionally, these examinations assist women in recognizing their specific health needs at various phases such as, puberty, pregnancy, menopause and aging. By tracking, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and hormonal balance women can remain informed about their bodies and implement regular adjustments to improve their health.
Health check-ups also provide a chance to state mental health concerns, which are often overlooked, and boost overall emotional well-being. Positive approach to health is encouraged by focusing on prevention rather than medication.
