Women’s Health Checkups: What to Know

A regular checkup, often called a well-woman visit, is time set aside to look at your health as a whole, not to deal with an illness. It is an opportunity for screening, vaccination, advice and questions. Knowing what to expect makes the visit easier and more useful.

Why checkups matter

MedlinePlus explains that regular health visits aim to:

• screen for medical issues;
• assess your risk of future problems;
• encourage a healthy lifestyle;
• update vaccinations and other preventive care;
• help you get to know your provider in case of illness.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar often have no symptoms in their early stages. A checkup is how they are found.

What happens at a visit

Health history

Your provider will ask about:

• your periods, contraception, pregnancies and menopause symptoms;
• medicines and supplements;
• family history;
• diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, tobacco and drug use;
• mood, stress and safety at home;
• sexual health.

Measurements

Blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index should be checked at each exam.

Physical examination

This depends on your age, symptoms and history. It may include a general examination, a breast examination and a pelvic examination. Ask what is being done and why; you can ask for a chaperone and can decline any part.

Screening tests

Your provider will recommend tests according to your age and risk.

Vaccinations

Flu shots, tetanus boosters and other vaccines that are due.

How checkups change with age

Ages 18 to 39

• Blood pressure checks
• Cervical cancer screening from age 21
• Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea for sexually active younger women
• Cholesterol screening beginning at age 20
• Discussion of contraception and pregnancy planning
• HPV vaccination if not already completed

Ages 40 to 64

• Blood pressure at least once every year
• Mammograms, generally recommended from age 40
• Cervical cancer screening
• Colorectal cancer screening from age 45
• Diabetes screening from age 35 for women who are overweight or have obesity
• Discussion of perimenopause and menopause
• Shingles vaccine at or after age 50

Age 65 and over

• Bone density testing
• Continued blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes checks
• Cancer screening as advised
• Hearing and vision checks
• Vaccines such as those against pneumonia

Your own schedule may differ. Family history and personal risk factors can mean earlier or more frequent testing.

How often to go

Many providers recommend a yearly visit. Others base the interval on age and health. Ask what is right for you, and do not wait for a routine visit if you have new symptoms.

Preparing for your appointment

• Note the first day of your last period and your usual cycle length.
• List your medicines, vitamins and supplements with doses.
• Write down your family’s medical history, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
• Bring home records, such as blood pressure readings.
• Write your questions in order of importance.
• Try to schedule cervical screening for a time when you are not on your period, if you can.

Questions worth asking

• Which screening tests am I due for?
• Are my vaccinations up to date?
• Is my blood pressure in a healthy range?
• What can I do about my period symptoms or menopause symptoms?
• Which contraception suits me?
• Should I take folic acid, calcium or vitamin D?

Making the visit comfortable

Tell your provider if you are nervous, have had difficult experiences or have pain during examinations. You can ask for explanations, a smaller speculum, a pause or a different provider. Honest answers about sexual health, mood and lifestyle are confidential and lead to better care.

Between checkups

Keep track of your cycle, any home measurements and new symptoms. Home blood pressure checks, if recommended, are easier with a reliable monitor such as our Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor.

The bottom line

A checkup is an investment in staying well. Go regularly, prepare your questions and follow through on recommended screening. Find everyday health essentials in our women’s health department.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus. Women’s Health Checkup.
2. MedlinePlus. Health screenings for women ages 18 to 39.
3. MedlinePlus. Health screenings for women ages 40 to 64.
4. MedlinePlus. Health screenings for women age 65 and older.