Introduction
Women who are between the ages of 18 and 39 have unique medical needs. While routine preventive health practices like staying on top of vaccinations, getting regular physical exams, and visiting the dentist are all important, there are some other types of medical tests they should always go for. From screenings that detect cancers early to tests that measure heart health, these tests can help women avoid serious health conditions later down the line.
Cancer Screenings
According to webmd, One of the most important types of medical tests women who are between 18 and 39 should always go for are cancer screenings. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends cervical cancer screenings for women between the ages of 21 and 65. During the screening, health care providers take samples of cells from a woman’s cervical area and then send them to a laboratory for testing. If cancer is detected, it can be treated before it spreads. Women between 30 and 65 should also receive a Pap-HPV co-test every five years, which can detect the presence of the human papillomavirus, the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases.
ACOG also recommends that women between 18 and 39 receive breast cancer screenings—either an annual mammogram or a clinical breast exam every three years. Breast cancer screenings can detect tumors that are too small to feel during a self breast exam. If detected early, the chance of successful treatment is significant.
Reproductive Health
Women between 18 and 39 should always go for reproductive health screenings. These include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screenings, HIV tests, and pregnancy tests. STI screenings are important for women of any age who are sexually active because symptoms can be very mild or go undetected. STIs can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated.
HIV testing is also recommended for sexually active women. Women who are between 18 and 39 and at high risk for HIV, such as intravenous drug users or those who engage in unprotected sex, should visit a doctor for regular HIV testing.
Pregnancy tests are also important for women of this age because effective family planning is essential for a healthy lifestyle and healthy pregnancies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends women have access to free contraception to help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Cardiovascular Testing
Women between the ages of 18 and 39 should also get cardiovascular tests. These tests measure the health of the heart and can detect early warning signs of cardiovascular disease before they become serious.
Women should get their cholesterol levels checked and visit their doctor to discuss any cardiovascular issues they may have. Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol should be addressed with lifestyle changes such as exercising more and eating a healthier diet.
Other Tests
There are other medical tests women between the ages of 18 and 39 should always go for. Regular blood sugar tests are important for women who have a family history of diabetes or prediabetes. Women should also get tested for anemia and vitamin D levels, as both can be linked to other health problems.
Conclusion
Women between the ages of 18 and 39 have unique medical needs that should be addressed with regular medical tests. Tests such as cervical cancer screenings, breast cancer screenings, reproductive health screenings, and cardiovascular tests can help women avoid potentially serious health conditions. By staying on top of these tests, women can ensure their health and well-being for years to come.
Content created and supplied by: GroundShaker (via Opera News )
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