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Routine Health Care for Women

Routine checkups can find treatable problems early. For many medical problems, early treatment can help prevent more serious complications. The value of checkups and how often you have them depend mainly on your age. Your personal medical history and that of your family are also important.

What needs to be checked and how often?

The tests listed below are recommended for routine health care by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP). They are the minimum checkup recommendations. You must discuss with your health care provider how often you should have physical exams and how often you need these or other tests. The frequency depends on your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.

Blood pressure measurement: all women
Clinical breast exam by your provider: at least every 3 years for women ages 20 to 39 years and every year for women 40 years and older
Mammogram: every 1 to 2 years after age 40
Pap test: at least every 3 years for all women who have ever had sex and who have not had their uterus removed
Cholesterol test: women age 45 and older
Fasting blood sugar for type 2 diabetes: women whose blood pressure or blood lipids (cholesterol) are high
Colorectal cancer test: all women over age 50. Some women may need to start colorectal screening earlier if an immediate family member has had colon cancer. Possible tests include sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at least every 10 years and a test for rectal blood every year.
Chlamydia test: all sexually active women age 25 and younger and other women at high risk
Gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV tests: women who are at high risk for these infections, including women who have a new or more than 1 sex partner, a history of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), a partner with an STD, or a partner who is bisexual
Tuberculosis (TB) test: women who have a high risk of TB, such as health workers, drug users, immigrants, and women who have close contact with someone infected with TB
Bone density test for osteoporosis: women age 65 and older if their risk is normal, women 60 and older if they have an increased risk (for example, because they smoke or do not get regular exercise). Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they break easily.
Hearing test: women age 65 and older
Vision test: women age 65 and older.

Remember, these are the minimum recommendations for routine tests. You and your health care provider must discuss what is right for you based on your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.

Many other tests are often done at routine checkups, but there is no current evidence that they are helpful as routine screening tests for healthy women. Examples of such tests are a CBC (complete blood count), thyroid tests, and urine tests. When you have no symptoms of illness, you should discuss the pros and cons of these and other tests with your health care provider. Each test involves some expense.

What shots do I need?

The following shots are recommended for adults:

Tetanus (Td) booster shot at least every 10 years
Flu shot every fall if you are 50 or older, you have a high risk for complications from the flu, or you might spread the flu to others who are at high risk. Women who will be pregnant during flu season should also have a flu shot.
Measles, mumps, and rubella shot (MMR) if you were born after 1956 unless you have already had the shot or the diseases
Hepatitis A shot if you are at risk, for example, through travel, the use of street drugs, or your job, including military service
Hepatitis B shot for all teens and young adults age 12 to 24 who have not had hepatitis or a hepatitis shot and for all adults who are at risk of infection. This includes, for example, women who have more than 1 sex partner or a sexually transmitted infection, abuse IV drugs, or plan to travel where hepatitis B is common.
Pneumococcal pneumonia shot if you are age 65 or older. You may need to get it at a younger age if you have a high-risk medical condition.
Varicella (chickenpox) if you have never had chickenpox.

What other things I can do to stay healthy?

You should expect your health care provider to advise you regularly on other ways to stay healthy. Some of these may include:

Breast self-exams: Check your breasts every month.
Substance use: Don't use tobacco or illegal drugs. Avoid using alcohol while driving, swimming, boating, etc.
Diet and exercise: Try to maintain your weight at a comfortable, healthy level. Limit the fat and cholesterol in your diet. Include a lot of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Get regular physical activity or exercise.
Injury prevention: Use lap and shoulder belts when you drive. Use a helmet when you ride a motorcycle or bicycle. If you are around guns or other firearms, practice safe handling and make sure to keep them in locked cabinets when they are not in use. Install smoke detectors in your home. Set your hot water heater to less than 120°F (49°C).
Dental health: Visit your dentist regularly. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste daily. Also floss your teeth daily.
Sexual behavior: Prevent sexually transmitted infections by avoiding high-risk sexual behavior and by using condoms.
Hormone use: During or after menopause, discuss the risks and benefits of use of estrogen and progesterone replacement with your health care provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File WOM5276F.HTM Release 9.0/2006