Make Sure You Have the Proper Screening Tests and Immunizations
Below are the screening tests and immunizations that most women need, who needs them and how often.
Screenings
- Blood pressure at least every two years
- Depression at routine exams
- Type two diabetes at routine exams if you are overweight or have other risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia or family history of diabetes
- Gonorrhea at routine exams if you are sexually active and age 24 or younger, or at increased risk
- HIV at routine exams if you are at risk
- Obesity at routine exams
- Pap smear for cervical cancer screening every one to three years if you are sexually active or age 21 or older and have a cervix
- Tuberculosis if you are at increased risk; check with your physician for frequency
- Chlamydia at routine exams if you are sexually active and age 24 or younger
- Cholesterol at least every five years if you are age 45 or older and at increased risk for coronary artery disease
- Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer for all adults ages 50+; check with your physician for frequency
Counseling
- Genetic counseling (for example, BRCA mutation testing) for breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility if risk is identified
- Diet and behavioral counseling if you are diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and have other known risk factors for heart and diet-related chronic disease
- Tobacco use at every visit if you are a tobacco user
- Alcohol use at routine exams
Immunizations
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) in three doses if you are between the ages of 11 and 26 or have Pap smear abnormalities
- Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Td/Tdap) booster; Td every 10 years, and Tdap once during adulthood
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) once or twice if you lack prior infection or documented vaccinations
- Chickenpox (varicella) in two doses over eight weeks if you lack prior infection or documented vaccinations
- Influenza yearly during flu season if you are at risk
- Hepatitis A twice over at least six months if you are at risk
- Hepatitis B in three doses over six months if you are at risk
- Meningococcal one or more times if you are at risk
- Pneumococcal (polysaccaride) one or more times if you are at risk
- Zoster in one dose if you are age 60 or older
Additional Recommendations for Pregnant Women
- Anemia at first prenatal visit if you are pregnant
- Bacteriuria at 12-16 weeks’ gestation if you are pregnant
- Hepatitis B virus at first prenatal visit if you are pregnant
- Preeclampsia at routine exams if you are pregnant
- Rh (D) incompatibility at routine exams if you are pregnant
- Rubella at routine exams if you are pregnant
- Syphilis at routine exams if you are pregnant or at increased risk
- Breastfeeding before delivery if you are pregnant
Other Tips for Better Health
Screenings, counseling and immunizations are important, but most women need additional services from time to time based on their individual health history, lifestyle and other factors. Below are just a few of the tips and tools that could go a long way toward helping you build your comprehensive game plan for better health.
1. Find a Doctor
Protect your health for years to come by establishing a partnership with a primary care physician.
2. Take Care of Your Heart
Heart healthy living is one of the keys to living a long and healthy life. Take advantage of our various classes and services in the areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management and tobacco cessation.
3. Stay Active for Better Health
From injury prevention and treatment to sports nutrition, Presbyterian provides comprehensive sports medicine care for athletes and active people of all ages.
4. Get a Health Plan That’s Tailored to You
Women’s Health by Design is perfect for women who want to be health-conscious but need help getting started. After just two hours, you’ll be well on your way to better health.
5. Prepare for Your Pregnancy
Thinking about having a baby?
The information provided by presbyterian.org is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal healthcare provider.
