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Create a checkup checklist for your next appointment
May 15 is National Women’s Checkup Day, which serves as an important reminder for women who are often taking care of children, parents and/or partners, that they also need to make time to care for themselves. Annual checkups can play a significant role in your overall health, especially because health care has become more personalized over the past few years. For example, recommendations about routine screenings have changed. New guidelines take into account women’s health and family histories when determining when screenings such as annual mammograms and PAP smears should start and how frequently they should be repeated.However, even if annual Pap smears aren’t recommended for you, you will still benefit from an annual checkup. There are many sexual, reproductive and gynecological health issues that are important to address.Bringing a list of questions and concerns to the appointment can help you ensure you are covering all your health bases. Matters you may want to add to your list include your:
- Menstrual cycle, including how regular it is, symptoms and their severity, and any changes or issues you have noticed.
- Risks for sexually transmitted infections (STDs) and need for screening. It’s possible to have an STD and not have symptoms. Testing is the best way to screen and diagnose.
- Birth control and family planning questions. We can help you choose the most appropriate birth option based on your health and lifestyle, and can also provide guidance about becoming pregnant when you are ready.
- Cancer risk factors and screening recommendations, as well as instructions for how to perform a breast self-exam.
- Other gynecological issues, such as frequent yeast or urinary tract infections, painful sexual activity or symptoms like itching or burning.
We want you to feel comfortable discussing all of your health issues or questions with us. There’s nothing you can ask us that we haven’t been asked before. Our goal is to provide the best possible care, and to empower you to play an active role in your health.Are you due for a checkup? Call us for an appointment today.
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Most women are familiar with the Pap smear because it’s typically the first women’s health screening they have. Part of an annual gynecological exam, a Pap test is first recommended when a woman becomes sexually active or turns 21, whichever comes first. After that, it should be part of your annual exam every three to five years, depending on your personal and family medical history. But beyond the Pap, there are other important women’s screenings you should have, including the ones below.