Why is it important for women to get regular health checkups?
Women face diverse and unique health concerns across their lifetime, which may affect their overall health and wellness.
Find out what some of these health conditions are, and how they can impact the lives of women and girls each year.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 90s, the foundation of good health is the same no matter your age! Preventive (well-woman) check-ups are an ideal time to discuss with your healthcare professionals which screenings and tests are right for you, when you should have them, and how often. Some women, due to medical history or lifestyle need certain screening tests earlier or more often than other women.
The decision to get any medical test or procedure, at any age, is a personal one between you and your healthcare provider, and these recommendations may not apply to every person.
Health assessments, such as STI/HIV panels, TB skin tests, blood pressure, breast and/or cervical cancer (Pap test) screening can find diseases early when they are easy to treat. In addition, screenings and routine care can help you lower the risks of many conditions, including: obesity, cardiovascular disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), flu, COVID-19, stress or depression.
At your health department, most of the screenings and tests we offer are low- or no cost, and some services may be covered by insurance. Many of these screenings and tests may be available on a walk-in basis, but some will require referral to another healthcare provider.
To learn which screenings and immunizations you may need, and at what age, check out this fact sheet based on National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations.