Many women between the ages of 18-39 are not taking advantage of all the health screenings they should. This it is hurting their long term health. This blog post will talk about four must-have screenings for women in this age range. These health checkups can help you stay on top of your physical well being and live a healthier life.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening is a recommended procedure for women that are 18-39 years old. It’s essential to get screened because you may have cervical changes without knowing it. Plus the earlier you catch them during your health checkups, the easier they are to treat. 

The doctor performs a Pap test by collecting cells from the cervix and examining them for evidence of cancer or other disorders. A sample may also be taken (called a biopsy) and examined under a microscope.

Doctors may use diagnostic tests, such as colposcopy and cervical conization, if the Pap test result is unclear or if there are particular risks associated with your diagnosis.  

It’s, therefore, vital to have a hospital cover to help pay for such screenings and other medical treatments.

Blood Pressure Screening

This blood pressure screening checks how hard your heart is pumping and how well it’s functioning.  You may need this test if you have high or low blood pressure, are experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or headaches, are pregnant (especially in the second half), recently had a heart attack, or have any other reason for concern.

This test is simple:  you lie down, and the person will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm to measure how hard your heart pumps with each beat. This machine also monitors any unexpected changes in your heartbeat when you move from lying down to sitting up again.

You must remain still during the test so readings are accurate. Also,  it’s best to avoid drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or using any other stimulant before the test. This test helps healthcare providers determine if you need treatment for high blood pressure or other related conditions.

Cholesterol Screening

Millions of people are diagnosed with heart disease every year. So, it’s essential that you adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example, in the United States, one out of three women will die from heart issues during their lifetime. 

To help combat this alarming statistic, you must get regular cholesterol screenings to check your total and LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels. 

This is essential for women between 18 and 39 years old, as it can identify early signs of health risks like heart disease or diabetes that might not be detectable through a physical exam alone. 

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and a leading cause of death among women. The best way to detect breast cancer early is through screening mammograms, which you should do every year or two years, depending on your age and family history.  

If you are an average-risk woman between 18-39, it’s crucial to get a screening mammogram every other year. Breast cancer screening will help you detect cancer early when it’s most likely to be curable.

Conclusion

This article highlights the four screenings that women between 18-39 should have. These health checkups are necessary for young adults who want to be proactive about their disease risks and make sure they can detect them early on, which helps save lives.