WRMC Her Health’s well woman program

When was the last time you visited your doctor for a checkup? All women should have a health assessment each year, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This type of checkup is often called a well-woman exam, and based on a patient’s age and risk factors, it might include a pelvic examination, cancer screenings, health counseling and immunizations.

“Well-woman exams are an opportunity to discuss your overall lifestyle, family history of disease, weight, blood pressure, vaccinations and which disease screenings are right for you,” said Julie A. Wilkie, MD, a gynecologist at HerHealth by Washington Regional. “Regular checkups can help your doctor diagnose any health problems early, when they are easier to treat and less likely to pose serious risks to your health.”

A yearly checkup is also a great opportunity to develop plans to prevent future health problems, she added. “For example, if one of my patients asked for help in losing weight or quitting smoking, I would provide recommendations and resources to help her reach her goal of a healthier lifestyle. Patients can really benefit from having a doctor who knows all about them – their personal health history and healthcare preferences,” Dr. Wilkie said.

Health screenings and immunizations should also be a topic of discussion at a well-woman exam. Women who have certain risk factors, such as family history for a disease, should ask their doctor which ones are right for them. For women who have no disease symptoms or are not at high risk, Dr. Wilkie provided these general recommendations:

Cancer

The benefits of screening mammograms increase with age, according to the USPSTF, with the greatest benefit shown for women between the ages of 50 and 74. However, some women may want to talk with their doctor about beginning mammograms in their 40s or even earlier.

The USPSTF recommends a cervical cancer screening, or Pap test, every three years for women age 21-65. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 may want to ask their physician about combining the Pap test with a test for human papillomavirus, or HPV. For some women, combining the two tests may make it possible to extend the interval between screenings to five years. Women over age 65 who have had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years may be able to skip screening. However, those who have a history of cancer or a precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened. Women of any age who’ve had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and who have no history of cervical cancer or advanced precancerous abnormalities do not need to be screened.

Colon cancer screening is recommended for women beginning at age 50. There are several colon cancer screening tools, including the colonoscopy. Women should discuss with their doctor which test is right for them

Bone density

Women should have a bone density test at age 65 or at menopause if they’ve already had a fracture or have risk factors for osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis, smoking or taking corticosteroid drugs.

Heart disease

Regular screening for high blood pressure is important for heart health. Women whose blood pressure is considered in the normal range (less than 120/80) should have it checked every other year. However, if blood pressure is higher than 120/80, it should be checked every year. Additionally, physicians may recommend fasting lipoprotein screening for cholesterol and triglycerides, usually every four to six years.

Diabetes

Women who don’t already have diabetes or prediabetes are advised to have their blood glucose levels checked every three years.

Hepatitis B

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults be screened for hepatitis B, which can cause serious liver disease. Hepatitis B can be present in the body for many years without symptoms.

Shingles vaccine

The CDC also recommends that adults 60 and older get this one-time vaccine to protect against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Flu and pneumonia vaccine

Most adults should get a flu shot every year and the pneumonia vaccine at least one time.

It’s important for women to schedule regular checkups, Dr. Wilkie said, even if they feel fine and have no signs of illness. “A well-woman exam is an essential part of taking care of your health,” she said, “and an opportunity to prevent future health problems.”