7 Health Tests That Every Woman Needs

Before a woman is sexually active, she should take three vaccines for cervical cancer available in the form of Gardasil and Cervarix.

After turning 20, one gets busy with her work. Sometimes, due to career and family responsibilities, a woman cannot take care of herself and pay attention to her health. So, women will have to go for regular screenings, tests, and vaccinations as suggested by the doctor. Girls above 14 must take the cervical cancer of HPV vaccine. There are three doses that a girl should take. Before a woman is sexually active, she should take three vaccines for cervical cancer available in the form of Gardasil and Cervarix.

Ultrasounds should be regularly done after turning 25. If one is sexually active, get a Pap smear done every three years, which is liquid-based. Check the thyroid, vitamin D levels, and haemoglobin levels as anaemia are common in India. Those women experiencing heavy menses should go for a CBC check as that can also lower one's haemoglobin level. After 30 or when the child is born, yearly sonography is essential. Ultrasound USG, pelvis, and abdomen should be done every year.

Sonomammography should be done every three years. In the family history of breast cancer, mammography should be done every third year. After 35, an Ultrasound of USG, pelvis, and abdomen should be done annually. Every 5th year, mammography is essential. A complete blood check-up which includes her CBC, thyroid level, vitamin D level, and bone mineral density, should be checked to prevent osteoporosis.

(With inputs from Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar)