Women’s Reproductive Health at Every Age

This healthy post is provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about women’s health, visit us online.

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With guidelines that have been changing about recommendations for gynecologic exams, it’s easy to see why we are all so confused – as if we need something else to worry about, right? Even though the new cervical screening guidelines recommend less frequent Pap tests, it’s important to realize that your yearly gynecologic exam includes more than just that test – breast, thyroid, heart, lung and pelvic exams are all included in your yearly check-up.  Read on, too, for information about The Total Woman, a special open house focused solely on women’s care.

“Visiting your gynecologist annually is the best thing you can do for preventive health,” Ob/Gyn Eduardo Mercurio, MD explains. “Even though the Pap test guidelines change, this doesn’t mean that the other tests during your annual exam should be left out.” Early education about any warning signs that your gynecologist may notice can make a big difference for your long-term health. Here are some problems your annual exam can uncover:

• Endometriosis
• Incontinence
• Ovarian cysts/cancer
• Uterine fibroids
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Pelvic/vaginal pain
• Prolapse of the uterus, bladder or rectum
• Sexual dysfunction
• Precancerous changes of the cervix
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

In this post, we’re breaking down the tests by age so you know what to have done and how often. These guidelines begin at age 18, so to all you moms – make sure your daughters are on track with these recommendations, too. Monitoring reproductive health is especially important in young women.

Ages 18-29

Clinical breast exam – every 3 years

Pap test/cervical cancer screening – starting at age 21, every 2 years

Pelvic exam – starting at age 21, yearly; younger than 21 and sexually active, talk to your primary care physician

Chlamydia test – yearly until age 25; 26 and older, get this test if you have new or multiple partners

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests – both partners should get tested before having sexual intercourse

Ages 30-39

Clinical breast exam – every 3 years

Pap test/Cervical cancer screening – every 3 years

Pelvic exam – yearly

Chlamydia test – get this test if you have new or multiple partners

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests – both partners should get tested before having sexual intercourse

Ages 40-49

Clinical breast exam – every 3 years

Mammogram – every 1-2 years

Pap test/Cervical cancer screening – every 3 years

Pelvic exam – yearly

Chlamydia test – get this test if you have new or multiple partners

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests – both partners should get tested before having sexual intercourse

Ages 50+

Clinical breast exam – every 3 years

Mammogram – every 1-2 years

Pap test – discuss with your doctor

Cervical cancer screening – every 3 years

Pelvic exam – yearly

Chlamydia test – get this test if you have new or multiple partners

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests – both partners should get tested before having sexual intercourse

Family History

If breast cancer is in your family history, genetic counseling may be an option to discuss breast and ovarian cancer risk. A breast MRI and ovarian cancer tests may be some other smart things to look into as well. Talk with your doctor about early screenings for anything else that may run in the family.

The Chester County Hospital’s Cancer Risk Evaluation Program is specifically designed for women who want genetics counseling information about their personal risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Contact The Women’s Specialty Center at (610) 423-4556 for more information.

A Night All About You

The Chester County Hospital is hosting The Total Woman, a special two-hour open house for women that introduces you to the many physicians and services located in our Exton Medical and Diagnostic Center.  Health screenings, pampering, a cooking demonstration and taste testing, wine and light refreshments add up to a healthy (and free!) evening focused on caring for you.  Bring your mom, sister, daughter or a friend to join in the fun.

Date : Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Time : 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (open house format)

Location : Commons at Oaklands : 700 West Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341

Registration : Please register by calling 610.738.2300 or click here

These guidelines have been adapted from www.womenshealth.gov.

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