Women’s reproductive organs are very much sensitive to any possible infection. To minimize that risk you should go for the following health screenings procedures on regular basis:
PAP SMEARA Pap smear test is a health screening procedure of the cervix for pre-cancerous changes. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), because of this test, the cervical cancer death rate declined by almost 70% between 1955 and 1992.
When to get it: Once in every three years.
HPV test screens the presence of human papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to the development of genital warts, abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
When to get it: Every five years in your 30s to 65s.
PELVIC EXAMIn this test, your gynecologist visually checks your genital area and manually feeling organs such as ovaries and uterus to note any unusual changes such as fibroids or infection.
When to get it: Starting from age 21 you need to do it each year.
STD TESTSThese blood, urine and/or genital swab tests check for sexually transmitted diseases including gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV. If left untreated, certain STDs can spread to your fallopian tubes, causing fertility-threatening pelvic inflammatory disease.
When to get it: The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) recommend annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active women under 25.