The medical exam for women is an integral part of a woman’s life. It is a way to keep track of her health and help prevent or detect certain diseases before they become serious issues. The annual medical exam is especially important for women at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions. This article will discuss the types of yearly medical exams women should often have and why they are essential.
Physical Exam
How often should a woman have a physical examination?
If you’re a woman, you must have a physical exam once a year. This is especially true if you’re over 45 or have any risk factors for breast cancer or heart disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. Still, some doctors recommend getting one sooner if there is a family history of breast cancer.
What do they do during women’s physical exam?
A full physical exam includes a breast exam, pelvic exam, cervical (Pap) test, and blood pressure measurement. The doctor may also do a rectovaginal exam to check for changes in your cervix and vagina. If you are sexually active, the doctor will ask about your sexual history and STDs can also be detected during the exam.
Dental Exam
Why is it important to assess a woman’s oral health?
Oral health is an important part of your overall health care. The mouth may be the gateway to other chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A dental exam can help you identify problems early, so they can be treated before they become serious. During a dental exam, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay that could lead to pain or infection. They may also take some X-rays (radiographs) of your jawbone, tooth structure, and soft tissues inside the mouth. Your dentist may also suggest replacing your tooth if it is badly decayed or damaged. You may need root canal treatment to save your tooth from being extracted.
Do women go to the dentist more than men?
The answer is yes; women visit the dentist more than men. It’s not because they are more prone to tooth decay, but rather because they have better oral hygiene practices and follow their regular dental checkups. Men tend to only go to the dentist if they experience pain. They also tend to ignore their teeth and gums until they have a problem.
Eye Exam
Do women have more eye problems?
Yes, women are more likely to suffer from eye problems than men. Women tend to be at higher risk for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eye syndrome. This is because women have greater longevity than men and spend more time in their life exposed to ultraviolet light.
How often should women have eye exams?
Women should be screened for eye health at least once every two years. Men tend to have annual eye exams, but the American Optometric Association recommends that both men and women should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years.
Specialty Appointments
What are special issues and OB Gyne specialized?
Women may have special issues with their health that require specialty appointments. These include appointments with an OB-GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist), an endocrinologist, a neurologist, and more. Specialty appointments are how you can ensure that you are getting the best possible care for your specific health needs.
What medical conditions affect women’s gynecologic health?
Many medical conditions affect women’s gynecologic health. These include:
- Hormonal Disorders: This can consist of problems with menstruation, ovulation, and sex drive, as well as thyroid disease, diabetes, or adrenal gland problems.
- Endocrine Disorders: This is a group of conditions that affect the endocrine glands in your body. Examples include pituitary tumors and Cushing syndrome.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: This is a group of infections that can be passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This infection causes inflammation in your uterus and fallopian tubes. It often comes with pain in your lower abdomen or pelvic area as well as fever and back pain.
The Bottom Line
Women must get annual exams for their health and catch any problems before they become serious. Many individuals overlook physical exams because they are embarrassed or think they’re too old to need them. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry about your health. If you feel that you may have a problem, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the chance for treatment and recovery.
