Women’s Health: Why Your Yearly Physical Matters
Commonly, women fall into the trap of taking care of everyone else but themselves; until a problem arises. Women’s health needs to become a priority. Women should schedule a yearly physical that includes both gynecological and whole-body health checkpoints. Keep reading to find out why women need these important health screenings.
Annual Gynecological Checkups
It’s good practice for a woman to have an annual gynecological exam. This matters even for women who haven’t or don’t intend to bear children. At a typical women’s health screening, your doctor will perform common tests. Gynecological screenings can provide the basis for investigating fertility issues, birth control, family planning, reproductive organ cancer, and sexual health.
This checkup often involves a breast exam, a pelvic exam, PAP smears, and questions regarding menstrual cycles. Furthermore, a gynecological health screening can manage sexual health, test for sexually transmitted infections if needed, and manage birth control if necessary. Important cancer screenings also take place at this exam, so this is important no matter a woman’s sexual activity or childbearing history.
Annual Physical Exams
Annual physicals are just as important as a gynecological exam. Your doctor will be able to take into consideration your lifestyle and medical history. This relationship is important because he or she will be able to spot things out of the norm.
Your annual physical will:
Keep track of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, etc.)
Form a picture of your overall health
Take into account your family history
Check your heart
Examine your lungs
Check your brain function
Check your skin for any abnormalities
Look at your head and neck for any issues
This exam is also a good time to check other levels in your body, such as your cholesterol. Some symptoms can lead your physician to do other tests to check for things like anemia, asthma, diabetes, or kidney and liver function. At certain ages, tests like mammograms become important.
Women’s Health
An annual exam that covers both gynecological and whole-body matters create a picture that allows you and your doctor to spot the signs of trouble early. Health conditions treated in their early stages are easier to cure or manage. Bowie Internal Medicine has the advantage of being able to offer routine gynecological exams and procedures, while also providing the health exams an annual physical entails. Contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.