Cholesterol checks

This check is used to detect if you’re at risk for developing any cardiac problems like heart diseases. If you’re under 21, getting your cholesterol checked once in five years is recommended. If you are older, go and get it checked at least once a year. If you learn that your cholesterol is higher than 200 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl), you might be at a risk of stroke or heart diseases. In such cases, it is best to draw up plans with your doctor.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are sexually transmitted bacterial infections that usually do not have any symptoms but can be detected through a urinalysis. If left to spread, these infections can lead to infertility, miscarriage and other health problems in childbirth and otherwise. As soon as you become sexually active, it is necessary to go for these tests at least once a year as the infections might persist without you being aware of their existence. If left unchecked, you are also at a risk of passing it on to your partner and affecting their health.

Diabetes testing

Through fasting plasma glucose tests or blood glucose tests, women are tested for diabetes. These tests help in identifying high blood sugar levels which increase the risk of diabetes. If you are overweight and/or have blood pressure level above 140/90 and/or have high cholesterol, it is mandatory for you to get checked for diabetes. Diabetes in some cases, is also genetic and so, if your family has a history, you need to get tested for it when you’re young.

Bone density screening

Even though this test is recommended to women over 65, it is better if you start taking this test when you are younger. After 65, you are at a risk of osteoporosis which isn’t easily detected until you encounter a fracture. Also known as “porus bone”, in this condition you either lose too much bone density or your body doesn’t make enough bone or both. If detected early, this condition can be cured through medication.

Oral tests

This might seem like a bizarre test as it is not gender unique but avoiding this test can prove to be detrimental, not only to your mouth, but also to your overall health. Most dentists recommend that women of all ages (with permanent teeth) should get a dental check-up once or twice a year to remove plaque and bacteria that could lead to tooth and gum disease. These tests also detect any kind of tooth or root decay and remove stains off your teeth. These check-ups are also useful in detecting early signs of mouth or teeth cancer.

Most of these tests mentioned are considered to be preventive hence in most countries allows insurance coverage. However, a few of them might be expensive, but it is important and you should make all necessary efforts to undergo the same.

If you in general enjoy good health maybe your GP will not encourage you to undertake the tests, but a little insistence can do the trick. Remember its always better to be safe than sorry and little extra caution can go a long way.