It’s That Time Again -- Are You Up to Date on Health Screenings?

Annual gynecology exams and routine health screenings are an important part of your preventive health care plan, especially as you get older.

At Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc., we offer preventive testing services in-office and ensure you stay current with all recommended screenings based on your age, overall health, and family history.

Our experienced OB/GYNs can also address changes in your reproductive or sexual health since your last visit and help you find a method of birth control that meets your needs and your family plans.

An overview of women’s health screenings

There are several types of preventive health screenings women should have each year to lower their risk for chronic disease. Screenings allow our team to identify warning signs of disease in the earliest stage when treatment is generally most effective.

Routine health screenings women should schedule regularly include:

Blood pressure checks

Blood pressure checks are the only way to identify high blood pressure levels that can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications.

Breast cancer screening

Manual breast exams help our team find lumps and other symptoms of breast cancer before the condition worsens. Women aged 40 and up and those with increased risk factors for breast cancer should also schedule routine mammograms.

Cervical cancer screening

A Pap smear is a minimally invasive swab test that can identify precancerous or cancerous changes in the cells of your cervix that increase your risk for cervical cancer.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening

STD screenings can confirm or rule out infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV) that affect your reproductive and physical health. Routine STD screenings can also prevent the spread of infections to others.

Annual gynecology exams

In addition to routine health screenings, our providers offer comprehensive gynecology exams to assess your reproductive health and sexual wellness.

When to schedule preventive health screenings

Women of all ages should schedule a routine gynecology exam once a year. These visits are important even if you’re feeling well and have no unusual symptoms. If you have existing issues that affect your reproductive health or sexual function, you may need to schedule more frequent gynecology exams so the team can monitor your condition.

Pap smears are generally recommended every three years for women between the ages of 21-30. Our providers may suggest that you schedule tests more frequently as you age or if you have risk factors for cervical cancer.

Breast exams are usually done once a year during your gynecology exam. If you’re 40 and over, we can help you schedule routine mammograms once a year within our network of radiology specialists.

Schedule STD screenings anytime you have unprotected sex with a new partner, especially if you don’t know their sexual history. You may also need STD testing if you have vaginal discharge, genital warts, or other symptoms of an infection. 

Call Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc., in Salem, Oregon, to get up to date on your health screenings or book an appointment online today.