Let's get real: most of us don't exactly look forward to medical checkups. Pap smears, mammograms, blood draws: they're not sexy, exciting, or Instagrammable ( although, you can tell I personally think they should be on the socials!). But here's the thing:
Preventive screenings can literally save your life.
They're not just about checking boxes on an annual wellness visit. They're about catching problems before they become major and you wind up in the ER which is just about the un-sexiest place you can land. (Yes, people do get interrupted cuddling, snogging and fucking on gurneys, but that particular fetish is far beyond my comprehension.)
This is your straight-up, no-jargon guide to the preventive screenings every vulva-owner should know about what they are, when to get them, and how to advocate for yourself.
What Are Preventive Screenings?
Preventive screenings are tests that look for early signs of disease before you have symptoms.
They help detect:
- Cancer (breast, cervical, colorectal)
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues)
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Silent health risks (osteoporosis, high cholesterol)
The Most Important Screenings for Women (by Decade)
In Your 20s & 30s
- Pap Smear: Every 3 years starting at 21 (younger if you’ve been sexually active for a fair number of years), potentially more frequently if you’re sexually exploring the ‘hood. No judgement, just care. HPV can cause The Big C, and it’s easily treated if found early on.
- STI Screenings: Yearly or with new partners. Book with me for information, guidance, and testing. I give package deals for those of us testing more often than annually.
- Blood Pressure: At least once every 2 years.
- Blood Sugar/A1C: Especially with PCOS or symptoms of urinating a lot, having frequent UTI’s and yeast infections.
- Thyroid Panel: If tired, cold, moody, or irregular periods and poops, if your skin and hair are changing in texture.
- Breast Exam: Clinical exam every year. Touch the tatas. Encourage others to touch the tatas.
In Your 40s
- Mammogram: Start at 40 depending on genetic risk.
- Pap + HPV Test: Every 5 years if normal and you’re monogamous or celibate. Even if it’s dusty up in there, if you still have a cervix, it needs to be checked, gurl!
- Lipid Panel: Every 3-5 years (more with family risk factors- ask the ‘rents).
- Blood Sugar + A1C: Every 3 years or as needed.
- Thyroid Panel: Annually if symptomatic.
- Vitamin D & B12: Especially with fatigue or unexpected mood shifts. Those of us at high altitude are almost all Vit D deficient, by the way- tons of sun but it’s cold or we’re wearing sunscreen (AREN’T WE???) so it’s not very useful for that purpose.
- Skin check: at least your primary care if not a dermatologist needs to start tracking your splotches. They’re easily removed if caught early. They’re often disfiguring or even deadly if caught too late.
- Colorectal Screening: Start at 45.
- DEXA Scan for bone density: If risk factors present for weak bones. Treat early because that shit is nearly irreversible.
In Your 50s & Beyond
- Mammogram: Every 1-2 years.
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years. If you get the polyps like me, anticipate being on the 5 year plan.
- DEXA Scan: By 65, or earlier if postmenopausal. That’s what the literature says, but I can’t imagine waiting 15 years after menopause to find out if my bones are fragile! Just me? maybe…
- Blood Pressure, Lipids, A1C, Thyroid: Yearly.
- Pap + HPV: May stop at 65 if history is clear.
- Skin is your largest organ. Get it checked for real now.
- Cognitive & Mood Screening: Important and valid. We got WAAAYYY too much on our plate(s), so talk to your people! Talk to me! It’s 100% normal to feel abnormal, and there might be resources and reasons you want to know about.
What Most Women Aren't Told
- "Normal" Doesn't Always Mean Healthy: Ask for optimal, not just in-range. Numbers help us make good decisions, but the way you FEEL is another proper guide.
- Screenings Aren't for Sick People. They are for those wanting to age for a long while, and Prevention is power.
- Symptoms Are Data: Fatigue, mood swings, incontinence, hair loss, skin changes and so much more deserve investigation.
- Insurance Might Not Cover Everything: Investing in testing is investing in your long-term health. Put down the lattes, Terry, and let’s get our wellness on!
How to Advocate for Yourself
- Bring a list of questions and desired tests. Not all may be necessary, but it shows your confidence and concern about your health! And, it will keep your thoughts clear under duress. Bring a buddy to listen and take notes and support you.
- Track symptoms and cycles. We don’t need a whole backpack (think: PeeChee folder), but shit is hard to keep track of without writing it down, AmIRight?
- Ask for copies of your results. It’s your private info, so you should have it.
- Physicians are human. We make mistakes. We err on educated guesses. Not every body system is the same. So, if something didn’t work or make sense GO BACK to that same provider to talk it over! They already have information and rapport with you…hopefully…and they’re more likely to get it right the 2nd or 3rd time.
- Seek second opinions when necessary, especially if something ain’t jiving with your provider.
- Don't accept that it's just aging without answers. No, we’re not 19 any more. But, we don’t have to be 79 until we are rocking 79!
TL;DR: Knowledge is Power, Testing is Prevention
Screenings aren't just checkboxes. They're your chance to catch red flags early, advocate for your health, and stay in control of your wellness even when life gets messy.
Need help understanding your labs, building a screening plan, or finding a provider who listens? This is the art of medicine that I love! And, Dr Cari has got your back.
Book a consult and get the real answers. No shame, no fluff; just radical care that you deserve.
