When it comes to your health, it’s important to be as proactive as possible. Healthy eating and regular exercise are just a small fraction of what it takes to stay healthy. One important habit all women should adopt is scheduling regular health screenings and tests. Let’s take a look at a few female health services every woman should talk to their doctor about.


Mammogram: Did you know that women in the U.S. have a one-in-eight, or 12.4%, risk of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime? Fortunately, today’s knowledge and tools make it so that breast cancer is easier than ever to detect early on. However, there’s a very small chance breast cancer will be detected without a proper examination. So women should have regular breast exams and mammograms, especially if they have a high risk of breast cancer.


Pap smear: A yearly or bi-yearly visit to the clinic for women in their early twenties and later often includes a pap smear. This exam allows doctors to check for signs of cervical cancer or abnormal cell growth. Additionally, STDs and other concerns can be tested for during pap smears. Without this exam, cervical cancer may go undetected.


Blood pressure screening: At normal check-up appointments, doctors should take their patients’ blood pressure. This brief exam is used to ensure there’s no risk of heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. If there are irregularities or concerns during this exam, patients may be referred to other doctors, like a cardiologist. 


Skin examination: Annual skin checks are one of the main female health services that are often forgotten about. But skin examinations are crucial in detecting possible signs of skin cancer or other concerns. Freckles, moles, and skin growths will be looked at carefully to ensure they’re normal and show no signs of changing.


Bone density test: As people age, their bones naturally get weaker. But if bone density decreases too rapidly, it could lead to diseases like osteoporosis and other problems. This is why bone density tests are so important. These tests are non-invasive and simply involve an x-ray. Women are at a higher risk for bone density loss following menopause, so these tests are particularly important in one’s later years.


These female health services are crucial to ensure women remain healthy as they age. So no matter what age you are, make sure you talk to your doctor about any tests or screenings you should be having.