As women progress through life after puberty, their healthcare needs change. They need to update their immunization records and make certain additional tests are performed, such as the Pap smear , breast exams and hormone level screening. A Pap smear is a test that reviews cells collected from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer and other abnormalities at an early and treatable stage. Annual Pap smear exams are especially meaningful during a woman's childbearing years. Healthy reproductive organs can help prevent problems during pregnancy and childbirth.
Women experience the greatest health changes when they enter their senior adult years.
A fecal occult blood test that looks for bleeding in the digestive tract and a sigmoidoscopy that internally screens for cancer in the colon and rectum should be added to routine health screenings. Medical professionals also recommend a urinalysis and thyroid-stimulating test along with immunizations for the flu and pneumonia. At any age, a woman and her healthcare professional should discuss the special health needs women experience. Healthcare professionals can provide information on contraception, sexual counseling, menstrual problems, pregnancy, childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases and infertility.