PreventiveHealthCheckupsforWomen
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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Years of Experience
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Happy Families
Papsmeartest
A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer, checking for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Cells are gently collected during a routine office procedure and examined for abnormal growth — it may be mildly uncomfortable but doesn't usually cause lasting pain.
Who needs a Pap smear?
Regular Pap smears are recommended every three years starting at age 21
More frequent testing may be needed if you're HIV-positive
More frequent testing may be needed if you have a weakened immune system (chemotherapy, organ transplant)
If you're over 30 with no history of abnormal results, testing every five years may be an option when combined with HPV screening
Normal result
No abnormal cells were found. A normal result usually means your next Pap smear isn't needed for another three years.
Abnormal result
This doesn't mean cancer — it means abnormal cells were found, at one of several levels of severity:
Atypia · Mild dysplasia · Moderate dysplasia · Severe dysplasia · Carcinoma in situ
Depending on the result, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing or a colposcopy — a closer examination of cervical tissue using light and magnification, sometimes alongside a small tissue biopsy.
Sonomammography/breastexamination
Sonomammography, or breast ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to examine breast tissue and screen for abnormalities. It's often used alongside mammography to study a mass or lump more closely, and — unlike mammography — can be performed at any point in the menstrual cycle with no special preparation.
When is it recommended?
A breast lump or general lumpiness is felt
To determine if an abnormality found on mammography is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass
When breast tissue is too dense for mammography to assess accurately
For high-risk patients — family or personal history of breast cancer, or women over 35 as a preventive measure
As an additional method when mammography results aren't fully clear
The procedure itself is simple: you lie down on an examining table while a radiologist applies gel and uses a high-frequency probe to scan the breast and underarm area for any lump or mass.
Advantages
Quick and non-invasive
Painless
Inexpensive
No prior preparation required
Useful for evaluating breast masses
Can identify a fluid-filled cyst without needing a needle aspiration
DEXA/bonedensityscan
A DEXA scan is a low-dose X-ray test that measures bone density — how strong and thick your bones are. Bones naturally thin with age; when they thin more than normal, it's called osteopenia, which can progress to the more serious, brittle-bone condition osteoporosis if left unaddressed.
What it's used for
Diagnose osteopenia (low bone mass)
Diagnose osteoporosis
Predict risk of future fractures
Check whether osteoporosis treatment is working
Who should get one?
Most women aged 65 or older
Those with a very low body weight
Anyone who has had one or more fractures after age 50
Anyone who has lost half an inch or more in height within a year
Men over the age of 70
Anyone with a family history of osteoporosis
Other risk factors
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake