Reviewed 8/30/2022
Screening tests for women
Find out which tests you should get in each decade of life.
Screening tests can help you find and head off health problems early. Keep reading to find out which tests women should get in each decade of life.
Note: This information is intended as a general guide. Talk to your doctor for details on what types of tests you need and when to get them.
20s—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Beginning at age 25, primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Yearly through age 24, if you're sexually active. Thereafter depending on your risk factors.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
30s—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
- Diabetes. Ask your doctor.
40s—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Breast cancer. Mammogram every year, starting at age 45.
- Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal cancer. Start at age 45. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes. At least every 3 years, starting at age 45.
50s—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Breast cancer. Mammogram every year until age 55. Mammogram every 2 years starting at age 55.
- Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
60s—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Breast cancer. Mammogram every 2 years.
- Cervical cancer. Women who have been screened regularly and had normal results can stop screening after age 65.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
- Osteoporosis. Start at age 65; thereafter depends on your risk factors.
70+—Recommended tests:
- Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
- Breast cancer. Mammogram every 2 years.
- Cervical cancer. Only if you had serious cervical precancer in the past 25 years.
- Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal cancer. After age 75, talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
- Osteoporosis. Depends on your risk factors.
VISIT THE WOMEN'S HEALTH TOPIC CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW WOMEN CAN STAY HEALTHY.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Office on Women's Health
A woman’s health care needs change as she moves from one stage of life into another. From adolescent health, to family planning and menopause, Mercyhealth’s gynecologists are here to guide you through important sexual and reproductive health decisions. They also offer minimally invasive gynecological surgery options.
Our women’s health services
Our comprehensive services are always sensitive to a woman’s needs and the care they require to support a healthy, balanced life. Our services include:
Annual screenings
- Blood pressure
- Breast health
- Bone health
- Cholesterol
- Immunizations
- Pelvic exams
Adolescent/adult
- Contraception
- Reproductive health
Pregnancy planning
Postpartum
- Breastfeeding help
- Postnatal care
- Postpartum depression help
Older adult
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Menopause
Other conditions/services
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic cancers
- Hysterectomy and other gynecologic surgery
- Incontinence
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation through physical therapy
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Thyroid disorders
- Urinary tract infections
Urogynecology
This subspecialty of gynecology focuses on problems of the pelvic floor and urinary incontinence in female patients. Pelvic floor generally refers to a group of muscles and ligaments that supports the organs in the pelvis.
Pelvic floor problems can affect the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When the pelvic floor weakens, these organs can drop down (prolapse) and protrude into the vagina or cause leaking of urine. More than half of patients in menopause have pelvic floor disorders.
A urogynecologist is specially trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat these problems. Typical problems a urogynecologist can address include:
- Fecal incontinence
- Interstitial cystitis
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic floor reconstruction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder)
- Urinary and rectal fistulas
- Vaginal atrophy
Treatment can range from conservative (medications, behavioral modifications, physical therapy and pessaries) to advanced therapies with bladder stimulators and injections, to surgical reconstruction.
BOTOX treatment for urinary incontinence
BOTOX injections are a highly effective treatment for an overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. BOTOX helps the muscles relax, which gives you more time to get to the bathroom when you feel the need to urinate. The injections are done in the clinic. Typically patients notice results in about 10-14 days and last 6 months for most women. Patients come in two to three times a year for a five-minute procedure to alleviate symptoms of overactive bladder and free them from taking oral medications that can have intolerable side effects.
da Vinci® robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery
We recognize that women facing hysterectomy, or any other gynecologic surgery, often can’t afford the luxury of a lengthy recovery. Thankfully, da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery—a minimally invasive surgical option—is available at several Mercyhealth locations. Our gynecologic surgeons use da Vinci to treat many conditions:
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Fibroid tumors
- Ovarian cyst concerns
- Pelvic prolapse
- Uterine conditions
Surgery with the da Vinci offers the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to your normal daily activities