It is generally not until a woman reaches her forties, fifties, and beyond that she may face relatively significant health issues. For this reason, we believe that the years that come before are vitally important. The actions that are taken during the third decade of life pave the way to tomorrow’s health. Everything from how much a woman eats to how much and how well she sleeps and how much she moves her body will impact future health. Here, we discuss some of the health matters that matter during your thirties.
SCREENINGS AND CHECK-UPS
Well-woman visits can begin early in adulthood. However, many women do not create a consistent habit of seeing their gynecologist until later; sometimes much later. When you reach your thirties, it is beneficial to see your gynecologist for routine screenings and exams. These attend to important matters that affect reproductive health. A well-woman exam may involve:
- A Pap smear. This screening for cervical cancer is performed every 3 years beginning at age 29.
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections. This may be done once a year or more, depending on the number of sexual partners a woman has.
- Breast exams are a routine part of the yearly well-woman visit. The brief examination can detect changes in breast tissue, such as lumps.
- Pelvic exams are also performed yearly to detect physical changes in the ovaries.
- Family Planning
Family planning is important for women of all ages. This matter does not involve only the lead-up to becoming pregnant. Family planning also encompasses pregnancy prevention. A gynecologist assists each patient with determining the best form of birth control based on their lifestyle, when they would like to become pregnant, and their preferences.
BUILDING HEALTH THAT LASTS
A woman’s body is in a continual state of flux. For this reason, women must find ways to support ongoing health. This can be achieved with:
- Regular physical activity. You don’t have to hit the gym every day to be in shape. Doing yoga a few days a week and taking a 30-minute walk every day can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Physical activity has also been proven to ward off depression.
- Think about bone health. If you’re not a milk-drinker, find another way to support your body’s need for calcium. During her thirties, a woman’s body is losing more calcium than it is making. This is the time to start supplementing by eating foods with magnesium, vitamin D, and, yes, calcium.
We’ve got your health at the forefront of our minds. To schedule a well-woman exam with an esteemed Houston gynecologist, call 713.955.6560.