OB/GYN

Women’s Health

Well visits and patient testing are driven by family history, your past medical history, and risk factors. Below are some general screening tests and vaccinations.

Women 18 to 21

• First Pap test for sexually active women starting at age 21.
• Chlamydia test every year for sexually active women up to age 25. **Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**
• Flu vaccine every year.

Women 22 to 49

• Pap test every 3 years.
• Chlamydia test every year for sexually active women up to age 25.*
• Mammogram: There are risks and benefits in starting breast cancer screening before age 50. Talk with your doctor. Women who wish to begin screening at age 40 can self-refer to a mammogram location.
• Cholesterol checks every 5 years, beginning at age 45.
• Blood pressure checks every 2 years.
• Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**
• Flu vaccine every year.

Women 50 to 64

• Cholesterol checks every 5 years.
• Blood pressure checks every 2 years.
• Colon cancer screening: talk with your doctor about the best method for you.
• Pap test every 3 years.
• Mammogram every 1-2 years, based on risk factors for breast cancer.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) screening: One-time screening for women aged 55-75 who have a family history of aaa (parent, brother, or sister) and smoked 100 cigarettes or more in their lifetime. **Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**
• Flu vaccine every year.
• Shingles vaccine once in a lifetime for ages 60 and older (not for persons who are immune suppressed).

Women 65 and Older

• Cholesterol checks every 5 years through age 74; after age 75 discuss with your doctor.
• Blood pressure checks every year.
• Vision and hearing check every year.
• Colon cancer screening: talk with your doctor about the best method for you. For women aged 75 and older, regular screening isn’t generally recommended. If you wish to continue screening, talk with your doctor.
• Mammogram every 1-2 years based on risk for breast cancer. Women aged 75 and older, discuss optional screening with your doctor.
• Bone density test: recommended for women aged 65 and older.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) screening: One-time screening for women aged 55-75 who have a family history of aaa (parent, brother, or sister) and smoked 100 cigarettes or more in their lifetime. **Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**
• Pneumococcal vaccine one time for ages 65 and older.
• Flu vaccine every year.
• Shingles vaccine once in a lifetime for ages 60 and older (not for persons who are immune suppressed).