2023 Women's and Men's Health Guidelines

Women's Health Guidelines

Even if you feel fine, we recommend annual physical exams with your primary care provider to help prevent future medical issues. In addition to regular annual checkups, we recommend the below health guidelines for women:

While these guidelines were created for women of all ages, we recommend that women 65+ discuss with their healthcare provider the continued frequency of testing based on their personal health and health history. OB/GYN physicians can provide and discuss with pregnant patients a separate list of recommended tests and screenings, not listed here.

2023 Women's Health Guidelines

Women's Health Guidelines:

All Women

Annual flu shots
Blood pressure screening should occur at each visit with a healthcare provider.
Annual blood pressure screening for:
- Black women, due to an increased risk of uncontrolled blood pressure between the ages of 20 and 50 years old
- Patients on medications which may raise blood pressure
- Adults who are considered to be overweight or medically obese
- Adults with elevated blood pressure (BP 130-139).
Current vaccines listed on the CDC's Adult Immunization Schedule
Knowledge of family history of medical conditions like heart disease, cancer or other potentially-inheritable conditions which may impact preventive health screening guidelines
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in any adults who are overweight, are considered to be medically-obese or who are at an increased risk for diabetes.
Monthly breast self-exams. Become familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can notice lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. Report any changes you observe to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Depression/anxiety disorder screening during annual physical exams
Cholesterol screening every 4-6 years for women age 20+. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings if you have certain risk factors like diabetes or heart disease.
Body mass index (BMI) calculated at annual physical exam
Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening in all sexually-active women age 24 years or younger, and in women age 25 years or older who are at increased risk for infection
One-time HIV infection and Hepatitis C screening for those at low-risk, more frequent screenings for those at high-risk.
Regular skin exams are recommended for people who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or certain conditions that increase their risk for skin cancer. It is important to be aware of changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change to an existing mole, and to report them to your doctor promptly.

Age 21-29

Cervical cancer screening with cervical cytology (Pap test) every three years until age 30 for low-risk patients. Women with a history of abnormal Pap test results should discuss with their healthcare provider if more frequent screening is needed.

Age 30-65

Cervical cancer screening with either cervical cytology (Pap test) every 3 years until age 65, or the high-risk HPV test every 5 years, or both pap and high-risk HPV test every 5 years (cotesting) (Most healthcare providers require previous negative test results and low risk factors before recommending the every-5-year HPV test only. )

Note: if you have had your uterus and cervix removed (hysterectomy) you do not need to continue Pap tests. Women with a history of abnormal Pap test results should discuss with their healthcare provider if more frequent screening is needed.

Age 35+

Cholesterol screening with a lipid panel (blood test), even with no risk factors for coronary heart disease

Age 40+

Yearly 3D mammography for women with average risk. Mammography is safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Doctors may recommend starting mammography before age 40, or may recommend additional breast screening tests, based on personal and family history.
Discuss with your healthcare provider any bowel symptoms or changes like blood in the stool or pain during bowel movements.
Baseline comprehensive eye exam starting at age 40, even if you have no symptoms or risk factors, to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration

Age 45+

Colonoscopy for women at average risk for colon cancer. Discuss with your healthcare provider any personal history of colon cancer or polyps, family history of colon cancer, or an inherited genetic condition which could raise your risk of colon cancer.
Type 2 diabetes or pre diabetes screening with blood testing, even without symptoms

Age 50+

For smokers or those who have quit within the past 15 years, ask your healthcare provider if you qualify for lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scanning.

Age 65+

Eye exam every year or every other year starting at age 65
Bone density test (DEXA scan) to screen for osteoporosis; earlier screening for women who are at increased risk of osteoporosis due to comorbidities or medications.

Symptoms to watch for & always report to your healthcare provider:

Healthy Lifestyle Habits:

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Men's Health Guidelines

2023 Men's Health Guidelines

Men's Health Guidelines:

All Men

Annual flu shots
Body mass index (BMI) calculated every 1 to 2 years
Screening for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension
Stay current on the CDC's Adult Immunization Schedule

Know your family history of medical conditions like heart disease, cancer or other potentially-inheritable conditions which may impact preventive health screening guidelines.
Perform testicular self-exam, especially if you have a personal or family history of testicular cancer. Be aware of testicular symptoms, like testicular torsion, where a testicle rotates and causes sudden pain or swelling.
Depression screening during routine exams
Cholesterol screening every 4-6 years for men age 20+
If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or heart disease, there will be specific screening guidelines that your primary care provider and/or specialty provider will recommend.
Regular skin exams are recommended for people who have a personal or family history of skin cancer or certain conditions that increase their risk for skin cancer. It is important to be aware of changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change to an existing mole, and to report them to your doctor promptly.