Why Screenings Matter

Think of screenings as your health’s early warning system. They’re like catching a tire leak before it turns into a full-blown flat. Whether it’s breast or cervical cancer, regular check-ins can make a huge difference in keeping you healthy.

Screenings every woman should prioritize:

• Breast Cancer Screenings: You’ve probably heard it before, but regular mammograms are a game-changer. They can spot changes in your breast tissue early, giving you the best shot at staying ahead of breast cancer. The fact is, breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., with the first being skin cancer.
• Cervical Cancer Screenings: Pap smears and HPV tests? Even if you hate getting them, they’re totally worth it! They can catch those sneaky abnormal cells or HPV infections before they turn into something more serious- like cancer.

Find out which screenings you should prioritize based on your age and health status HERE!

STI Tests: Know Now, Stay Safe Later

Nearly half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year occur among young people aged 15-24. But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook if you’re older.

Common STDs/STIs include:

• Chlamydia- This one’s sneaky—it usually doesn’t have symptoms but can mess with your reproductive health if untreated (think pelvic pain or even infertility). The good news? A quick antibiotic treatment could clear it up.
• Gonorrhea- Like chlamydia, gonorrhea often flies under the radar with no symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Testing for it and treating it with antibiotics could stop it from becoming a bigger issue.
• HIV- HIV weakens your immune system, but with early testing and treatment, you can live a long, healthy life. BTW, testing is confidential and easier than ever.
• Herpes- Herpes gets a bad rap, but it’s super common. It can cause sores or blisters, but a lot of people don’t even know they have it. While there’s no cure, antiviral meds can keep outbreaks in check and reduce the chance of passing it on.
• HPV- HPV is everywhere—most people will have it at some point. Many strains go away on their own, but some can cause genital warts or even lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine is a game-changer, and regular screenings can keep you ahead of any issues.
• Syphilis- Syphilis shows up in stages, starting with a painless sore, then rashes, and later can cause serious health problems if untreated. Luckily, a simple antibiotic shot can take care of it when caught early.
• Trichomoniasis- This one is caused by a parasite and can lead to itching, irritation, or funky discharge. Many people don’t realize they have it, but it’s usually treatable with meds.

Untreated STDs/STIs can have some pretty severe consequences, like infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy complications, cancer, or even death.

The good news? With regular screenings and quick care, these conditions could be caught early and treated.

For more details on how STIs affect women, check out this blog. If you are sexually active and suspect you may have any of the STIs listed above, or you just want to test to be safe – don’t wait! Get scheduled with a local healthcare provider today.

Wellness Checks: Your Annual Check-In

Your annual check-up is more than just a routine visit—it’s an opportunity to focus on your whole health: physical, mental, and emotional.

During these visits, you can discuss:

• Lifestyle: How your daily habits affect your health and what changes could benefit you.
• Mental Health: Feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious? This is the time to bring it up.
• Nutrition: Get tips on what foods will best benefit your energy and long-term health.
• Preventive Care: Learn how to prevent illness before it starts.

These visits provide a space to talk openly with your provider and get personalized advice about your health. It’s kind of like your VIP moment. Don’t hesitate to raise any concerns you have, from family history to recent symptoms- even the weird ones.

Shielding Yourself with Vaccines

Vaccines aren’t just for kids— everyone can benefit from them. Staying up-to-date on immunizations reduces your risk of severe illness and protects those around you, too!

Vaccines every woman should consider:

• HPV Vaccine: Protects against cervical cancer and other cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Flu Shot: Yearly protection against seasonal flu.
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine: A pregnancy essential to protect babies from whooping cough. Make sure friends and family members showing up for those newborn snuggles have this one, too.
• RSV Vaccine: Highly recommended for pregnant women to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• COVID Vaccine: Helps prevent severe illness and hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

The Big Picture: Healthy Women, Healthy Future

Taking charge of your health is one of the most empowering choices you can make. It’s not just about living your best life—it’s about showing up for the people you love and leading by example. When you prioritize your well-being, you inspire your family, friends, and community to do the same.

By staying proactive today, you’re setting yourself up for a better tomorrow. So don’t wait—book that screening, schedule your vaccinations, and make time for your wellness visits. Your future self will thank you, and so will everyone who looks up to you as a health champion.

Let’s commit to living our healthiest, strongest lives—starting now!

Ready to take the next step?
Find a provider and take charge of your health today: https://fhccp.org/womenshealthservices.