We always see advertising campaigns and flyers telling us how important it is to have annual checkups, dental cleanings and eye exams. But one thing we rarely come across are campaigns for reproductive health exams. That’s because it’s slightly taboo to talk about reproductive health, pregnancy and menstruation. These topics aren’t as “safe” as a discussion about the benefits of brushing.
That said, these topics are just as important. So what makes them so vital to public health?
Breast Cancer Screenings
When it comes to reproductive health, breast cancer screenings and monthly breast self-exams are extremely important. It’s standard to have a breast cancer screening every year as part of your annual reproductive health exam, and once you reach the age of 50, doctors recommend you have a mammogram every two years.
In the meantime, between annuals or mammograms, you still need to pay attention to your breasts to ensure that there aren’t any lumps or other signs of breast cancer. Doing a breast self-exam at least once a month can help you stay on top of your breast health. If you find a lump or any other abnormality, make an appointment with your OB/GYN as soon as possible.
To place the subject in perspective, more than 320,000 women and nearly 3,000 men will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2019, if estimates are correct. Early detection can help improve your five-year survival rate, especially if you catch the condition while it’s still in the breast tissue.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
While not as prevalent as breast cancer, cervical cancer still affects more than 12,000 people a year. At one time it was the most common cancer affecting women in the United States, but the number of cases has dropped dramatically in the last few decades because annual exams can detect precancerous cells.
Of course, no one enjoys getting a pap smear, but taking the time for a cervical cancer screening could potentially save your life. If you haven’t scheduled an annual exam in the last two years if you’re you’re younger than 30, or five years if you’re older, make an appointment with your OB/GYN.
Uterine Screenings
During your annual exam, your OB/GYN will also press on your abdomen to assess the health of your uterus. This is the perfect opportunity to talk to them about your menstrual period if you’re having severe cramps, and any other symptoms you might be experiencing. These symptoms could indicate anything from endometriosis to uterine fibroids and anything in between.
Don’t be ashamed to talk to your OB/GYN about your period. They’ve heard it all and that’s what they’re there for. Ask your questions.
STI Screenings
This is another subject that no one wants to approach, but it’s something that can affect people of all ages. If you’ve had unprotected sex, a regular screening for sexually transmitted infections can give you and your partner peace of mind. If a doctor does diagnose you with an STI, you can seek treatment as quickly as possible.
According to the CDC, people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for more than 10 million new STI infections each year, in spite of the fact that they only make up one-quarter of the sexually active population. An STI screening will usually include blood and urine analysis, as well as a genital swab for culture growths.
Again, just like your uterine screenings, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about sexually transmitted infections. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Even if you take precautions and wear a condom, they’re not 100% safe, so STIs will occasionally happen.
Get a Checkup Today
While you don’t want to neglect your other health exams, you also shouldn’t neglect your reproductive health. Not paying attention to your reproductive health could leave you in a difficult situation down the line. Though talking about reproductive topics is taboo, we can and should change that.
Start the discussion today. Talk to people of every gender about paying attention to their reproductive health. Most of the time, it won’t take you more than a single appointment a year, unless there’s a problem — and if there’s a problem, it’s better to catch it earlier rather than later.
Again, don’t neglect your reproductive health. We can’t reiterate that enough. Reproductive health exams are just as important as dental cleanings, eye exams and any other medical procedures. Don’t forget about your reproductive health, and make plans to get a checkup as soon as possible.
