Medical Tests You Must Have

Most women wouldn’t dream of skipping their annual pelvic, Pap, and breast exams. But when was the last time you had a head-to-toe checkup—or took stock of other tests you probably need but can’t find time for? “For most women, a checkup just isn’t on any to-do list,” says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD, chief of women’s cardiac care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. “We have to take the kids to the pediatrician, our moms are sick, our husbands need to go to the cardiologist.” The irony, of course, is that you can’t do all that unless you’re taking care of yourself, too.

Here’s a quick rundown of 20-plus tests that experts recommend for women—don’t worry, you don’t need them all at once. But get to know them, and your body will thank you.



Eyes
Musts: Annual screenings, preferably by an ophthalmologist, although you should feel free to see an optometrist. Also, a glaucoma and cataract screening at age 50 and beyond, or earlier if you’re diabetic or if you’re experiencing double vision, blurriness, or headaches. (African-American women should begin glaucoma screening at age 40 because their risk is higher.)
Maybe: Glaucoma screening in your 30s if you have a family history of early glaucoma.