Important tests for your age

Important examinations according to your age

Regular check-ups help prevent certain illnesses, detect potential problems early and better understand your body.

You don't have to do everything, but you do need to know the important points.

Recommendations may vary according to :

• your state of health
• your history
• your sex life
• your lifestyle

When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.

Before age 20

At this age, there are no compulsory systematic examinations if all goes well.

However, it is important to :

• consult a doctor if your periods are very painful or irregular
• discuss contraception if necessary
• find out about STIs
• consider HPV vaccination (often recommended in adolescence)

Between the ages of 20 and 25

This is an important time to begin gynecological follow-up.

What to do :

• gynecological consultation if necessary
• sTI screening in case of high-risk relations
• menstrual cycle monitoring

Smear tests are not yet systematically performed before the age of 25, except in special cases.

From age 25

Cervical cancer screening begins.

Pap smear (or HPV test, depending on country) :

• every 3 years if results are normal

Other important points:

• cycle monitoring
• sTI screening if necessary
• consultation in case of pain or unusual symptoms

Between the ages of 30 and 40

Follow-up remains similar, but more vigilant.

To do:

• cervical screening (adapted according to results)
• cycle monitoring
• blood test for fatigue, hormonal problems or other symptoms

This is also a time when :

• hormonal disorders may appear
• certain pathologies (endometriosis, PCOS) can be diagnosed

From age 40

Monitoring becomes more important.

To do :

• regular gynecological check-ups
• cervical screening
• cycle monitoring (pre-menopause possible)

Depending on the situation :

• hormone test
• more regular blood tests
• weight, blood sugar and cholesterol monitoring

From age 50

This is the menopause period.

Important tests :

• mammography (breast cancer screening every 2 years, as recommended)
• cervical cancer screening (up to a certain age, depending on follow-up)
• bone assessment if necessary (risk of osteoporosis)

Other monitoring :

• cardiovascular health
• bone density
• hormonal balance

Important tests at any age

Some tests are useful at any age:

• sTI screening if necessary
• consultation in case of unusual pain
• cycle monitoring
• blood tests in case of fatigue or symptoms
• mental health and well-being

When to consult first

It's important to consult if you have :

• very painful periods
• irregular or absent periods
• unusual bleeding
• pain during intercourse
• persistent symptoms
• severe fatigue
• difficulty conceiving

Things to remember

Examinations change with age.

The aim is to :

• prevent rather than cure
• detect early
• listen to your body

Regular monitoring, however simple, can make a big difference in the long term.