Women's Health: 20s and 30s
Women in their twenties and thirties are at a unique stage of life. From establishing a career to starting a family, many women r reach important milestones during this timeframe. Prioritizing your health and wellness will help you stay active, engaged and ready to conquer whatever goals you have.
Below are some of the primary health needs for women in their twenties and thirties.
Routine Well-Woman Appointments
As you age, your body’s needs change. For women in their twenties and thirties, now is the time to stay on top of your routine gynecology appointments. After age 21, women should receive annual pap smears to check for cervical cancer cells and other abnormalities. In addition, if you did not receive the HPV vaccine as a teen, you may still be eligible for this immunization.
Baptist Health System offers compassionate gynecological care for women in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Family Planning and Reproductive Health
Whether you're already a mom or planning for children in the future, it's important to stay on top of your reproductive health. Discuss topics like fertility, contraception and pregnancy with your OB/GYN to get expert recommendations and health advice tailored to your needs.
If you're expecting, the OB/GYN specialists and experienced delivery staff at The Nest are ready to help you have a positive and healthy delivery experience. The Nest provides a home away from home to welcome your baby, as well as the expertise, technical skill and clinical judgment needed for high-risk pregnancies and complications. Plus, one of our nurses will be by your side, monitoring your labor and keeping your doctor informed. We’re committed to creating a compassionate, safe and informative delivery experience that caters to you and your loved ones’ needs.
Learn more about the Nest at Baptist Health System, including access to the highest level of NICU care.
Breast Health
Most providers don't recommend breast screenings like mammograms until your fifties, but it's still important to be vigilant about changes in your breasts' appearance or feel. Talk to your provider if you notice any changes in your breasts and if necessary, schedule follow-up imaging to check for abnormalities.
Take a quiz to see how much you know about your breast cancer risk.
Skin Care
There's more to women's health than visiting the OB/GYN. Taking a comprehensive approach to your health and wellness will help ensure you stay healthy and active for years to come.
Your skin is your body's largest organ; yet, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.
Sun exposure may cause more noticeable damage to your skin as you age. Sun exposure may cause more noticeable damage to your skin as you age. Take care to limit UV exposure when possible, wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds, which have been found to increase the risk of skin cancer by 75 percent when used regularly.
Learn more about taking care of your skin as you age.
Weight Management
Obesity is not your fault and not yours to manage alone. It is a disease and a health concern worldwide. According to the CDC, more than two in three women in the U.S. are obese or overweight. Excess weight may lead to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. An OB/GYN is someone you can talk with comfortably to help you reach a healthier weight. They may be able to recommend physical activity programs and healthy eating changes to reduce your risk for health complications.
Learn the potential benefits of losing weight.
Additional Resources
Below is a list of additional resources for your health. Please contact your primary care provider or OB/GYN for other health-related questions.