As we celebrate Women’s Health Month, we want to highlight the importance of reproductive health in achieving overall wellness. From understanding your menstrual cycle to making informed decisions about birth control, taking control of your reproductive health is essential for every woman. At A Step Ahead Chattanooga, we’re dedicated to providing resources and support to help you prioritize your reproductive wellness journey.

STEP 1: EDUCATE YOURSELF

Knowledge is power when it comes to reproductive health. Take the time to learn about your body, including your menstrual cycle, fertility, birth control, perimenopause, menopause, and common reproductive health issues like PCOS and endometriosis. Register for our online education portal and you will have continued access to video content about topics related to reproductive health that we update regularly. Some other great resources for reproductive health information can be found below.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

American College of Gynecology 

Office on Women’s Health

STEP 2: REGULAR CHECK-UPS

Don’t overlook the importance of regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.  If it’s been a while since you’ve had a well visit, if you’ve never had a well visit, or if you’re considering starting or changing your birth control method, we’re here to support you. Give us a call, and we can schedule you an appointment with one of our clinics. Your appointment will include a physical exam, which encompasses gathering your medical history, conducting a pap smear, performing a clinical breast exam, contraceptive counseling, measuring your height and weight, and checking your blood pressure. Prioritizing your reproductive health through regular check-ups is essential for maintaining overall wellness.

When to Get Routine Check-Ups:

• Cervical Cancer Screening 
  Starting at age 21, even if you haven’t had vaginal sex, your healthcare provider should screen for cervical cancer and continue doing so until age 65. Screening means checking for a disease or changes that might lead to disease. Two types of testing can screen for cervical cancer: the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks at changes in cervical cells—caused by HPV—that might turn into cervical cancer if not treated. An HPV test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. The type and frequency of screening will depend on your age and health history. People with a vagina/vulva should have their first Pap test at age 21. If the results are normal, they should have the test every 3 years until age 29. Your healthcare provider might recommend more frequent testing if the results are abnormal. (National Coalition for Sexual Health) 

• Mammogram
  Guidelines typically recommend that women start having mammograms at age 40 and continue on a regular basis thereafter. For women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, screenings may begin earlier or occur more frequently. Generally, mammograms are recommended every one to two years for women in their 40s and annually for women 50 and older. However, individuals need to discuss their personal risk factors and screening schedule with their healthcare provider to develop a plan that’s tailored to their specific needs.  (CDC) 

• Physical Exam
  Adults should aim for a yearly physical exam, providing an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of their well-being. However, individual needs may vary based on age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Discussing with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate schedule for physical exams tailored to specific health needs and risk factors. Whether it’s an annual check-up or more frequent monitoring, prioritizing regular physical exams is key to staying proactive about health and wellness.

• STI Testing
  Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is recommended for anyone sexually active, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. It’s a good idea to get tested if you’ve had unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or if you or your partner have symptoms of an STI. Additionally, if you’re starting a new sexual relationship, both partners should get tested before becoming sexually active together.
  
  The frequency of testing depends on individual risk factors. For sexually active individuals with multiple partners or those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, testing may be recommended every 3 to 6 months. If you’re in a monogamous relationship and have both been tested with negative results, you may not need to be tested as frequently. However, it’s still important to discuss testing with your healthcare provider.
  
  Many STIs may not cause symptoms, so getting tested regularly is important even if you feel fine. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate testing schedule based on your situation and risk factors.
  
  Your healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate testing schedule based on your situation and risk factors. (National Coalition for Sexual Health) 

• HIV Testing 
  Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care, even if they have never had sex or they think their partner only has sex with them. You should be tested at least once a year if you have unprotected sex, have had an STI or have a partner who has an STI, have multiple partners, share drug injection equipment (including needles or syringes), or have partners who engage in any of these behaviors. (National Coalition for Sexual Health) 

STEP 3: PRACTICE SAFE SEX

Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies is crucial for reproductive health. If left untreated, STIs can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, and damage or scarring to reproductive organs, leading to infertility. A Step Ahead Chattanooga offers free condoms to anyone living or going to school in our 18-county service area. Condoms are the only method of birth control that protects you against STIs. Click here to get free condoms mailed to you and learn more about safe sex practices by checking out this CDC STI screening guide.