Preventive Women’s Health Screenings to Prioritize This May

May is a smart time to reset your healthcare checklist. National Women’s Health Week 2026 runs from May 10 through May 16 and encourages women to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you have been putting off routine care, this is a strong time to get back on track.

Preventive screenings matter because many important health conditions do not cause obvious symptoms early on. A screening schedule should always be personalized, but there are several key services many women should review with their provider this month.

Start With Your Well-Woman Visit

A yearly well-woman visit is one of the best places to begin. The Office on Women’s Health describes this as a yearly preventive checkup and a time to review your health, concerns, goals, and prevention plan.

A well-woman visit helps make sure the rest of your preventive care stays coordinated. It is also the right time to discuss symptoms such as:

• Irregular bleeding or pelvic pain
• Vaginal dryness or menopause changes
• Questions about fertility and birth control

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening remains one of the most important preventive services in OB/GYN care. The USPSTF recommends:

• Ages 21 to 29: Screening every 3 years with cytology (Pap test) alone.
• Ages 30 to 65: Cytology every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or cotesting every 5 years.

If you are not sure when your last Pap test or HPV screening was completed, May is a good time to check. Staying current matters, even if you feel fine.

Mammograms

Breast cancer screening guidance has changed in an important way. The USPSTF now recommends biennial screening mammography for women ages 40 to 74. This means many women should start routine mammograms at 40 and continue every other year through 74.

Women with a higher-than-average breast cancer risk—such as those with a strong family history, prior abnormal imaging, or dense breasts—may need a more individualized screening plan.

Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressure screening is a vital part of preventive women’s health. The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertension in adults 18 years or older. High blood pressure may not cause symptoms early, making routine screening essential during:

• Pregnancy and postpartum care
• Menopause transition
• General annual wellness exams

Diabetes Screening

The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults ages 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity. This is especially relevant for women with a history of:

• Gestational diabetes
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Metabolic concerns or menopause-related weight changes

STI Screening When Indicated

Screening needs vary based on age, sexual history, and risk factors. The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in:

• All sexually active women age 24 and younger.
• Women 25 and older who are at increased risk (including pregnant persons).

Bone Density Screening

Bone health is a priority, especially for postmenopausal women. As of January 2025, the USPSTF recommends:

• Women 65 and older: Routine screening for osteoporosis with bone density measurement.
• Postmenopausal women under 65: Evaluation for those who have specific risk factors.

Prevention Works Best When It Is Personalized

Not every woman needs every screening at the same age. Your plan should reflect your age, medical history, and personal goals. A preventive visit is also a chance to review emotional well-being and pelvic floor concerns.

At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we help women build a prevention plan that supports health at every stage. Stop delaying the care you meant to schedule months ago—make this May about you.