My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Women's Health

Women's Health Guide

Email a Friend

Print Article

Women's Health Trends:

Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Milestone Medical Tests in Your 20s and 30s

Going to the doctor may be the last thing on your mind right now, but regular check-ups may save your health -- and your life -- later.

Starting in your 20s and 30s, your doctor can perform or recommend a number of simple tests to look for problems that can rob people of their health. Here's a list of the basic tests you should ask for. (Note that your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your personal health profile.)

Recommended Related to Women

Escape from the Worry Trap

By Diane Umansky When many of us are peacefully slumbering, Paula McClure, the owner of a spa in Dallas, is often jolted awake by what she refers to as her sleep committee. "The committee meets in my head at 3 a.m., and we run down a list of problems: all the things I didn't get done that day, people I didn't call back, decisions I'm worried about," she says. The dark-of-the-night fretting may follow McClure into the daytime hours, often making her feel emotionally paralyzed. "My...

Read the Escape from the Worry Trap article > >

Stepping on the Scales. We all hate to do it, but weight -- rather, too much of it -- puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases later in life.
Blood Pressure. It's simple, it's cheap and it's quick. Your heart (and arteries, brain, eyes, and kidneys) will thank you later.
Cholesterol Profile. You do have to have blood drawn for a cholesterol test, but it's worth it. Everyone age 20 and over should know their cholesterol numbers, and get them checked at least once every five years.
For Women Only: Breast Exam, Pelvic Exam and Pap. You knew it was coming -- the breast exam, pelvic exam, and Pap smear. A clinical breast exam and 10 minutes of mild discomfort from the pelvic exam pays big dividends in protecting you from cancer and diseases that can cause infertility. If you've had abnormal Paps in the past, be sure to get a new Pap smear as often as your doctor recommends. For those with no history of an abnormal Pap, a Pap smear can be done every three years, rather than annually.
Protecting Your Eyes. You may not have considered this, but at some point before you're 40, visit an eye care provider for an exam. (Go more often if you have vision problems).
Checking Your Immunizations. Be sure to ask your doctor to update any immunizations that you might need.

Each year around your birthday, give yourself a gift. Schedule a visit to your dentist and call your doctor to see if there are important tests you should take. With an investment of an hour or two, you may be able to add years to your life.

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources