Doctor Dread

Kate, a 31 -year-old journalist, only went for her first gynecological checkup at the age of 24. 'I'd started having sex a few years earlier and I knew the appointment was long overdue,' she admits. 'But I just couldn't bear the thought of such an embarrassing procedure. Worse still, what if the doctor found something irregular?'

When she finally plucked up the courage her fears were realized when the results of her Pap smear showed abnormal cells. 'It wasn't a pleasant experience but it did teach me the importance of being proactive about my health,' she says. 'It's not worth waiting until a checkup is overdue. The abnormal cells were caught in time but if they'd been left a little longer an already frightening situation could have been much worse.'

Check it Out

Fear of a negative diagnosis or of being embarrassed are just two reasons some women avoid going for medical checkups. Other reasons include the expectation of discomfort or pain, and the possible cost implications.

Because we lead such busy lives we often don't think about our health until something goes wrong. But the best way to avoid serious health issues is by going for regular checkups. These include twice-yearly dental checkups and cleaning, as well as seeing an optometrist every two years - more often if you wear glasses or contact lenses. It's also wise to check for high blood pressure every two years. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, get tested for diabetes too. You should also see a dermatologist about skin irregularities, especially if you're a sun worshipper.

An annual breast check, which can be performed by a doctor, is vital too. Usually only women older than 40 require mammograms but your doctor may recommend that you schedule a test sooner if she finds an abnormal mass or if there is a family history of breast cancer.

Women who are sexually active or older than 21 should also have a Pap smear every one to three years. This test is generally not considered necessary for women who aren't yet sexually active, or who are under 20, as cervical abnormalities are rare at this stage and cell changes occurring at this age may make it difficult to detect abnormalities. That said, Pap smears are crucial: cervical screening saves more than 1 000 lives every year and is able to detect 80% to 90% of cervical abnormalities. If you are younger than 20 and concerned about your sexual health, see your doctor.

Face the Fear

The thought of these checkups is often worse than the procedures themselves. Anxiety is connected with fear of the unknown, so the key to overcoming such fear lies in arming yourself with as much information as possible. This allows you to reframe the situation and to see it in a less threatening light.
If that doesn't help, consider the root of your fear. A proactive attitude shows that a person values herself sufficiently to take responsibility for her health. Avoiding checkups, which we know are critical to our wellbeing, suggests some other issues are at work, such as poor self-esteem, fear of a potentially life-threatening disease or worry about managing the costs involved. You might feel better about these concerns after talking them through with a psychologist or doctor.

Any checkup is far less frightening if you have a relationship of trust with your doctor. If you feel uncomfortable, try meditation and breathing exercises before and during the checkup. Schedule your appointment for a time when you are relaxed and don't have to rush. Reward yourself with a treat afterwards for facing your fears.