When it comes to women’s health, timing matters. Women’s Scans and health screenings help find issues early, often before you feel any symptoms. That means fewer complications, faster treatment, and peace of mind for you and your family.
Why Women’s Scans are important
Some health problems develop silently. You might feel perfectly fine, yet early changes are happening inside your body. Screenings and scans are designed to spot those changes early.
- Cervical screening (smear test): Now uses a test for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. If you’re HPV-negative between the ages of 25–49, you only need to repeat the test every 5 years.
- Breast screening (mammogram): It helps you find cancer before you feel a lump, usually every 3 years from age 50–70 in the NHS.
- Ultrasound scans: Quick, safe, and radiation-free. They give doctors a real-time picture of your body, especially for gynaecological or pelvic symptoms.
What’s included in Women’s Health Screening?
Depending on your age and symptoms, a health check for women may include:
- Scans and Imaging: Pelvic & Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), breast ultrasound, mammogram, abdominal or thyroid ultrasound.
- Blood tests: cholesterol, blood sugar (HbA1c, which shows your 3-month sugar average), full blood count, thyroid function, and vitamin D.
- Checks and vitals: blood pressure, weight/BMI, cervical smear, bowel screening with the FIT test (a simple stool test for blood), and bone density (DEXA) if you’re at risk of osteoporosis.
Which screenings do women need by age?
Think of this as a roadmap for your health, not strict rules. Always talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
In your 20s
- Blood pressure & BMI every 1–3 years.
- STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) tests for those at risk.
- Cervical screening starting at 25.
During your 30s
- Continue blood pressure & weight checks.
- Cholesterol & blood sugar tests if you have family risk or weight issues.
- Ultrasound scan if you have heavy periods, pain, or fertility worries.
When you reach your 40s
- Health Screening For Women Over 40
- Breast screening begins around 50, but some women with risk factors may need earlier checks.
- Regular cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure checks.
- Consider a pelvic ultrasound if you notice cycle changes.
From 50 to 64
- Bowel screening (FIT test) every 2 years.
- Mammogram every 3 years.
- Bone density scan if you’re at risk.
At 65 and beyond
- Bone health checks (DEXA).
- Cardiovascular screening (blood pressure, cholesterol).
- Ongoing mammograms if in the programme age.
- Falls-risk assessments.
How often should women have screenings?
- Cervical screening (HPV test): every 5 years if negative.
- Mammogram: every 3 years from 50–70.
- Bowel (FIT test): every 2 years, ages 50–74.
- Blood pressure/weight: every 1–3 years, yearly if at risk.
- Blood sugar & cholesterol: every 3–5 years, more often with risks.
- Bone density (DEXA): once after 65, then every 2–5 years if needed.
- Ultrasound (TVUS/Pelvic): not routine, but recommended if you have bleeding, pain, or fertility issues.
When should you consider an ultrasound?
An ultrasound can answer questions when something feels off. Common reasons include:
- Heavy or irregular bleeding.
- Pain in your lower tummy or pelvis.
- Fertility concerns.
- Suspected fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis.
- Checking the position of an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Reassurance in early pregnancy.
Private Ultrasound is safe, quick, and gives results straight away.
What is a transvaginal scan (TVUS)?
This is a type of pelvic ultrasound done internally. A small, slim probe (covered and with gel) is gently inserted into the vagina to give very clear images of your womb and ovaries.
- Takes about 10 minutes.
- Safe and painless (some mild pressure is possible).
- No radiation.
Preparation: usually, you empty your bladder before. You can always ask for a female practitioner or have a chaperone.
What is a Well Woman Scan?
A Well Woman Scan is a complete health check designed just for women. It may include:
- A review of your health history and risks.
- Blood pressure and BMI check.
- Pelvic ultrasound (external and sometimes internal).
- Blood tests chosen for your age and needs.
It’s about peace of mind, catching issues early and confirming that things are on track.
Extra focus for women over 40
- Breast health: mammograms every 3 years; for very dense breasts, MRI or ultrasound may be advised.
- Metabolic health: keep a close eye on cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
- Cycle changes: unusual bleeding at this age should always be checked, usually starting with an ultrasound.
- Bone strength: DEXA scans can prevent surprises like fractures.
Private Scan Clinic vs. NHS
- NHS Screenings: Free, reliable, but with a long waiting time.
- Private Women’s Health Scans: Faster appointments, self-referral, and often same-day results.
Whichever you choose, always share the results with your GP (General Practitioner) so that your care is joined up.
Preparing for your scan
- Bring a list of your medicines.
- Pelvic scan (external): come with a full bladder.
- Transvaginal scan (TVUS): come with an empty bladder.
- Blood tests: some (like cholesterol) may require fasting.
Why Choose RAD Clinics?
At RAD Clinics, we know waiting causes worry. That’s why we offer:
- Same-day results in most cases
- Self-referral—no GP wait
- Clinics in Northampton, Milton Keynes & Aylesbury
- Clear explanations in plain language
- You’ll be supported every step of the way, with compassionate staff and clear reports to share with your GP.
Your health deserves attention, not delay. Women’s Scans are a safe and effective way to get answers early and protect your future wellbeing. At RAD Clinics, we’re here to give you clarity, comfort, and same-day results when you need them most.
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
What is a transvaginal scan (TVUS)?
A transvaginal scan (TVUS) is an internal pelvic ultrasound using a slim vaginal probe to image the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, and cervix with high resolution as part of Women’s Scans.
What is a Well Woman Scan?
A Well Woman Scan is a comprehensive pelvic ultrasound assessing uterus, ovaries, endometrium, and adnexa to screen for cysts, fibroids, polyps, and structural issues within Women’s Scans.
Why would I need an ultrasound?
Women’s Scans use ultrasound to evaluate pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, infertility, suspected cysts or fibroids, irregular periods, IUD position, early pregnancy viability, and to monitor known conditions or treatment response.