• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • citibankEarn air miles on your rent and bills
        • Niki LaudaWho we said goodbye to in 2019
        • innisfree pore clay mask korean skincareWhere to buy top Korean beauty products
        • Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore_Facade (night)A guide to serviced apartments
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • Running events in SingaporeMarathons & running events – are you ready?
        • Green Day bandGuess who’s coming to Singapore?
        • Santa - cluny courtThings to do: What’s on this week
        • chijmes christmas fairChristmas fun for the family!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • chijmes christmas fairChristmas fun for the family!
        • OWIS Children playing and having funA new play-based, inquiry-led preschool
        • SjII12 incredible high school trips
        • Dover Court dancersMusic & performing arts for your kids
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • where to get furniture painted professionally singaporeGive your furniture a fresh look
        • Where to buy carpetRugs and carpets – who bought what?
        • designer furniture trendsDesigner Furniture Trends for 2020
        • To be calmHome news: Décor, furniture and more!
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • News
      • Travel Offers
        • island resortsReviewed: Eco-friendly island resorts
        • Sri LankaPlanning a trip to Sri Lanka?
        • Smokin pinepleTravel news: Places to stay and play
        • CrowneBest hotels for a staycation in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Grand Hyatt ChristmasThe ultimate guide to Christmas dining
        • Flower power close upNew bars and nightspots to try!
        • ginger cookiesChristmas recipes we love
        • Peppercorn Beef TenderloinPeppercorn tenderloin with horseradish sauce
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Beauty Offers
        • Where to get a blow dry in SingaporeWhere to get a blow dry
        • innisfree pore clay mask korean skincareWhere to buy top Korean beauty products
        • GrouppicturesPerfect party dresses for Christmas
        • christmas gift sets beauty products skincare makeupThe ultimate beauty gift guide
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • Running events in SingaporeMarathons & running events – are you ready?
        • Family sitting at windowIs it time to renew your health insurance?
        • SANTA FUN RUNHealth News: What’s up!
        • thyroidThyroid problems explained
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Health & Fitness » Medical » How often should I get a mammogram or a pap smear?

How often should I get a mammogram or a pap smear?

4th September 2017 by Anthia Chng 4 Min Read

Prevention is better than cure – that’s why it’s ever so important to go for regular health checkups and screenings especially if your family has a history of medical issues and concerns. Here are five common health concerns faced by women – maybe it’s time for you to book an appointment? 

women's health checkup screening
Get checked!

#1 Vaginal laxity

We speak to Dr Sylvia Ramirez from Cutis Medical Laser Clinics on a topic that many women avoid discussing, even with best friends. 

What is vaginal laxity?

Just like skin, vaginal tissue is made up of collagen fibres. During vaginal childbirth or sexual activity, these tissues can overstretch, loosen and weaken over time, especially within the vaginal opening. Many women who suffer from laxity around and on their labia minora and labia majora (the inner and outer vaginal tissues) often experience a feeling of “looseness”, reduced sexual satisfaction and less sensation during intercourse.

What are the treatments available?

Geneveve by Viveve and BTL Exilis Elite are two clinically-proven treatments that tighten the vaginal tissues and improve sexual sensation without surgery or downtime.

Geneveve uses dual-mode monopolar RF with cryogen cooling to protect the surface while stimulating collagen production in the inner vaginal tissue. Exilis Elite, on the other hand, uses focused thermal RF energy to promote natural healing and the production of new collagen fibres in the outer vaginal tissue.

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics
#08-07 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
6801 4000 | cutislaserclinics.com

 

#2 Breast cancer 

We speak to Dr Dharshini Gopalakrishnakone from The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre, a clinic of Singapore Medical Group (SMG), on the importance of mammograms.

When should I start getting mammograms?

Many women are confused about when to start mammograms and how often to get them done. When breast cancers are detected early, they are usually easier to treat, may need less treatment, and are more likely to be cured. My personal recommendation is to start early and get a mammogram at 40 years of age, and, if normal, twice yearly till 45 years and then yearly thereafter.

If you have any suspicion around the results or if you have dense breasts (more common if you’re under 45 years old), you may also be asked to do an ultrasound of the breasts for a clearer picture. It’s important to note that if you have a close first-degree relative who had breast cancer at a younger age, you should start scanning at an earlier age as well.”

Multiple locations islandwide
smgwomenshealth.sg
togc.sg

pap smear health check up
Don’t miss your bi-annual Pap smear

#3 Cervical cancer

We speak to Dr Nandini Shah from International Medical Clinic (IMC) on the importance of Pap smears.

What is a Pap Smear?

Also known as a cervical smear, a Pap smear test is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix to prevent cervical cancer.

How often should I get one?

It’s advised for women aged 21 years and above, and every two years.

What happens during a Pap smear?

The doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. The speculum holds the walls of the vagina apart and allows a clear view of the cervix. Once the speculum is in place, a spatula or brush is inserted through it to take a swab from the cervix. This may feel a little strange, but it shouldn’t be painful, and it only takes a minute or two. Once the doctor or nurse has taken some cells for examination, they will remove the speculum and you will be able to get dressed.

International Medical Clinic
#14-06 Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
6733 4440 | imc-healthcare.com

 

#4 Osteoporosis 

We speak to Dr Maria Tang from Complete Healthcare International on the importance of getting checked for osteoporosis.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes thinning and weakening of bones, which makes them more prone to fractures. The fractures typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist. There are no obvious signs of osteoporosis until you fracture a bone. Bone mineral density screening tests (BMDs) can identify problems early on, allowing early treatment in patients and preventing further bone loss.

Who should get checked for osteoporosis?

All women above 50 years old with any fractures should get a bone mineral density scan. Also, women under 65 years old with risk factors for osteoporosis should also undergo screening; these risk factors include having a poor diet, being underweight, smoking, having a history of eating disorder, and having a family history of osteoporosis.

Complete Healthcare International
45 Rochester Park
6776 2288 | chi-health.com.sg

pregnancy health screening
Planning a pregnancy? These are the health tests you should sign up for!

 #5 Sexually transmitted diseases

We speak to Dr Kelly Loi of Health & Fertility Centre for Women on the importance on getting checked for sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the popular screenings at the clinic?

Pre-pregnancy and fertility health checks. These can help couples to be more prepared by ensuring that they are in the best health before pregnancy. Other tests include a pelvic exam and ultrasound. Apart from detecting infections and sexually transmitted diseases, they also detect any problems with the uterus and ovaries, such as fibroids or cysts. A series of blood tests is also performed, to flag diseases such as hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. If they are present, effective pre- and post-natal intervention can be offered to decrease the risk of mother-to-child transmission. A rubella screening or vaccination also forms part of the process to prevent the risk of contracting congenital rubella during pregnancy, which can cause birth defects such as deafness and blindness.

 

Keep in check with more health checkups and fertility screenings.

Categories: Health & Fitness Living in Singapore Medical Tags: Health Healthcare Sexual health Singapore Health Womens Health

About Anthia Chng

When she's not trawling through Youtube for the latest beauty trends, Anthia spends her time reading up on the hottest restaurants and bars to visit. Desserts make her knees go weak, but if you really want to win her over, anything with salted caramel, peanut butter or matcha will work.

You May Also Like

Who we said goodbye to in 2019

innisfree pore clay mask korean skincare

Where to buy top Korean beauty products

Gardens by the bay

Christmas at Gardens by the Bay

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Thailand

Best short breaks from Singapore

Where to live in Singapore

The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

Best facial in Singapore

Best Facials Singapore: We review facial treatments!

ust Anthony best furniture store

Best furniture shops in Singapore

Haw Par Villa - things to do

35 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

Champagne Brunch in Singapore

Best Brunch Places In Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

What's On

IN Exhibition 2019/20

IN Exhibition 2019/20

D9 Festive Logcakes

Holly Jolly Hilton Christmas

Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens Wild Rice

Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens

DIY Sock Doll Workshop

DIY Sock Doll Workshop

Tennis Clinic

AWA Team Tennis ladies

AWA Team Tennis 2019/20

Follow us @expatlivingsg

This week we made our own scents! We’ve been smelling great ever since 💅Head down to Duxton to make your own @maison21g - Rebecca
This year we say farewell to one of Singapore’s iconic structures, with the Sentosa Merlion ceasing operations in late October. Here are some facts and figures about the huge sculpture. 25 - It's age; the Merlion was built in 1995, designed and sculpted by Australian artist James Martin. 37 - Metres in Height. The huge structure included two observation decks – one at the mouth and one at the top of the head. 320 - Scales on the Merlion, each shaped like an octagon, or the Taoist bagua symbol. 4 - The number of teeth, thought to represent Singapore’s four ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasia. 6 - Remaining number of Merlions in Singapore (including a pair of 3m Merlion statues on Mount Faber, along with the famous 8.6m original statue at Merlion Park). 90 - Cost, in millions of dollars, of the new “Sentosa Sensoryscape” project that will take over the Merlion’s spot, including a linkway between Resorts World Sentosa and the beaches to the south.
🎄Read the latest edition for free! We've got amazing prizes, Christmas gift ideas, festive dining options and more. Click here to start reading expatliving.sg/digital
GIVEAWAY ALERT! We're gifting a gelish mani + pedi (worth $140) at @trimmingssg to two lucky winners 💅🏼 To enter, tag three friends in the comment section. Good luck! Ends Thursday 12pm 💕
Christmas at Chijmes #expatlivingsg #TheSeasonofJoyCapitolSG #TheSeasonofJoyCHIJMES*
Christmas market at Capitol Kempinski #expatlivingsg #TheSeasonofJoyCapitolSG
Have you seen our festive shoot? 👀 Get a copy of the December issue and flip to page 172 for the full scoop!
Lunch with Dr. Sylvia Ramirez was amazing and extremely informative. Thank you @cutislaserclinics for educating us! Food and venue by @10scotts.sg & @grandhyattsing- Susan #expatlivingevents #drsylviaramirez #cutis #beauty #agegracefully
Congratulations @escentialssg on the opening of your new store at ION #expatlivingsg #escentialssg
Creative and beautiful- 2 words that sums up our morning with Originals and Flower Addict. Thank you all for coming, enjoy your gorgeous wreaths and Merry Christmas- Susan #expatlivingevents @originalsfurniture @floweraddictsg #christmaswreath #expatliving #singapore #originalfurniture #floweraddict #creativereaders
Thanks Canadian International School for sharing your thoughts about how our kids can develop GRIT and how to cope with the pressure of school- Susan #expatlingevents #expatlife #schoolpressure #GRIT #cis @cissingapore
Big personal thrill today to meet Dr. Jane Goodall who is here in Singapore. Loved hearing her chimp call! -Melinda @janegoodallinst
Had an amazing walk this Tuesday at Sentosa - big thanks to everyone for joining us! Check out our What’s On page for more walks
I’m on my way! ✈️ This month was all about Thailand - see where we recommended 🇹🇭
Are you as cool as Kev? Absolutely not. Check out his amazing cars and more in our home showcase.
Lovely walk yesterday! Thank you everyone for joining me - I am looking forward to the next one - Rebecca #walking #Sentosa #junglewalks
Watching Football and drinking beer! #quorn Battle of the Reds. SG #liverpool and #manchesterunited #nationalstadium The oldies still have it!
Tomorrow, Singapore-based charity, LOVE, NILS will hold their annual ‘anti-gala,’ to raise money to support children suffering from cancer, and their caregivers. To learn how you can help (and find out about the inspiring of founder, Lesli), visit @lovenils1 #lovenils #singaporecharity #expatlivingsg
Three more days to the Boutique Fairs! This is one event you don't want to miss this year – happening 15 to 17 November. @boutiquefairssg #boutiquefairssg #shopping #igsg
These sculptures are on the boardwalk to #Sentosa. I didn’t realise there were travellators all the way from #Vivocity to #universalstudios Amazing! #singapore🇸🇬 iRebecca
Doing a recee for next Saturday’s #walk - the sea looks lovely - only seen 6 #plastic bottles so far:(
Melinda heads to a wet market! (Full video on IGTV Or YouTube) Did you know: The term “wet markets” came into common usage in the early 1970s when the Singapore government used the term to distinguish these markets from air-conditioned “supermarkets” that had become popular with the opening of Fitzpatrick’s supermarket in Orchard Road in 1958.
Singapore Slings are an iconic part of the Lion City’s history since 1915. But which one is best? Watch (swipe) and find out if the one where they all began is tops. Watch the full video on IGTV or our YouTube! Did you know it was illegal for women to drink alcohol then? The creator Ngiam Tong Boon created the Sling so women could hide the fact that they were drinking in public. #singaporesling #expatliving #reviewcrew #igsg #longbar @raffleshotelsingapore
Incredibly fun day flying kites with the USA Girl Scouts at Marina Barrage. Love that place! - Melinda
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2019 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.