Every single health check you need to get (and when).

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There's a pervasive belief that men are more likely to put off going to the doctor until it's too late.

While it is true that women have more frequent contact with medical professionals than their male counterparts, the numbers actually tell a more nuanced story. 

Women's need to access medical birth control, as well as a higher prevalence of chronic conditions like autoimmune disease in the female population probably accounts for the extra face time we have with doctors.

It doesn't mean we're getting the appropriate checkups, though.

According to ABS data, it is women — even those who use health services more frequently overall — who are increasingly delaying or skipping necessary medical checks and treatments, often more so than men.

Watch: A GP shares six ways to support your body and brain as you age. Post continues after video.

Why women aren't going to the doctor.

One of the leading reasons for this is cost. In 2023-24, 11 per cent of females delayed or did not see a GP when needed due to cost, compared to six percent of males. 

Outside of the cost-barrier, there's also the long list of competing needs that modern women, particularly mothers, put above their own.

There are only so many hours in the day, and if it's a choice between making an appointment for your four-year-old's vaccinations and scheduling a routine checkup for yourself, we know which one the average mum is going to choose. 

And yet, scheduling the right health checks at the right time can not only save your life, but also save you time and money down the track.

"I'm a huge fan of preventative medicine," Dr Sara Whitburn, Chair of Sexual Health Special Interest Group at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) tells Mamamia.

"While you should talk to your GP any time you have concerns, there are some key stages where we recommend starting to get certain health checks."

Health checks to prioritise in your 20s and 30s.

While you probably don't yet need an eye cream, and you can wake up after seven Aperol spritzes and go for a run, there are still a few health checks you need to be scheduling in. 

Cervical screening.

Age to start: Anyone with a cervix, from 25 years old.

"If that's all clear, we'll repeat it every five years until the age of 75, when you exit the program," says Dr Whitburn.

Why it's important: Cervical screening has replaced the Pap smear (or Pap test) in Australia, shifting from detecting abnormal cells to detecting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that causes most cervical cancers. 

Dr Whitburn adds, "Even if you've had the HPV Gardasil vaccination through the Australian immunisation schedule, you still need to come and have cervical screening if you've had any form of sexual activity at all."

"It doesn't have to be penis-in-vagina, sex, which is what a lot of people think when they say sex, but any sort of touching. People in same-sex relationships included. Any sort of sexual activity with another partner from 25 years on, the cervical screening is a really important one."

What's involved: A small swab is inserted into the vagina to collect a sample from the cervix, which is then sent for testing. There is now the option to self-collect, so if you'd prefer that option, ask your GP, who will assess whether you're suitable to self-collect and instruct you on how to do so.

Cost: It's covered under Medicare, but if your GP charges a consultation fee you will need to pay the difference. There are several bulk-billing options in each state where you can access a cervical screening for free. 

STI screening (sexually transmitted infections).

Age to start: "As soon as you are sexually active, you should be tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections," says Dr Whitburn. 

Why it's important: "We would recommend an annual STI test. Now, that might stop if you're in a mutually exclusive relationship where you've both been tested and you feel your risk is low, but up to 30, and up to 35 for some people, like people in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we would recommend an annual STI test just to keep your sexual health up to date."

What's involved: Usually a urine test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea and a blood test for HIV and syphilis. Depending on your risk factors and sexual practices, you may also need to provide self-collected swabs from the throat or anus.

Cost: The cost of routine STI screening is covered by Medicare, and if you go to a Public Sexual Health clinic, an Aboriginal Health Service or a bulk-billed GP, the consultation will also be free. If you book in with a private GP there may be a consultation fee to pay.

Health checks to prioritise in your 40s.

Welcome to the sandwich-generation age, where you're likely looking after ageing parents and young kids at the same time as reaching the peak of your career responsibilities. FUN!

No wonder the checks start ramping up …

Perimenopause and menopause health assessment.

Age to start: Dr Whitburn recommends "once a year, from that mid-forties stage typically," though anyone experiencing symptoms related to premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, perimenopause, or menopause is eligible for the check.

Why it's important: Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life — but there are treatment options available to you.

What's involved: A comprehensive consultation, physical exam (blood pressure, height and weight) and discussion of support and management options if appropriate.

Cost: This assessment is a newly-introduced service under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and part of the Federal Government's commitment to extend support for women in this period.

While the health check was only introduced to the MBS in July of this year, many clinics are expected to bulk bill this service, resulting in no out-of-pocket cost for the patient.

Listen: A GP explains the surprising signs you might be in perimenopause. Post continues below.

The 45-49 health check.

Age to start: 45

Why it's important: "From 45 onwards, our risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease goes up," explains Dr Whitburn.

"The 45–49 year-old health check is a specific, one-off preventive health assessment available through Medicare. It is designed to help your doctor identify and prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases later in life."

What's involved: "It's about coming in and having a chat to your GP for a health check, where we do a heart check, a blood pressure check, look at your cholesterol, look at your sugar, and depending on what those outcomes are and your family risk and your own personal risk, you might then be asked to do that more regularly."

"There will be blood tests, measurements, a physical exam and psychological questions to understand any risk factors for mental health conditions. If there are concerns, your doctor will tailor a health plan for you."

Cost: The majority of clinics offer this health check as a fully bulk-billed service, but contact your GP to confirm beforehand. The check itself is Medicare-covered.

Health checks to prioritise in your 50s and beyond.

You're really starting to dig the music on Double J, you can afford nicer holidays and your kids are getting more independent.

That's how you know it's time to think about…

Mammograms.

Age to start: Women from 40 onwards are eligible, but it is recommended from 50 onwards. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you might like to discuss preventative measures with your medical professional.

Why it's important: A low-dose xray designed to find breast changes too small to detect with a physical exam, a mammogram is the gold standard of early-detection in Australia when it comes to breast cancer. 

What's involved: You'll be asked to undress from the waist down and have your breasts compressed and x-rayed inside a machine. It can be slightly uncomfortable, but is relatively quick. It is done by a female radiologist.

Cost: Under a national program called Breast Screen Australia, mammograms are free for women over 40, every two years. 

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).

Age to start: You're eligible to request your first kit from 45 onwards, but people over 50 on the Medicare Register are automatically mailed a kit every two years.

Why it's important: "This is the 'poo-test' that people talk about," says Dr Whitburn, referencing the program that sends Australians over 50 a screening pack where they can self-collect a faecal sample to be sent off for screening.

Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and third deadliest cancer in women. But it's also important to note that this test is for people who have no signs or symptoms of bowel cancer.

No matter your age, if you have symptoms (like blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habit, or unexplained weight loss), you must see your GP immediately, as a different, more urgent investigation may be needed.

What's involved: The kit contains two collection tubes, flushable toilet liners, a zip-lock bag, a form, and a reply-paid envelope. It also contains detailed instructions on how to collect your sample, which can be done at home in your toilet. It's then repeated every two years.

Cost: Free.

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Well by Mamamia. Australian women, welcome to your full-body health check. At Well, our goal is to improve the health of one million Aussie women by delivering the game-changing health info they actually need. This initiative is made possible through the support of our presenting partner, Chemist Warehouse, and our Health Checks topic sponsors, Bupa.