In your 20s and 30s, life can feel like a constant balancing act. You have your career, relationships, family, and personal goals all competing for your attention. Many Filipinas put everyone else first, letting their own health be left in the backburner. But here’s what you need to remember: preventive care is one of the most powerful forms of self-care you can invest in.
A regular health checkup is not just for when you already feel sick. It’s your first line of defense against health conditions that may not show any symptoms at all. This guide covers the 10 medical tests every Filipina must have before turning 40 years old.
Whether you are scheduling a well woman exam, a yearly checkup, or an executive checkup for women near Biñan, Laguna, this list will keep you on track.
Tests To Start on Your 20s (Ages 20-29)
Your 20s is the time to figure out your health baselines and build the habit of getting annual screening tests for women. The following routine tests for women should be started within this decade.
1. Pap Smear and HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is the top 2 most common cancer among Filipino women, with more than 7.800 new cases and over 4,000 deaths recorded every year, which is roughly 12 Filipinas every single day[1]. Only 5% have the HPV vaccine.
The Pap Smear procedure involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect any abnormalities before they become cancerous. HPV test in the Philippines checks for high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18, which cause most of the cervical cancer cases in the Philippines[2]. The two tests are usually done together to have the most complete cervical cancer screening results.
When to Start: Pap Smear should be done from age 21 or once sexually active, every 3 years then Pap Smear and HPV co-testing from age 25 onward.
At Unihealth Southwoods: If you need to consult an OB-GYN, you may check our Doctors’ Schedules here. If you are wondering about Pap Smear price in the Philippines, you may inquire directly through our Information Department at +63 925 310 5666.
2. Breast Exam, Self Breast Exam, and Breast Ultrasound for Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Philippines. In Asia, the Philippines has the highest breast cancer mortality rate. In 2024, 33,079 new cases were recorded and 65% are diagnosed too late, reaching more advanced stages before detection. Of roughly 54 million Filipino women, only around 1% have ever been screened[3]. The Philippine Cancer Society reports that around 32 Filipinas die from breast cancer every day[4].
A clinical breast exam by a doctor checks for lumps, indents, or changes in the breast and surrounding areas. Knowing how to do a breast exam at home each month (ideally 7 to 10 days after your period) gives you the best chance of early detection. For Filipinas under 40 that have denser breast tissue, a breast ultrasound is usually more effective than just mammogram screening.
When to Start: Monthly self-exam by age 20, clinical breast exam every annual physical examination (APE) from age 25, and baseline breast ultrasound by age 30-35 or earlier if you have family history.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Clinical breast exams are available through our OB-GYN Outpatient Department. You can check our Doctors’ Schedules here to find a doctor for you. Breast Ultrasound is also included in our Silver and Gold Executive Check-up Packages for Women, available at our Radiology Department.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infection Check for STI Screening
Many sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and Hepatitis B (Hepa B), have no noticeable symptoms. An STI check protects your health, fertility, and your future family as most STIs can be transmitted to babies. Annual STI screening is recommended for all sexually active women, and a routine Pap Smear or consultation is always a good opportunity to ask about STI testing.
STI Testing is NOT embarrassing nor shameful. It is a very important tool to help make sure you are healthy not just reproductively but also holistically. There is no shame in staying informed and taking care of yourself.
When to Start: Once sexually active, ideally every year, especially for those age 25 and above and those with new or multiple partners.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Our in-house laboratory in Laguna offers STI screening tests and a Pre-Natal Package covering HIV, Hepa B, and Syphilis. These tests can also be requested individually during your OPD consultation.
4. Mental Health Screening
Mental health is just as important as physical health but it’s still one of the most overlooked areas in Filipino women’s healthcare. The stigma is improving but there’s still a long way to go for mental health care in the Philippines.
A mental health screening checks for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders and should be a regular part of your well woman exam, especially during major life transitions like sudden job loss, a serious illness diagnosis, or a sudden loss of a loved one.
If you are a new parent, you should also get a screening for Postpartum Depression to make sure you’re healing well both physically and mentally, especially if you’re experiencing Postpartum Depression symptoms.
When to Start: Anytime you need to, especially when experiencing symptoms or disruption to your everyday activities, or as part of your annual checkup.
At Unihealth Southwoods: You can consult a Psychiatrist in Laguna here at Unihealth Southwoods. Check our Doctors’ Schedules here.
5. Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound detects ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and PCOS, which are conditions common among Filipinas in their 20s and 30s that often go undiagnosed until they cause problems. If you have irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, or difficulty getting pregnant, ask your doctor how to test for hormonal imbalance in women. A pelvic ultrasound is usually the first step.
When to Start: As recommended by your OB-GYN, or whenever you experience irregular periods, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Pelvic and whole abdomen ultrasounds are available at our Radiology Department. Our Silver and Gold Executive Check-up Packages for Women also include a Whole Abdomen Ultrasound.
Tests to Prioritize in Your 30s (Ages 30-39)
As you enter your 30s, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and family health history become more and more relevant. These are the years that you should be proactive about your metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and reproductive conditions.
6. FBS and HbA1c for Blood Sugar Testing and Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the Philippines. As of 2021, an estimated 4.3 million Filipinos had been diagnosed with diabetes, while another 2.8 million remained undiagnosed, projected to even reach 7.5 million by 2045[5].
Two blood sugar tests in the Philippines that help detect Diabetes early are Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), which measures glucose after an 8-12 hour fast check for prediabetesor diabetes, and HbA1c blood test that shows your average blood sugar in the past 2 or 3 months.
→ FBS normal range is less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) and above suggests diabetes.
→ HbA1c normal range is below 5.7%, 5.7%-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% and above suggests diabetes.
Ask your doctor about HbA1c fasting hours before you fast, as requirements may differ.
When to Start: Every 1-3 years from age 30 but earlier or more frequently if you are overweight, have diabetes family history, or had gestational diabetes.
At Unihealth Southwoods: FBS and HbA1c are included in all Unihealth executive check up packages. We also have our Diabetes Center in Laguna that offers specialized education, diet counseling, and management support for abnormal results.
7. Lipid Profile Test for Cholesterol Testing
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for women in the Philippines.
A lipid profile measures your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. Normal cholesterol levels for women in their 30s vary by individual risk profile, so your doctor will interpret results when they have your full health picture.
Recommended Cholesterol Levels for Adults (regardless of age)[6]:
- Total Cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: less than 100 md/dL
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: more than 50 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: less than 150 md/dL
When to Start: Age 30-35, repeat every 4-6 years if normal, or more often if you smoke, are overweight, or have heart disease family history.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Lipid profile testing is included in all three executive check up packages at Unihealth Southwoods. Our Heart Station also provides ECG, 2D Echo, and 24-Hour Ambulatory BP Monitoring.
8. TSH, FT3, and FT4 Tests for Thyroid Function Testing
In the Philippines, thyroid dysfunction affects 8.53% of Filipino adults, roughly 1 in 12, with women affected at a ratio of 3:1 compared to men[7].
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction include unexplained weight changes, fatigue, hair loss, irregular periods, and mood swings, which are all easy to overlook as everyday stress. The thyroid function test measures TSH, Free T3 (FT3), and Free T4 (FT4) for a complete picture of thyroid health.
When to Start: Every 2-5 years from early 30s, or sooner if you have symptoms, a family history of thyroid disease, or PCOS.
At Unihealth Southwoods: TSH, FT3, and FT4 testing is included in our Silver and Gold Executive Check-up Packages for Women. Results can be reviewed with our Internal Medicine or OB-GYN specialists.
9. Skin Check for Screen Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but awareness is still low in the Philippines. A skin check is a quick, non-invasive full-body visual exam by a dermatologist to catch unusual moles, lesions, or skin changes before they progress.
When to Start: Baseline skin exam in your late 20s or early 30s, annual checks if you have risk factors such as significant sun exposure (e.g. you love tanning at the beach or work outdoors) or a family history of skin cancer.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Our expert Dermatologists in Biñan, Laguna provide skin, hair, and nail consultations as well as punch biopsy for suspicious lesions. You can check our Dermatologists’ schedules here.
10. Eye and Hearing Test
An eye and hearing test as parts of your routine general check up for women can detect refractive errors, early glaucoma, cataracts, and hearing loss before they affect your everyday life. Women with diabetes are especially at risk for diabetic retinopathy and should definitely not skip their annual eye exam.
When to Start: Yearly vision screening from age 20, comprehensive eye exam every 2 years from age 30, or every year if you have diabetes or wear corrective lenses/eyeglasses.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Unihealth Southwoods Eye Center in Biñan, Laguna, a partnership with Calamba Eye Center, offers comprehensive ophthalmology services including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy screening. Call 0995-631-2405 or visit our Doctor’s Schedule page for Ophthalmologist schedules.
Additional Screenings and Immunizations
Aside from the 10 core medical tests for women above, there are several other health priorities every Filipina should be aware of:
- Blood pressure monitoring should be done at every doctor visit.
- Mammogram screening typically begins at age 40, but women with a family history of breast cancer may need a diagnostic mammogram earlier.
- A bone density test is routinely recommended at 65, but high-risk women may need a baseline in their late 30s.
- Lung cancer screening via low-dose CT is recommended for current or former heavy smokers aged 50 and above.
For Immunizations, all Filipinas aged 20-40 should be up to date on the:
- HPV vaccine (effective up to age 45)
- Hepatitis B (Hepa B) vaccine
- Yearly flu vaccine
- Tdap booster
- Current COVID-19 vaccine guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH) Philippines.
Many of these vaccinations can be administered at the same visit as your routine screening tests.
At Unihealth Southwoods: Our Internal Medicine and OB-GYN specialists at the Outpatient Department can review your vaccination history and administer recommended immunizations. Our Pulmonary Department and Radiology Services support lung health evaluations.
Unihealth Southwoods Executive Check-Up Packages for Women
Getting all of these tests individually can feel overwhelming. Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center, located at Southwoods Ecocentrum Business Park in BiñanCity, Laguna, offers comprehensive executive check up packages for women that have the most essential tests in just one, convenient visit.
The most basic Bronze Executive Checkup Package (for men and women) covers CBC, FBS, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, HBsAg, kidney and liver function tests, Routine Urinalysis, ECG, 2D Echo, and Chest X-ray. It’s a solid general check up for women in their 20s.
The Silver Executive Checkup Package for Women adds Whole Abdomen Ultrasound, Breast Ultrasound, and Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, FT3, FT4) along with those that are in the Bronze Package, making it ideal for women in their 30s who need a more targeted screening test for women.
The Gold Executive Checkup Package for Women is the most comprehensive option, adding Calcium, Magnesium, TPAG, and a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) on top of everything in the Silver Package. It is best for women who are going on age 40 and above or those with a complex health history.
All executive checkup packages are available at our Laboratory Department. Unihealth Southwoods is also accredited with 28 HMO providers including Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare, Insular Health Care, PhilCare, and more. Our HMO Office is open Monday to Saturday, 7AM to 8PM. Learn more about using your HMO insurance on our HMO Insurance Guide.
Book Your Well Woman Check-Up at Unihealth Southwoods
Taking care of your health is not selfish. It is necessary for you, and for everyone who depends on you. The women of Biñan, Cabuyao, Calamba, and the wider CALABARZON region deserve accessible, high-quality preventive care close to home.
Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center offers everything you need for a complete well woman exam under one roof. We have laboratory services, radiology, OB-GYN consultations, diabetes care, eye care, and specialist consultations.
Do not wait until something feels wrong. Schedule your yearly test for women today.
Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center
Lot 3 Blk 11 Southwoods Ecocentrum Business Park, Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna
Trunkline: (02) 8898-9700 | (02) 8861-6386 | (02) 8775-2861
Email: ushmc.customerservice@gmail.com
Facebook: @UnihealthSouthwoods | Instagram: @unihealth_southwoods
Sources:
[1] https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/PHL_FS.pdf
[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.929062/full
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38382166/
[7] https://asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/9/400
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between FBS and HbA1c? Do I need both?
Both are blood sugar tests used to detect diabetes and prediabetes. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test gives a snapshot of your glucose level on the day of the test, after an 8 to 12 hour fast. The HbA1c blood test reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
How do I know if I have hormonal imbalance?
Some hormonal imbalance symptoms are irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, mood swings, hair loss, or difficulty getting pregnant. If you’reexperiencing any of these symptoms, visit your OB-GYN or internal medicine doctor for proper medical assessment. Do not self-diagnose based on symptoms alone.
How should I prepare for a blood test like FBS, HbA1c, or lipid profile?
For Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test or lipid profile (cholesterol test), you will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Water is fine, but avoid food, coffee, and juice. For HbA1c blood test, fasting is not always required, but your clinic may still ask you to fast as precaution. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before any blood test, inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, and follow the specific instructions given by your clinic. If you are not sure, always ask.
How do I prepare for a Pap Smear?
Avoid scheduling it during your period, menstrual blood can affect results. For 48 hours before the test, avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal douching, tampons, and vaginal creams or medications. No need for fasting. The procedure is quick but may cause mild discomfort (should not be painful). If you’ve never had a pap smear before, let your doctor or nurse know so they can walk you through each step.
How do I prepare for a breast ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound?
For breast ultrasound, wear a two-piece outfit for easy access, and avoid lotions, powders, or deodorants on your chest area on the day of the exam. Preparation for a pelvic ultrasound depends on the type. A transabdominal pelvic ultrasound usually requires a full bladder, and a transvaginal ultrasound, requires an empty bladder. Your doctor or radiologist will give you specific instructions based on the type of ultrasound ordered.
Can I get an STI test even if I have no symptoms?
Yes. In fact, it’s recommended. Many STIs usually show no symptoms at all, which is why routine STI screening is recommended for all sexually active women regardless of how they feel. Waiting for symptoms to appear can allow conditions to progress or be unknowingly passed to a partner. There is no shame in asking for an STI test. It is a responsible and routine part of sexual health care.
Can I use my PhilHealth or HMO card for my women’s health checkup at Unihealth Southwoods in Biñan, Laguna?
Yes, you can. Our hospital is a PhilHealth accredited facility. PhilHealth has benefits for women within the Konsulta Package/YAKAP program and the Z benefits package. USHMC is also accredited with 28 HMO providers, including Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare, Insular Health Care, and PhilCare among others. Coverage varies by plan;confirm yours with your HMO or HR department first. View our PhilHealth Insurance Guide and HMO Insurance Guide to learn more.