Health in your 20s: the essential checkups

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Your twenties are the time when you feel like your health is its peak. 

Most people face fewer medical issues during these years, unless there’s a strong family history of certain conditions. Still, keeping up with the right check-ups now can help you stay well in the long run.

“It's common for people in their twenties to feel invincible, immortal, and as if nothing can go wrong,” says Dr Francois van Niekerk, a family physician at Mediclinic Newcastle. They’re generally right: conditions that pose a serious health risk, like diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, tend to start later, so you don’t need to start screening for them just yet.

Your greatest health concern: sexual wellbeing

That doesn’t mean you can take your health for granted Dr Van Niekerk cautions. “The biggest concern at this age is usually sexual health,” he says.

Jade* realised this when she when she started experiencing flu-like symptoms. This wasn’t a common cold, though: her general aches and fever were accompanied by lower back pain, burning urine and bleeding between periods. Her diagnosis? Chlamydia – which, if left untreated can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which could have affected Jade’s fertility. That's why it’s important to have sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed and treated early on.

HIV/AIDS remains a widespread issue in this age group, Dr Van Niekerk says. “It’s good practice to be tested for infection annually, especially if you have different sexual partners. Your healthcare professional will test for other sexually transmitted diseases at the same time.”

Testing has evolved and is now non-invasive: although HIV testing still requires a blood sample, other diseases like chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be detected through a urine test or a cell swab you can conduct at home.

Cervical cancer screening

The protocols for cervical cancer testing have also advanced. In the past, women were advised to have an annual Pap smear from age 18. However, since the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was introduced – and because HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer – many doctors now screen for HPV instead of doing a traditional Pap smear. If your HPV test comes back negative and you’re considered low risk, for example, you don’t have HIV and you’re in a monogamous relationship, you only need to repeat the test every five years. “But women who don’t fall into this group need to be screened every year,” Dr Van Niekerk advises.

He adds that if HPV is found during your screening, your doctor will recommend a Pap smear. If the Pap smear shows any pre-cancerous cells, it’s important to have a colposcopy – a closer examination of the cervix using a special instrument – so you can get the right treatment.

Other health concerns

Although type 2 diabetes is only likely to show up in your forties, the high prevalence of obesity in South Africa means even younger people are at risk. “If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it’s a good idea to have a glucose test, especially if you’re overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) above 30,” Dr Van Niekerk advises.

Even if you don’t have a higher risk profile, you should still see your GP for an annual check-up and visit your dentist every six months.

It’s also wise to lay the foundations for your future health right now: develop a habit of regular exercise, establish a healthy sleep routine, learn how to manage your stress levels, and follow a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco.

“Taking care of your health during your twenties can set you up for a lifetime of strength and wellbeing. Although it’s easy to take your health for granted when you’re young, having regular checks and a healthy lifestyle will ensure you have fewer health concerns in future,” Dr Van Niekerk assures.