Women’s Health: Your Gynecologist and Family Planning Techniques

Women’s Health

The topic of women’s health is vast and extremely important. Women’s bodies are complicated and require a great deal of attention. It is important for every woman to maintain her physical health, her mental health and her emotional health. Every woman should receive proper education regarding her reproductive health and gain a full understanding of what exactly is going on in her body. There are various resources available to women including family planning clinics, women’s health centers, etc.

Your Gynecologist

One of the first important steps in maintaining your health as a woman is beginning regular visits to the gynecologist. Your gynecologist specializes in a number of things including:

  • Well-woman exams
  • Management of abnormal pap smears
  • Birth control
  • Abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular periods
  • Menopause
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Vulvar and vaginal infections and other problems
  • Breast pain and lumps
  • Infertility
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Pelvic pain

Keeping up to date on your gynecological visits will allow your gynecologist to detect any problems or abnormalities sooner rather than later. It is important for a woman to begin these regular visits as soon as she becomes sexually active or at the age of 18—whichever comes first.

Family Planning and Birth Control

Another extremely important aspect of a woman’s health is an understanding of family planning techniques, particularly birth control. Discussing when and how to start a family is a very important conversation for two partners to have together. Whether you wish to discuss natural family planning, various birth control methods, or sterilization methods, having an understanding and all of the necessary information regarding every single one of your options is important. Locate a women’s health center near you to begin this process and expand your knowledge on your body and your health!

Your Gynecologist and You: Abnormal Pap Smear and Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Your Gynecologist

A lot of people have a weird phobia about the gynecologist. For many, the first visit can be the cause of much anxiety and stress. However, after the first visit, many women come to understand that the gynecologist is there to help them, and really, everything is a lot less scary than they had previously imagined. Gynecologists diagnose and treat certain conditions that are unique to women—well-woman exams, management of abnormal pap smears, birth control, abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular periods, menopause, ovarian cysts, vulvar and vaginal infections and other problems, breast pain and lumps, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. If you are experiencing any of these problems, or simply need someone to talk to about your health as a woman, consult your gynecologist, or a gynecologist near you.

Abnormal Pap Smear

Abnormal pap smears are quite common, but tend to generate a great deal of concern and unease due to their confusing diagnoses and results. Many women fear than an abnormal pap smear is an indication of cervical cancer. While a pap smear does identify changes in the cervix and abnormal results can indicate cervical cancer, this is rarely the case. Some abnormal pap results may be a sign of HPV (human papillomavirus), and in some cases an abnormal pap smear could be the indication of absolutely nothing. Try not to develop an undue stress or fear until you know why the results were abnormal. It may be nothing, and if the results did indicate something, then begin discussing any further steps you need to take with your gynecologist immediately.

Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

An extremely large number of women suffer from excessive uterine bleeding, or abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding each year. This excessive bleeding, often diagnosed as menorrhagia can be somewhat maintained through a procedure called hydro-thermal ablation (HTA). The procedure is minimally invasive and quite quick. Hydro-thermal ablation has a decently high success rate, and can provide many women with relief from their discomfort.

Women’s Health: Gynecology and Family Planning

Women’s Health

Women’s health is of utmost importance. Seeking treatment, advice, and care from a women’s health center on a regular basis is something that all women should do. In addition to gynecological health, all women should maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Gynecology

There are a variety of reasons to visit your gynecologist. Once a woman becomes sexually active or reaches the age of 18 she should have annual check-ups with her gynecologist. These regularly maintained check-ups usually include a pap smear and the chance to discuss any problems or irregularities you may have. You should also contact your gynecologist for specific gynecological problems or issues. Here are a number of reasons why you might need to visit your gynecologist: Well-woman exams, management of abnormal pap smears, birth control, abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular periods, menopause, ovarian cysts, vulvar and vaginal infections and other problem, breast pain and lumps, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain.

Family Planning

Preparing for a family is an important process. Most women’s health centers offer family planning/obstetrics clinics. Your obstetrician will provide you with information regarding your pregnancy such as prenatal care, the actual labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Additionally, it is important to be educated on different birth control methods. This is important for both those expecting, or hoping to have a child soon, and those who are not yet ready for a baby. There are a variety of birth control methods that you should be familiar with: barrier Methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, combined Hormonal Contraception, including the birth control pill, patch, and ring, Depo Provera–the every-3-month injection, Implanon–a single rod, which is implanted in the arm during a short in-office procedure and provides protection for up to 3 years, Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUD) during a short office visit, female Sterillization–both traditional methods and Essure.

Women’s Health: Help For Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

The First Visit To A Gynecologist

When is it necessary to first visit a gynecologist? Many experts believe that adolescent females should visit an OB/GYN even if they are not sexually active. This is recommended because it is important to share medical history with a gynecologist in order to discuss any problems, such as unusual pain or abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding. These can all be signs of a more serious condition. After the teenage years, it is crucial for women to get regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. Regular Pap smear results will help detect and prevent the spread of cervical cancer. Depending on the condition of your health, this may mean annual exams or an exam every three years.

Dealing With Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Many women do not realize the importance of regular exams. There are many reasons why women may not get regular health checkups. Whatever the rationale for delaying exams, it is crucial for most women to continue to get Pap smears until they are 65 years of age. Not only does a regular routine help keep track of your well-being, but it can help diagnose and prevent diseases and disorders. Every year, many women die because of cervical cancer that was not diagnosed until it was too late into the stages of cancer.

Women’s Health

Self breast-exams and mammograms are also an important aspect of a regular exam. As with any type of cancer, early detection will help you stay healthy. It is time to take charge of your health. A focus on women’s health should not be overlooked awareness will help more women live a healthy and happy life. So, why do you need a regular checkup? OB/GYNs specialize in all aspects of the female reproductive system and can help you with any concerns that you may have. They are knowledgeable of issues ranging from sexual dysfunction to vaginal infections. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or even if you are not, it is never a wrong time to consult with your gynecologist.