Women's Health Guide
A comprehensive women’s health guide featuring essential resources on preventive screenings, reproductive health, management of chronic conditions, and more.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Candida, a common fungal infection of the vagina, can cause uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse or urination, and unusual discharge. This condition, also known as yeast vaginitis, is treatable and manageable.
Pelvic Examinations
During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines several important reproductive and urinary organs, including:
- The vulva (external genitalia)
- The uterus (womb)
- The cervix (the opening between the vagina and uterus)
- The fallopian tubes (which carry eggs to the uterus)
- The ovaries (egg-producing organs)
- The bladder and rectum
Pap Smears
This critical screening test involves collecting cells from your cervix to check for pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. Also known as a Pap test, it’s an essential part of maintaining your reproductive health.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that affects an estimated 60% of sexually active women. It can spread even when no visible symptoms are present, and many carriers are unaware of their status until it’s detected during a routine Pap smear.
Hysterectomy
As the most common non-obstetrical surgery for women in the United States, hysterectomy involves removing the uterus. Approximately 300 in every 100,000 women undergo this procedure.
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. These endometrial implants commonly appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer uterine surface, intestines, and pelvic cavity lining. The displaced tissue continues to act as it would inside the uterus, responding to monthly menstrual cycles.
Menopause
This natural transition marks the end of menstrual periods and reproductive years. The process begins with varying cycle lengths during perimenopause and concludes with the final menstrual period.
Perimenopausal Bleeding
The perimenopause phase can last up to 10 years before menopause. During this time, hormonal fluctuations can affect ovulation and cause irregular menstrual cycles.
Breast Self-Examination
Monthly breast self-exams are recommended for adult women of all ages. It’s important to understand your breasts’ normal appearance and texture, as it helps you notice any changes that a healthcare provider should evaluate. While mammograms can detect cancer before it’s palpable, regular self-exams remain an important screening tool.
Birth Control Options
Women have various types of birth control methods available to them: the natural method, barrier methods that block sperm (condom), mechanical method (IUD), hormonal method (such as the pill), and permanent methods (such as tubal ligation or vasectomy).
The following PDF links from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website provide more detailed information specific to each method.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, causes bones to become thin and brittle. Multiple factors contribute to its development. It’s preventable through a proper diet and exercise.
Chronic Conditions
High Blood Pressure
Affects nearly half of all adults with hypertension, contrary to the common belief that it primarily affects men.
Depression
More prevalent in women than men, it can cause persistent difficulties with daily activities that last weeks or longer.
Mammograms
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to detect abnormal breast changes before they’re physically noticeable. These screenings are valuable for routine examination and investigating specific symptoms like lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Regular mammograms, combined with understanding normal monthly breast changes, form an essential part of women’s preventive healthcare.
