Making an annual visit to the OB/GYN is important throughout a woman’s life. Women should begin seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 18 and 21 or when they become sexually active if they haven’t seen a gynecologist as an adolescent. Many women begin seeing their OB/GYN for prenatal care or for an annual pap smear until they reach menopause. But getting an annual women’s health check throughout every stage of life is very important.
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Making an annual visit to the OB/GYN is important throughout a woman’s life. Women should begin seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 18 and 21 or when they become sexually active if they haven’t seen a gynecologist as an adolescent. Many women begin seeing their OB/GYN for prenatal care or for an annual pap smear until they reach menopause. But getting an annual women’s health check throughout every stage of life is very important.
There are several health screenings depending on age that are essential to staying healthy throughout a woman’s life. Preventive women’s healthcare is as essential as a young adult as it is for post-menopausal women.
Regular pap and clinical breast exams are just two of many screenings for women. Other screenings may include:
- Checking for sexually transmitted diseases such chlamydia and gonorrhea which can lead to infertility
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test which can lead to cervical cancer
- Bone density
- Mammography
- Thyroid
- Colonoscopy
In addition to the screenings, there are various women’s health issues that an OB/GYN can provide guidance and treatment.
Many women feel that after having children or after the childbearing years and are monogamous, that there isn’t a need to see their doctor. But there are several conditions an OB/GYN can help with as well as prevent potential illnesses through timely screenings.
Other women’s health issues an OB/GYN can consult on are:
- Options in birth control
- Sexual dysfunction or complaints
- Menstrual bleeding and irregularities
- Menopause symptoms
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Prolapse
- Endometriosis
Contact one of our locations here or request an appointment here.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
There are many birth control options available today, and the choices can seem confusing.
Below are some options that are available contraception. Any of the providers at TotalCare for Women are prepared to consult with their patients to help them decide which form of birth control is right for them.
This list can help you decide which method would best fit your lifestyle:
Hormonal Contraceptives work by preventing the release of an egg from ovaries into the uterus, and may also make the uterus an “unfriendly” environment for sperm. While most women know about the birth control pill, there are other hormonal birth control methods that are now available.
- The Patch
- Oral Contraceptive (The Pill)
- Contraceptive Injections (Depo Provera)
- Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon)
- Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine Device: IUD (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta)
- Vaginal Ring
Non-hormonal Contraceptives prevent pregnancy by providing a barrier against sperm, or by interfering with sperm movement, or by creating an “unfriendly” environment for sperm. These methods do not use hormones, so they do not interfere with your natural reproductive cycle.
- Female Condom
- Intrauterine Device or IUD (ParaGard)
- Spermicides
- Vaginal Barriers (Diaphragm, Cervical Cap)
Permanent Birth Control refers to procedures that are permanent and irreversible
- Surgical Sterilization (Tubal ligation or having tubes “tied”)
STD Counseling, Screening and Treatment
Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs are generally transmitted through sexual contact such as vaginal and anal intercourse as well as through intimate touching and oral sex.
STDS are common and the Center for Disease Control estimates 20 million new infections occur every year in the United States.
If someone is sexually active, it is important to get screened regularly as some STDs do not always cause symptoms.
Common Bacterial STDs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Common Viral STIs
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (including genital warts)
- HIV/ AIDs
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
Common Parasitic STIs
- Scabies
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Trichomoniasis
Contact one of our locations here or request an appointment here.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
Many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. However with ongoing research and increased awareness and education, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent if detected early.
Fortunately breast cancer is treatable if detected early. This is why it’s important to know family history and get regular screenings.
Some risk factors for breast cancer may include:
- Age: Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50
- Gene mutations: Women who have inherited the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene have a higher risk of developing breast cancer
- Late or no pregnancy: Having first pregnancy after age 30 or never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk
- Physical Inactivity
- Overweight or Obesity
- Family History
Monthly self-breast exams as well as an annual breast exam by a healthcare provider are important in detecting breast cancer early.
Getting regular mammograms starting at age 40 are also important especially if there is a family history. Women should discuss with their physician how often a mammogram should be scheduled depending on family and health history.
By doing self-breast exams at home, many signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be detected early. These symptoms may include:
- Lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
- Mass or lump in the breast area which can feel as small as a pea
- A change in the appearance or texture of breasts and/or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed)
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Redness on the breast or nipple
Contact one of our locations here or request an appointment here.
See a list of our physicians and certified nurse midwives here.
TotalCare for Women has partnered with Mid-Atlantic Imaging Center for digital mammography services. With six convenient area locations in Hampton Roads, peace-of-mind and early detection are only a call or click away. Schedule an mammogram here.
You take care of others. Let us take care of you.
TotalCare for Women is committed to caring for women through every stage of their life.