Women are different from men when it comes to their health needs. Numerous biological factors, including hormones and body makeup, influence one’s predisposition to certain health concerns. As such, every woman should see a women’s health specialist on a regular basis – at the minimum, for annual checkups.
What Health Issues Are Specific To Women Only?
Women can encounter many health issues from puberty to after menopause. Gynecological conditions such as pelvic floor disorder and uterine fibroids are examples. Some of the most prevalent health concerns affecting women include:
- Breast cancer
- Menstruation and menstrual irregularities
- Urinary tract infections
- Pregnancy complications
- Osteoporosis
Why Do I Need To Have A Women’s Health Visit?
Women’s bodies require attentive and experienced care. When it comes to women’s health, there’s no one more qualified to assist them with everything they might need than a women’s physician. Here are some of the reasons why an annual women’s health visit is necessary.
Annual Health Screenings
Ideally, you should be conducting monthly breast exams on your own. However, doing so annually in a clinical setting shouldn’t be taken for granted. A women’s physician will make sure that there are no signs of breast cancer or other issues to be concerned about.
Pap smears and pelvic exams should also be conducted annually. Pap smears help physicians screen for cervical cancer while pelvic exams are done to check on the urinary and reproductive systems for any abnormalities.
Preventive Care
Women’s physicians can also counsel women on their overall health. Aside from different health screenings such as Pap smears, they can also help you with matters related to mental health, diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Whether personal, sexual, or hormonal problems, remember there are no questions that are taboo when it comes to women’s health. Your physician is there to help you be healthy in every way possible.
Menstrual Concerns
Periods are the bane of some women’s existence. They deal with so much during menstruation, such as cravings, menstrual cramps, back pain, and heavy flow – the list goes on and on. If you’re experiencing discomfort or irregularities during your period, you can discuss it with your women’s health physician. Such discussions will allow your physician to discover if something’s wrong and prevent any concerns from escalating.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Talking about sex might be difficult for some people, but it’s important to discuss your sexual health with a women’s physician and open up about any concerns you might have. Whether you are concerned about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, pain during sex, or other issues, your best bet to finding answers and solutions — or preventing these issues before they occur — is to see a women’s health specialist on a regular basis.
Sexual problems aren’t the only thing your physician can help you with. You could also consult them to find out how your reproductive system works, learn about safe sex and what it means to be in a consensual relationship, and become educated on gender and sexuality.
Birth Control and Family Planning
If you’re sexually active but not ready for children, a women’s physician can educate you on various birth control options. Then, they can help you find a safe, reliable method that fits your lifestyle. Women who are using a prescription method of birth control, such as pills, shots, IUDs, or a vaginal ring, should be checked annually.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking about starting a family, your physician can give you preconception counseling. Talking to them about nutrition, family history, and lifestyle will lead to a successful pregnancy and make you better prepared for what’s to come.
Vaccinations
Annual women’s health visits are the perfect time to go over necessary vaccinations. Some of these vaccinations include flu or Pneumovax. Younger women should ask their physicians about the HPV vaccine.
Mental Health and Wellness
Hormonal changes might cause women’s emotional states to fluctuate. Your emotions might be astray due to postpartum, menopause, or sometimes for no reason at all. Your emotions matter in determining health problems that need to be addressed. It’s important to feel comfortable and heard, and a women’s physician will talk openly about your emotions in a positive way.
Women’s Physician in The Bronx, NY
As a woman, you will undergo a multitude of changes during your lifetime — from menstruation to pregnancy and childbirth to menopause. Annual visits to a women’s health specialist are vital to ensuring you remain in optimal health.
If you’re searching for a primary care and imaging center in the Bronx, Starling Diagnostics is the place to go. In addition to providing cutting-edge diagnostic testing, we also offer a wide array of primary care services for our patients – including women-specific services. If you would like to inquire or schedule an appointment, you may reach us at (718) 319-1610 or through our secure online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
