Left untreated, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause kidney damage and even life-threatening system-wide infections. Read on to find out some of the causes of chronic UTIs.
While there are drivers who run their cars until every warning light turns on, even they know it’s not good for the long-term mechanical health of the vehicle. The same holds true for your physical health. Maintaining your reproductive health requires attention to potential issues that have few symptoms, but which can be uncovered during your regular well woman exams.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends well woman exams annually. These sessions serve as a way of preventing health issues before they create serious problems. At Southeast Urogyn, we want you to stay healthy. And one way we can help you do that is with well woman exams.
You’re likely familiar with most aspects of a well woman exam. As with any physical exam, it typically starts with a review of your health history since your last appointment. Young women should have their first well woman exam around age 13.
Vital signs, including weight, height, pulse, and blood pressure are usually recorded every visit. Immunizations may be given, and after age 21, breast exams, Pap tests, and pelvic exams may become part of the visit, though not necessarily every year. Finally, you’ll have a chance to ask questions about your own concerns.
Being a woman carries unique reproductive health responsibilities. Well woman visits place a priority on these, although all other aspects of your well-being are considered, too. Here are four reasons why it’s important that you not skip your well woman exams, no matter how frantic life gets.
When detected early, cervical cancer is easy to treat. In fact, changes to cells in your cervix can be recognized before becoming cancerous, so you can have this health issue treated before it becomes a problem. Cervical cancer progresses slowly, so regular Pap tests can keep you on top of early detection.
Self-exams are, of course, a key part of breast cancer prevention. Your well woman visit will help make sure you haven’t missed anything. And combining mammograms with this will aid in detecting any issues early.
As you mature, your health care requirements will change. Younger women may need immunizations and information about menstruating. Family planning and pregnancy can be the focus of women in their 20s and 30s, while older women may be dealing with the effects of menopause. Your well woman exams will change along with you to help ensure that you’re healthy at all ages.
No matter what age, your well woman visit is the ideal time to ask questions about your body and health. Your caregiver, too, can raise your awareness of issues that are relevant to you, including new treatments or health risks.
If you want to stay on top of your health, you need a well woman exam. To learn more, call the friendly health specialists at Southeast Urogyn today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Left untreated, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause kidney damage and even life-threatening system-wide infections. Read on to find out some of the causes of chronic UTIs.
Bladder pain is common. And while it may indicate a simple urinary tract infection, it can also reveal more serious conditions, such as interstitial cystitis or bladder cancer.
A hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus and sometimes the cervix, is a serious medical procedure. There are many things to think about before getting one. Keep reading to find out five reasons why a hysterectomy may be necessary.
Overactive bladder can quickly overtake your life. Struggling to control bladder leakage and planning every move around the availability of bathrooms can take the joy and spontaneity out of your life. Fortunately, Botox® offers a practical solution.
Painful sex not only affects your enjoyment, it can even interfere with your relationship. There are many factors, both physical and mental, that can contribute to this condition, medically called dyspareunia.
Vaginal mesh is a surgical treatment for uterine prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. It’s been in the news due to complications occurring after surgery, so you may be wondering about it. Here’s the scoop.