What is women's health?
Women's health aims to improve the well-being of women in all phases of life, with a focus on their reproductive systems and female sex hormones. That includes any condition related to your:
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Vulva
- Vagina
For instance, many women experience problems with their periods that cause pain and cramping, heavy bleeding, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Imbalances in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause a variety of women's health problems, not least during the process that leads to menopause. Issues like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, depression, dry skin, thinning hair, and loss of libido are common problems that all relate to the drop in estrogen levels in middle age.
Women's health also covers areas like sexual health, sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening and treatment, and contraceptive counseling services that empower you to take control of your fertility.
What women's health conditions could I get?
Some of the wide range of women's health conditions the Premier NW Houston Medical Group sees include:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Vaginal atrophy
Other conditions that men might also experience but are far more common in women include thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.
How does preventive medicine help with women's health care?
Preventive medicine procedures play a key role in safeguarding your health. By identifying diseases in their earliest stages, your provider at Premier NW Houston Medical Group can take steps to deal with your condition before it causes severe health problems. Examples of preventive medicine procedures the women's health experts carry out in-office include:
Pap smear
A Pap smear detects changes in the cells of your cervix that could lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when found early enough, but could be fatal if left untreated. A Pap smear just requires a sample of cells from your cervix that go for analysis at the practice's onsite laboratory.
Breast exam
It's important for all women to self-examine their breasts for lumps and other changes that might be a sign of breast cancer. To ensure you haven't missed anything, your provider at Premier NW Houston Medical Group conducts a thorough breast exam.
Internal pelvic exam
A pelvic exam enables your provider to assess the health of your vulva, vagina, and cervix. It involves having a speculum inserted into your vagina that holds the vaginal walls open. If you're due for a Pap smear, your provider can do this at the same time.
These procedures typically form part of your regular well-woman exam. Other screening exams like bone density scans and hormone testing can also provide valuable information about women's health conditions.
For more information, call Premier NW Houston Medical Group today, or book an appointment online.
