Women's Health

What conditions are unique to women’s health?

If you’re a woman, you need to take extra steps to keep track of your reproductive health. As a woman, you may have questions for your health provider about:

• Menstruation
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Birth control
• Urinary incontinence
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical cancer

With the many conditions that affect women uniquely, you may have extensive questions about how to keep up with your health. The team at Marion Heart Center & Marion Physician Associates answers these questions with care, sensitivity, and expertise.

How can I keep up with my reproductive health as a woman?

The most important way to maintain your reproductive health is through annual well-woman physical exams. These exams include:

Pap tests

During a pap test, your provider takes a sample of the cells of your cervix. The sample is examined under a microscope to check for inflammation, infection, or cancerous cell changes. Pap tests also check for signs of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Pelvic exams

During your pelvic exam, your provider examines the organs of your genital system to make sure they’re healthy and functioning properly. They use an instrument called a speculum to open your cervix to properly view your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Pelvic exams can identify the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, infertility, and various infections.

Breast cancer exams and screenings

It’s important to regularly examine your breasts for signs of cancer. At your exam appointment, your provider checks your breasts for lumps and teaches you to check them yourself.

You should also get regular mammograms, which are like X-rays of your breasts, to thoroughly screen for signs of cancer.

When should I schedule women's health exams?

You should get a pelvic exam, Pap test, and breast exam once per year starting at age 21. This entire visit is called a well-woman exam, and it helps you detect diseases before they become detrimental to your health.

No matter how old you are, you can benefit from the relationship you form with your providers and the ability to ask private questions in a safe environment.

You don’t need to get regular mammograms and other cancer-specific screenings until age 40. After that, you should get them once every year or more if you’re at a higher genetic risk.

For a safe environment where you can communicate openly about your health as a woman, call Marion Heart Center & Marion Physician Associates or request an appointment online today.