Plan on scheduling a well-woman exam every year, once you reach the age of 19. One of our providers will check your weight and discuss any weight-related and diet concerns with you. He or she will ask about your family’s medical history to determine if you need any special health screenings.
You’ll likely have some blood drawn, too. This allows our women’s health provider to evaluate inflammation in your body, as well as your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, kidney function, and more. If need be, you can also get vaccines and contraceptive counseling during this visit. Your first visit may also include a pap smear, but your annual well-woman exams won’t necessarily require one every time.
No. With advancements in modern medicine, you now have many options when it comes to contraception.
Short-acting hormonal methods, such as injections and vaginal rings, are in the same category as the pill, but you don’t have to deal with them on a daily basis. An injection, for instance, lasts for 3 months. Or if you prefer a vaginal ring, you keep it in place for several weeks before replacing it.
Our women’s health providers at Jordan Meadows and Hunter Medical Centers can also counsel you on barrier methods, like condoms or diaphragms, or help you learn natural rhythm methods. If your family is complete, one of our providers can also discuss surgical, or nonsurgical permanent sterilization with you.
Don’t be afraid of taking the pill either. With so many varieties and dosages on the market, it might take some time to find the one that works for you. Talk with one of our women’s health providers about your concerns. It’s possible that you just haven’t found the right one yet.
Dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, and fluctuations in your weight can put a strain on your everyday life. Most symptoms of menopause can be managed. One of our women’s health providers can help with menopause-related issues by offering: