Routine Gynecologic Care

If you are pregnant or you experience problems related to female or sexual health, you might not think twice about heading to your gynecologist. However, there are other matters that these medical professionals can help with that you might not expect.

Gynecologists are fully trained medical doctors who draw upon a vast knowledge base that extends beyond reproductive health to overall wellness for women. Many obstetrician/gynecologists provide a wide range of well-woman care services on top of the typical services you would expect, like annual pap smears.

Here is a look at five things that your gynecologist may be able to help you with that you might not have expected.

Skin Issues

Skin issues are a common problem among women, and they can sometimes be related to reproductive hormones. Whether it is the onset of acne as a girl goes through puberty or pregnancy-related skin problems, your gynecologist can help you with a range of skin issues. They can even help with skin problems that are not related to hormones. For example, if you find a new growth or mole on your body, you can ask your gynecologist to take a look, and they will refer you to a dermatologist if they have any concerns.

Weight Management

A gynecologist is also a good doctor to handle weight management. Many women visit a gynecologist once a year for their annual pap exam, and this means that your chart will contain a thorough record of your weight history. You and your doctor can use this information to talk about changes in your weight over time and any steps you may need to take to manage it.

Whether you want to reach a healthy weight to become pregnant or you are looking to lose or gain weight to enhance your overall wellness, your gynecologist can be a surprisingly good resource.

Vaccinations

Many women use their gynecologists as their primary healthcare provider and see them more often than a general doctor. If this is the case for you, you can discuss routine procedures like vaccinations, colonoscopies, and other screenings that may be necessary throughout your life. They can also provide immunizations such as the HPV vaccine and help ensure that you are staying up-to-date with your vaccinations in general.

Mood Issues

If you are experiencing any issues with your mood or you are dealing with anxiety or depression, discussing it with your gynecologist can be a good first step toward making some real progress and feeling better. In fact, many women report that they feel more comfortable talking about these matters with their gynecologist than their primary care doctor. If this is the case for you, do not hesitate to talk about mood-related issues with your doctor. This is a topic that often comes up between patients and doctors, and your gynecologist can help you find a solution.

Your mental health may be impacted by a condition that changes your hormones, such as menopause or pregnancy, but your gynecologist can still help you even if it is not directly linked to reproductive health. If it is not a matter that they are able to help you with on their own, they will be able to refer you to a counselor or another mental health specialist.

Reproductive Health Education

If your daughter is approaching puberty and is starting to ask questions about reproductive health and you are uncomfortable discussing these topics with her or you simply lack the knowledge to explain it sufficiently, your gynecologist is an excellent resource that you can turn to.

Talk to your doctor to find out the best way to approach these conversations with your daughter. Your gynecologist may be able to give you some advice on making awkward conversations a bit easier. For example, their extensive medical experience may assist you with the right terminology to use when discussing the changes your daughter’s body will go through during puberty and point you to the topics you need to make sure to bring up. This can provide you with the technical knowledge you need during what could be a very emotional topic and give the reassurance your daughter needs as she faces big and confusing changes.

Schedule An Appointment With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Whether you are looking for help with traditional reproductive health matters or other topics, your gynecologist may be able to help you with, such as skin issues, mood issues, or reproductive health education, the friendly team of professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always happy to help. We take the time to get to know you and ensure you feel comfortable with your medical concerns. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.

A GYN wellness screening for women is the best way to detect signs of serious illness or abnormalities in the female body. If you are a sexually active woman, your GYN wellness screening will include a pelvic exam to check the health of your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder.

Depending on your age, your wellness exam will include a number of other screenings and tests to detect health issues and preventive vaccines to fight diseases that commonly develop in women in your age group. For those reasons, an annual wellness screening is recommended for most women.

What Does A GYN Wellness Screening Involve?

A GYN wellness screening involves a wellness exam and a panoply of screenings and tests that are appropriate for your age and lifestyle. Your doctor also will gather information about your health and medical history to determine what other screenings may be necessary based on your individual health profile.

As indicated earlier, your gynecologist will perform a breast and pelvic exam which will include a pap smear beginning at age 21. Your wellness screening likely will include taking your blood pressure, blood work, discussing your contraception options or fertility issues, and STD testing to name a few. Your gynecologist can also provide guidance regarding any matters related to your health.

How Often Should A Woman Have A GYN Wellness Screening?

In general, women should have a GYN wellness screening every year beginning around puberty.

When Should You Begin Annual GYN Wellness Screenings?

Your first screening should occur at puberty so your doctor can evaluate your development and advise you on good hygiene practices. Once you are sexually active, you should have annual GYN
wellness screenings.

Why Is An Annual GYN Wellness Screening Important For Women?

Regardless of your age, the first wellness exam is important. Not only is it the best way to detect health issues that may be developing in your body, but your first exam establishes a snapshot of your health that serves as a starting point going forward.

Once your baseline is established, you and your doctor will be able to identify and evaluate changes in your health as you age. After you have become sexually active, your first wellness screening will include the pelvic exam, pap smear and breast exam previously described . These examinations occur during every GYN wellness screening for most of the rest of your life.

These examinations are critical to early detection of serious reproductive health conditions in women. Your body gradually changes with age. These changes are normal. However, sudden or unusual changes are likely to warrant closer examination.

The following are several reasons why an annual wellness exam is important:

• It is a great way for you to establish a doctor-patient relationship with your gynecologist. Feeling comfortable with your doctors encourages you to discuss your questions and symptoms with them. This is especially important when you are being examined by your gynecologist and medical staff because of the highly intimate nature of that relationship. After all, your gynecologist will be examining the most private of the private parts of your body. Many health conditions that affect female health have few symptoms that you can detect in private by yourself. You are more likely to have regular breast and pelvic exams along with important frank conversations about your lifestyle with a gynecologist you trust. It gives you the best chance of early detection of dangerous health conditions before they become deadly.
• Your gynecologist is a specialist in women’s health. During your annual visits, you will be asking questions pertaining to the most intimate matters. Your doctor will provide clear answers based on the doctor’s expertise regarding women’s health. This expertise enables you to make informed decisions about what is best when it comes to your own health.
• As an expert in women’s health, your gynecologist is knowledgeable about the newest science and medical breakthroughs. Medical technology is constantly changing with improvements in diagnostic techniques, disease treatments, contraception options and many other testing options. By keeping up with your annual GYN wellness screenings, you benefit from these cutting edge innovations.
• If you are starting a family or already have children, it is a good idea to make your GYN wellness screening an important part of your family planning. Having a solid relationship with your gynecologist as you plan a pregnancy and during your pregnancy helps with preventative, prenatal and after care for you and your baby.
• An annual visit also allows you to check your health condition and keep current on your vaccinations. As you enter menopause, your wellness screening will begin to focus on other diseases such as colon cancer and osteoporosis. You will be able to get vaccines for diseases like pneumonia and shingles which can be devastating for an older woman, and catch up on other vaccines that you missed in childhood or which are no longer effective.

Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness For More Information

At Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness, you will find women’s health specialists who are caring and interested in helping you get the best health care possible. Contact them for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Every woman should make a regular GYN wellness screening a part of their lifelong healthcare regimen. Annual GYN wellness screenings help women and their doctors detect health problems before they become serious or even deadly. How frequently a woman should have one and what the wellness screening exam entails depends on the woman’s age and her unique health profile.

Initial GYN Wellness Screening For Young Women Ages 13 To 15

Beginning around the onset of puberty and before a teenage girl becomes sexually active, she should have her first GYN wellness exam with a gynecologist. At this age, the gynecologist will become familiar with the patient’s overall medical history.

The gynecologist will ask about the onset of the patient’s menstrual cycle and determine her body mass index (BMI). The doctor will also check the patient’s height, weight and blood pressure. Shet likely will be screened for signs of the following conditions:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Obesity
• Eating disorders
• Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Learning or behavioral disorders
• Substance abuse
• Depression
• Sexual activity

This first wellness examination does not include a pelvic examination unless the patient has become sexually active. In those cases, the gynecologist will examine her for sexually transmitted diseases and treat any that may be present. In somecases, the patient will be vaccinated for HPV.

The gynecologist will also provide guidance about safe sex practices, contraceptives and the importance of annual wellness screenings and other preventive health services.

Annual GYN Wellness Screening For Sexually Active Teens & Women Ages 19 Through 39

Once a woman becomes sexually active or reaches the age of 19, the wellness exam includes additional procedures and tests. Women in this group are interested in reproductive health, including options for contraception, fertility and cancer screening.

These examinations should also include screenings for other health conditions that the primary care provider may have overlooked (for example,obesity, diabetes, hypertension and a variety of autoimmune diseases).

Specifically, the annual wellness exams for women over age 21 include pelvic exams and pap smears. These are key to early detection and treatment of a number of reproductive and pelvic health issues. Breast examinations begin once a woman reaches the age of 25.

Also, during the wellness exam for women in this age group, the gynecologist will examine the patient for common health conditions that can become very serious if left untreated, such as:

• Cancer, particularly breast, cervical and ovarian
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Pelvic infections
• Vaginitis
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Injuries caused by physical or sexual abuse

Annual GYN Wellness Screening For Women Ages 40 Through 64

Women in this group will begin experiencing changes in hormonal levels as they enter perimenopause and then menopause. The wellness examination includes many of the screenings previously mentioned, but for most patients in this age group, the examination will focus less on the patient’s fertility and more on health issues associated with the aging process.

New screenings will evaluate the patient’s hormone levels and overall wellness. Women can expect the wellness exam to screen for a wider range of health issues like:

• Bone density
• Mammogram
• Colorectal disorders, including cancer
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Annual Wellness Examinations For Women Age 65 & Older

As women age, they may think it is not necessary to see their gynecologist regularly. In fact, it is important for older women to continue with their annual GYN wellness exams to ensure healthy aging.

The gynecologist will provide women with information about preventing diseases that commonly affect aging patients, such as cardiovascular disease and depression. The doctor will evaluate the patient, refer her to a specialist if needed and monitor for a range of health issues, including:

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Skin cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis and osteopenia
• Injuries caused by accidents or falls

What Else Should You Expect During A GYN Wellness Screening?

No matter your age, during a GYN wellness exam, you will be asked questions about your lifestyle, overall health and medical history. You should answer these questions as honestly as possible to receive the best care. Your conversations with your health care provider are confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone without your consent.

Rest assured that conversations with your doctor or anyone in the doctor’s practice will remain private. Please speak openly about your alcohol or drug use (whether legal or otherwise), smoking, symptoms, infections and any other issue that could affect your health.

Contact The Women’s Health Experts For More Information

The health experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness specialize in women’s health. They are available to help you with your questions or talk to you about any health issues you may be experiencing. Contact them for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Routinebreast care is essential to maintaining healthy breasts and discovering breast cancer as early as possible. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all women get to know their breasts and how they normally look and feel.

Performing regular breast care allows women to more easily spot changes to the breasts, such as lumps, swelling, leaky fluid, skin redness, dimpling or nipple problems. In addition to clinical breast exams (CBEs) which are recommended between the ages of 25 and 39, as well as mammograms for average risk women between the ages of 40and 74, women also should perform breast self-exams (BSEs) at home.

Preventative care is critical for maintaining good breast health and may help to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Here are ways that women can care for their breasts and maintain overall optimal health at home.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is not only important for weight management, but also for the well-being of your breasts. Too many processed sugars and simple carbohydrates in a diet create acidity and inflammation in the body. For good health and wellness, women should eat a well-balanced diet of lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and plenty of essential fatty acids. Organic foods are often recommended as nonorganic foods often contain harmful chemicals.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is also important for good breast health. Fat cells can produce estrogen. High Levels of estrogen have been linked to certain types of cancers, including breast cancer. Exercising regularly helps shrink the size of fat cells, essentially causing the body to make less estrogen. Women should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, according to the ACS. Cardio, such as running or bike riding, is one of the best exercises for shrinking fat cells.

3. Moisturize the Skin

The breasts are covered in thin, sensitive skin that requires ample hydration. Moisturizing the skin on and around the breasts will help prevent dryness and keep the breasts soft and supple. Avoid lotions or creams that contain irritating chemicals that may cause soreness or rashes on the chest area. If the skin does react to a chemical in a moisturizer, discontinue using it and speak with a healthcare provider about safely treating the rash.

4. Provide Support

It is common for breasts to sag over time because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetics and age. However, failure to give the breasts the support they need often leads to premature sagging and stretching of the skin. To prevent breast tissue from stretching in a downward direction, wear properly fitted bras. About 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra, according to Harper’s BAZAAR. Consider getting measured for a proper bra fit at least once a year.

5. Minimize Alcohol Consumption

While the occasional alcoholic beverage may be an enjoyable stress reducer, it is important to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum level for health purposes. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, women who had three alcoholic drinks per week had a 15 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer than nondrinkers. The risk of developing breast cancer increases an additional 10 percent for each extra drink that a woman has each day.

6. Massage the Breasts

Routinely massaging the breasts helps keep the tissues strong and healthy. The breasts are surrounded by lymph nodes that are responsible for carrying lymph (fluid) that helps fight off disease. The body’s lymphatic system uses the movement of the body to keep this fluid moving. Massaging the breasts help push the lymph in the right direction. Breast massage is also a great stress reliever and may cultivate positive body awareness.

7. Breastfeed as Long as Possible

Breastfeeding is not right for every woman, but for those who decide to breastfeed, consider extending this practice as long as possible. According to research conducted by epidemiologist Sir Richard Doll that compared breast cancer rates among thousands of women, the chance of developing breast cancer was significantly reduced in those who breastfed.

8. Know Your Family History

Genetics play a strong role in breast cancer risks. A history of ovarian or breast cancers on either side of a woman’s family sometimes increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Those who have a family history of breast cancer should consider undergoing genetic testing to determine if they carry the “BReast Cancer gene” (BRCA) mutation. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are types of genes that may impact a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Contact Raleigh Gynecology for More Information

Breast care is important for women of all ages. To learn more about ways to take care of your breasts or to schedule a checkup, contact the healthcare professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, PA.

Mammograms are often recommended to women ages 40 or older. From 45 to 54, it is advised that women get a mammogram once a year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Screening mammograms are highly effective at detecting breast cancer early.

A mammogram can generally find lumps two to three years before they can be felt. Based on data published by the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer deaths in women have dropped 43 percent since regular mammography use began in the 1980s.

What Is A Mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of low-dose x-ray that enables radiologists to identify changes in a woman’s breast tissue. This specialized medical imaging equipment is typically used to check for breast cancer in women who have no outward signs or symptoms of cancer. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool on women who have discovered a lump or other signs of breast cancer.

The two main types of mammograms include:

• Screening Mammogram – To detect breast changes, this is the most common type of mammogram. This routine procedure is normally performed every one to two years in women over 40 who have experienced no breast abnormalities. The main goal of a screening mammogram is to detect breast cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable.
• Diagnostic Mammogram – A diagnostic mammogram may be recommended if a woman or health provider discovers a suspicious breast change, such as a lump, unusual skin, breast pain, nipple discharge or nipple thickening. This type of mammogram is used for diagnostic purposes or to further evaluate abnormalities found on a screening mammogram. During a diagnostic mammogram, more images are taken than what is normal with a screening mammogram.

What Happens During A Mammogram?

The average mammogram takes about 20 minutes and is performed by a qualified professional. If possible, a patient should bring their old images to the appointment or grant the health care provider access to these images from the prior provider. This allows the new provider to compare old and new results which can help diminish the risk of false negative or false positive readings.

Do not apply lotion, powder or deodorant prior to a mammogram appointment, but do wear a loose top and bra that are easily removed. Before the screening, the health care provider will usually have the patient put on a front-opening gown. The patient stands facing an x-ray machine, and puts one breast on a platform. The technician releases a plate that presses down the breast. Once images of the first breast are taken, then images of the other breast occur.

The breast is flattened to spread out the tissue, making it easier to spot tumors or other signs of breast cancer. Although this process can be uncomfortable, it lasts just a few seconds. It is normal to experience some soreness following a mammogram. The technician should be notified if severe pain is felt. Good technicians will take their time to minimize pain during the procedure.

After the mammogram is completed, the technician will review the x-rays to ensure that the results are satisfactory, and that no further images are needed. Remember that technicians do not look for signs of cancer.

Instead, the images are transferred to a radiologist who reads the results. The amount of time it takes for a radiologist to read the x-rays and get results can vary from a few days to a month. Mammograms are usually performed while the patient is in a standing position.

It is important not to move during the procedure as any movement can cause the images to blur. The technician will ask the patient to hold her breath for several seconds while the image is taken. If a patient is prone to fainting during medical procedures, a provider may recommend that the patient sit in a chair during the mammogram.

If the results of a mammogram are found to be abnormal, the health care provider will recommend further testing. Abnormal results do not necessarily mean cancer, but more tests are most often needed to make that diagnosis. For diagnostic purposes, a health care provider may recommend a biopsy, core-needle biopsy, ultrasound or a diagnostic mammogram.

Schedule A Mammogram

A mammogram is one of the best tools for detecting breast cancer during its early stages. Each year, mammograms save countless lives, especially when women remember to schedule regular appointments.

It is normal for patients who have never had a mammogram to feel anxious, but knowing what to expect helps diminish any worries or fears. For more information about what to expect from a mammogram or to schedule a mammogram appointment, reach out to the professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness.