Women’s Health Care

Also see our Physical Examinations Page

Blackwood Family Medicine Affords Complete Women’s Healthcare for Every Phase of Life

Women’s health can be very complicated and often confusing. Women have a delicate network of systems and making sure they all function properly is important to staying healthy.

From puberty through the child-bearing years, into retirement age and beyond; our women’s health services and caring practitioners will see you through your life’s journey.

Well-Women Check Ups

It’s a fact of life for females. The menstrual cycle or “period”. And it is because of this that women reap the miseries of cramps and the joys of motherhood.

Therefore, keeping your track of your period, making sure you are experiencing regular cycles, and noting whether you have any odd symptoms or pain associated with your period, are issues your physician should be made aware.

Talking to your doctor at your annual well-woman check up is the optimal time for discussing your menstrual cycle issues.

The practitioners at Blackwood Family Medicine are highly experienced in administering well-women exams, which include a pelvic exam, pap smear, and breast exam. These preventive measure screenings are used to rule out pre-cancer and cancer conditions.

Pap Smears, Breast Exams and Mammograms!

Screenings for various types of cancer, especially concerning a woman’s reproductive system, are critical components of pro-active women’s health care. Our family physicians are experienced in performing these screenings and follow the standard guidelines as set by the American Cancer Society.

Reducing your risks and early detection are your best defense for any type of cancer.

Pap Smear or Pap Test

The screening test for cervical pre-cancer and cancer is the pap smear, sometimes called a pap test. A small tissue sample is taken from the cervix wall during the pelvic exam. It is then evaluated by a lab for abnormal cells. Results usually take a few weeks. Your doctor will let you know your results.

Guidelines suggest that women have their first pap smear exam at age 21. Talk to your practitioner about your personal and family history to determine your risk for cancer.

The Pap Smear Procedure

The pap smear procedure is a part of full pelvic exam, which takes about 10 minutes total. A pelvic exam is a way for the doctor to inspect the exterior genital area, as well as check the organs in the lower abdomen–feeling for abnormalities or masses. Though not a comfortable exam, it should not be painful. For your comfort, the doctor will explain their steps as the exam proceeds.

HPV Pap Smear

Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that affect both males and females and can lead to cervical cancer in women.

HPV testing should not be done unless there has been an abnormal pap result. An HPV pap smear may be taken at the same time and is done the same way as a regular pap test.

Research shows that even if you get HPV it often goes away on its own with no lasting health issues.

A vaccine has also been developed for HPV, but it is mostly recommended for younger girls to prevent the spread of the virus.

Your Mammogram Screening

Getting a mammogram is not a pleasant experience but it is another weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer. A baseline mammogram is suggested at age 40, earlier if there is family history of breast cancer.

Breast Exam – Self-checking is Your Priority

Breast cancer is the second highest reason for cancer deaths in women in the United States. Learning to do a self-check breast exam is your first line of early detection.

By performing this exam on your own breasts, you will learn what feels and looks normal vs. something that does not. Redness, swelling, tenderness, dimples, or discharge from the nipples, are some of the warning signs. It is a good practice to do the self-check breast exam on a monthly basis, a few days after your menstrual cycle for the best results.

At your annual woman’s health exam, your practitioner will perform a clinical breast exam and can teach you how to do one on yourself.

Pick up your self-check breast exam instruction cards available for home use at your next appointment.

The Mammogram Procedure

A mammogram is an X-ray and the process itself does not take very long. The mammogram procedure involves your breast being pressed between two plastic trays or plates (holding the digital X-ray “film”) while you stand in a slightly awkward position next to the X-ray machine. Not very inviting but thankfully it only lasts a few seconds and uses minimal radiation.

Don’t forget your mammogram orders at your annual visit.

Mammograms are helpful in detecting tumors but may not always show if cancer is present, which is why combining it with the breast self-exam is crucial. You will know first if something has changed.

The Annual Physical Exam for Women

Women’s health issues go far beyond the reproductive system of the body. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death among women in America.

The annual physical is a time for patients to discuss lifestyle choices and make decisions regarding better health options. Taking care of the whole person, body and mind, starts at home and is partnered with your primary care provider–Your Family Doctor!

An annual physical examination for women is not just for the female student or older adult woman. It is for ladies of all ages because women’s health is important at all ages. Preventive care including women physicals may stop a disease process from starting or be an avenue of early detection that ends up saving your life.

We encourage all women to make their health a priority.

Ladies, the health of your whole family often depends on your health. Over the years subtle changes can be indicators leading toward chronic conditions or diseases. We monitor:

• Vital signs
• Weight
• Stress levels
• Family dynamics
• Nutrition
• Exercise patterns
• Cardiovascular system
• Pulmonary function
• Neurological signs
  
  • Eating Disorders
  • Menstrual Interruption or Dysfunction
  • Pre-mature Osteoporosis
• Postpartum depression
• Hair loss (temporary)
• Changes in skin tone
• Stretch marks
• Breast changes
• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Cold spells
• Irritability or severe mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight changes
• Trouble sleeping