Women’s Health: A Lifelong Commitment to Prevention
October 1, 2019
Well-woman exams are not often talked about and put on the back burner by most women. Women, tend to be caregivers and worry about the health of family and friends before their own. Prioritize your health, your health is important.
A Well-Woman Exam is Preventative
Most individuals, including women, don’t visit their healthcare provider unless they are sick. A well-woman exam allows women to have the power of taking charge of their health by early detection.
A pap-smear test can detect signs of cervical cancer. Emotional and physical health is discussed, including reproductive and sexual health. A clinical breast exam screens for cancer, and at age 40 depending on family history and other health factors women will start having mammogram screenings.
Reduce Your Risk of Cervical Cancer
The most important thing women can do to reduce their risk of cervical cancer is to have regular screenings starting at age 21.
A pap smear test detects changes on the cervix that might develop into cervical cancer.
The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus that causes cell changes that cause cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. The vaccine is given in a series of either two or three shots, depending on age.
Your Primary Care Doctor
You can schedule your next well-woman exam with your PCP (primary care provider). More women are seeking preventative health from their PCP. Why? Well, most women prefer having their well-woman exam with the healthcare provider they know, and have built a trusting relationship with. Women visit their PCP more often than they do a gynecologist. Their PCP offers convenience, and the same preventative tests that help reduce the risks of cervical cancer.
Call or text to schedule your well-woman appointment: 1-888-776-5252
