Scheduling your annual well-woman examination is very important for the following reasons:
- Birth Control - Your provider can help you determine what the right birth control method is for you.
- Cancer Screening - Talk to your provider about breast cancer, colon cancer and other types of cancer that you can be screened for.
- Vaccinations - Get vaccinations against the flu, human papillomavirus (HPV), and more.
- Health Screening - Get screened for high blood pressure, diabetes, bone density for osteoporosis, and more.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening - Be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes,
are infections that are spread by sexual contact.
- Concerns About Sex - Discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding sexual intercourse.
- Weight Control - You can learn about body mass index (BMI), exercise, obesity, diet, surgery, and health problems associated with being overweight from your provider.
- Menstrual Period Issues - Discuss any questions or concerns you may have in regards to your periods.
- Preconception Counseling - If you are planning to become pregnant, it is a good idea to have preconception counseling. Your provider may discuss your diet and lifestyle, your medical and family history, medications you take, and any past pregnancies.
There are many types of contraceptives available today to allow individuals to choose one that best fits their needs.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods work by mimicking the natural hormones of the woman's body: estrogen and progesterone or just progesterone. Hormonal methods include birth control pills, the patch and nuvaring.
Barrier Methods
Barriers work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Barrier methods include diaphragms, condoms and cervical caps.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is put into a person’s uterus by a healthcare provider. .
Natural Methods
These methods all require the cooperation of the sexual partner, and generally speaking, a good awareness of the body and its natural rhythms and cycles. Natural methods include abstinence, fertility awareness method, lactational amenorrhea method and withdrawal.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used AFTER unprotected vaginal intercourse (sex without effective birth control) to reduce the
chances of an unintended pregnancy.
Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. It is a very common type of surgery for women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer become pregnant.
Hysterectomy is used to treat many women’s health conditions. Some of these conditions include the following:
- Uterine fibroids (this is the most common reason for hysterectomy)
- Endometriosis
Pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Gynecologic cancer
There are different types of hysterectomy:
- Total hysterectomy -The entire uterus, including the cervix, is removed.
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Supracervical (also called subtotal or partial) hysterectomy -The upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in place. This type of hysterectomy can only be performed laparoscopically or abdominally.
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Radical hysterectomy -This is a total hysterectomy that also includes removal of structures around the uterus. It may be recommended if cancer is diagnosed or suspected.