Women have health issues due to a complex reproductive system that makes them unique from men.
General women's health refers to women's overall physical and emotional well-being, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases that are specific to women or affect women differently than men. This can include reproductive health, gynaecological health, mental health, and overall physical health and wellness.
Women's Health also promotes healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices to help prevent or manage certain health conditions.
Among the many health issues impacting women, we’ll support you with the following:
If you are a woman with any questions or need advice, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Regular assessments are essential for women’s health. Cervical cancer and precancerous cervix changes are common problems that should be assessed and treated early.
Annual Gynecological Exam
This includes a pelvic exam and Pap test (cervical screening) to check for abnormal cervical cells and other gynaecological issues.
Women should perform self-exams monthly and have a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years, starting at age 20. Mammograms are recommended for women over 50 or those at higher risk of breast cancer.
Women who are or have been sexually active should be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly.
It's essential to check these regularly, starting at age 20, for any signs of heart disease, diabetes or other health issues.
Women over age 65 or those at risk for osteoporosis should have a bone density test to check for osteoporosis.
Women should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 and continue until age 75.
An eye examination is recommended every two years for women older than 45 or with vision abnormalities. You may need to be checked for glaucoma after the age of 45.
A flu vaccine is recommended once a year.
Birth control, also known as contraception, is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. Several different types of birth control are available, each with its benefits and risks.
There are many different methods of contraception to avoid pregnancy, including the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), the mini-pill, a condom, an intrauterine device (IUD) such as Mirena, an Implanon rod, the natural family planning method and more permanent measures such as tubal ligation and vasectomy for men.
Some of these methods are confined to women and others to men, while some are reversible and some are permanent.
Most individuals who are sexually active and wish to prevent pregnancy are suitable for birth control. However, certain types of birth control may be more appropriate for specific individuals depending on their health status and lifestyle.
For example, women who smoke or have a history of blood clots may not be suitable for hormonal birth control methods, as these methods can increase the risk of blood clots. Women who have had previous surgeries or have certain medical conditions may not be suitable for specific barrier methods, such as diaphragms or cervical caps.
Individuals unsure about their suitability for birth control or wish to learn more about the different types available birth control should consult a healthcare provider. They will consider the individual's overall health, lifestyle, and personal preferences to recommend the best birth control option for them.
There are many benefits of birth control, including the following:
Birth control methods are for women and men and can be used by couples in a partnership. Birth control methods can also be used for other purposes besides preventing pregnancy, such as reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, managing menstrual symptoms, and reducing the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
These methods use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Examples include:
Abstinence means not having sexual intercourse. It is the only birth control method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
These methods physically block the sperm from reaching the egg. Examples include:
These methods are designed to be effective for extended periods and typically do not require daily attention. Examples include:
These methods rely on observing the woman's fertility signs to avoid intercourse during fertile days. Examples include:
These methods are intended to be permanent and are not easily reversible. Examples include:
Consult with your doctor to determine which method of birth control is most appropriate for you, taking into account factors such as your overall health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
The effectiveness of birth control methods can vary depending on the chosen plan and how consistently and correctly it is used.
Hormonal methods, such as the birth control pill, patch, ring, and injection, are highly effective when used as directed. The effectiveness of these methods can be reduced if doses are missed or are not used correctly.
Barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, are also highly effective when used consistently and correctly. However, their effectiveness can be reduced if they break or slip off during intercourse.
Long-acting methods, such as IUDs and implants, are highly effective and do not require daily attention.
Natural methods, such as the rhythm method, fertility awareness, and withdrawal, are less effective and may result in unintended pregnancies.
Permanent methods, such as tubal ligation and vasectomy, are highly effective but are permanent and not easily reversible.
All types of birth control carry some risks and potential side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of different methods before choosing a birth control method with your doctor.
Common risks and side effects of hormonal birth control methods include:
Barrier methods, such as condoms, may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Long-acting methods, such as IUDs, may cause pain or discomfort during insertion and removal.
Natural methods, such as the rhythm method, may not be as effective as other methods and result in unintended pregnancies.
Permanent methods, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy, are permanent and not easily reversible.
If birth control is delayed, it can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Birth control methods work best when used consistently and correctly.
If a person misses a dose of hormonal birth control (such as the pill), they should take the missed dose as soon as possible and use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for the next seven days.
If a person misses multiple doses or forgets to start a new pack of hormonal birth control, they should contact their healthcare provider for advice on how to proceed.
If a barrier method (such as a condom) is not used during intercourse, or if it breaks or slips off, emergency contraception (such as the morning-after pill) may be used to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted into the uterus as birth control. Mirena is a small, T-shaped device made of plastic and contains the hormone levonorgestrel.
Mirena IUD is a suitable birth control option for most women, including those who have given birth or have not given birth. It is generally considered safe for women of all ages. However, it may not be appropriate for women with certain medical conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or certain cancers. Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, heavy periods or adenomyosis, and those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis may benefit from Mirena.
A healthcare provider inserts Mirena into the uterus during an office visit. The insertion process takes only a few minutes and is usually done during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor will clean the cervix and insert the Mirena IUD through the vagina and into the uterus using a small applicator. The Mirena IUD is then released, and the string that hangs down from the bottom of the IUD is trimmed to a length that is comfortable for the person.
After the insertion, the person may experience cramping or discomfort for a short period. Some people may also experience light bleeding or spotting for the first few days after insertion.
Mirena IUD is a highly effective form of birth control. According to the manufacturers, less than 1% of women will become pregnant using the Mirena IUD.
As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications associated with Mirena IUD insertion, such as infection, perforation of the uterus, or expulsion of the IUD. Some people may experience side effects such as irregular or heavy bleeding, headaches, nausea, or acne.
Mirena IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it's essential to use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
The word ‘menopause’ comes from the Greek words ‘menos’, meaning month and ‘pause’, meaning to cease. Menopause means the monthly period stops.
Menopause is the natural biological process in which a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs, her hormone levels decrease, and she can no longer become pregnant. It typically occurs between 45 and 55 but can happen earlier or later. Menopause is marked by the end of menstruation, which is confirmed when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
During the transition to menopause, which can begin several years before the actual menopause, many women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration from woman to woman. Hormonal changes during menopause can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
After menopause, a woman's risk of developing specific diseases increases. She needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups with her doctor.
Menopause counselling is a therapy that helps women navigate the physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause. Menopause is a natural cessation.
Who is suitable for Menopause Counselling: Women experiencing symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes may benefit from menopause counselling.
Menopause can be a difficult transition for many women, and counselling can help women understand and manage the physical and emotional changes that occur during this time. It can also help women cope with feelings of loss and emotional changes that can occur during menopause.
Cervical screening, also known as a Pap test or cervical smear, is used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix, which is the uterine opening. Abnormal cervical cells can be a sign of cervical cancer or precancerous changes.
Women who are or have been sexually active are typically recommended to start cervical screening at age 21 and continue through age 65. Women who have had a total hysterectomy may not need to be screened.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
The procedure usually takes around 5-10 minutes and is generally not painful, but there may be some discomfort or mild cramping during the test.
Cervical screening is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer but can detect abnormal cells before they become cancer. If abnormal cells are found, further testing is needed to determine if they are cancerous. If cervical cancer is detected, the prognosis depends on the cancer stage and other factors, such as the patient's overall health.
The test is considered low-risk; some women may experience mild discomfort or bleeding after the test.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and regular cervical screening can help detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous. It can also detect other conditions, such as HPV infection and inflammation.
It is vital for women who are or have been sexually active to start cervical screening at age 21 and continue through age 65.