Women's Health

What is women’s health?

Women’s health is an area of medicine focused on the unique health needs of women. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are health conditions specific to women that require specialized medical care and monitoring. Your reproductive organs also place you at risk for conditions that don’t affect men, such as cervical cancer, endometriosis, and fibroids. 

Compassionate Family Medicine is a full-service family medicine practice that is a certified Patient-Centered Medical Home. This means they provide comprehensive primary care services focused on prevention and wellness, as well as treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic diseases. These services include physical and mental health needs. 

What are women’s health services?

Compassionate Family Medicine offers both primary care and gynecological services for women. The practice also offers mammograms to screen for breast cancer and DEXA scans to assess bone density and risk of osteoporosis, which are two health issues more commonly diagnosed in women. 

Women’s health services also include vaccinations like the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the common sexually transmitted disease (STD) linked to cervical cancer. 

Does women’s health include birth control?

Yes, Compassionate Family Medicine offers birth control consultations for women, including a discussion of birth control options and assistance with finding the best one to fit your family planning and health needs.

What can I expect during a women’s health exam?

The specifics of your women’s health exam at Compassionate Family Medicine depend on many factors, including your reason for the visit, your age, and your medical history. However, no matter the need, you can expect comprehensive patient-centered care. 

During an exam, your provider asks detailed questions about your health concerns, personal medical and gynecological history, and family history. Then, they perform a physical exam, which may include a breast and pelvic exam.

Your provider may request additional diagnostic tests, depending on your age and medical history, such as:

• Pap smear
• Pregnancy test
• Testing for STDs
• Blood lipid profile
• Blood glucose level
• Check for vitamin deficiencies
• Assessment of hormone levels
• Thyroid check

Compassionate Family Medicine also offers screenings for lupus and other collagen vascular disorders, as well as mental health screenings. 

Based on the information gathered during your exam, your provider at Compassionate Family Medicine develops an individualized treatment plan specific to your needs. Compassionate Family Medicine also makes referrals to specialists, including obstetricians and rheumatologists, when appropriate.

Compassionate Family Medicine dedicates itself to providing comprehensive care that improves your overall wellness and well-being. To schedule your women’s health exam, call the office nearest you.