It cannot be understated just how important it is for all women to see a dedicated health professional who specialises in women’s health issues. Whether one suffers from heavy periods or is experiencing incontinence after giving birth, seeing a health professional who specialises in these issues is critical to ongoing management and optimal health.
How Can They Help You?
A health professional who specialises in women’s health is called a Gynaecologist, but what do they deal with and how can they help you? Consider the following:
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Endometriosis: This is a painful and difficult disease that affects many women. The problem is that the average time of diagnosis is about seven years, often because the symptoms are dismissed as a normal part of having a period by many general doctors. Unfortunately, the pain due to endometriosis can be debilitating for many women, necessitating time off work and from other activities. If you have heavier than normal periods and you have significant pain that seems out of the ordinary compared to others, it might just be time to see a woman’s health professional.
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Urinary issues: Many older women who have given birth to one or more children often find that they have urinary issues, including infections, cystitis, and incontinence. Indeed, these are conditions that may happen at just about any age. These can be uncomfortable and difficult conditions to treat that can leave many women feeling anxious and socially isolated. It’s important not to ignore urinary issues as they can be indicative of deeper health conditions that require treatment.
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Pap smears: Having regular pap smears is essential for any woman over a certain age to monitor any abnormal cells that might be developing in the cervix. Worldwide, cervical cancer is a big killer and seeing a woman’s health professional is important to monitor this potential condition. If you have had an abnormal pap smear, this doesn’t necessarily mean the worst, but it’s also important to sit down and talk about the results with a woman’s health professional.
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Heavy periods: Many women suffer from having heavier than normal periods that cause significant pain and distress. While it can certainly be an indication of endometriosis, there are other possible causes too, including hormone imbalances, and contraceptive devices that fit into the uterus.
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Prolapse: This often occurs in women who have borne children. The muscles around the uterus, bladder, and bowels can become weakened due to having given birth and this can cause these organs to prolapse, or move position, so that there is discomfort and an exacerbation of other conditions.
Taking Care of Your Health
The specific health conditions that many women can suffer necessitate the guiding hand and care of a woman’s health professional. Many such conditions are related to the reproductive organs of women, though this is not necessarily always the case. In this context, a woman of nearly any age can benefit from seeing such a professional for guidance and treatment where necessary.
