Keeping Fit and Healthy

Women's Healthcare: A Guide

22 November 2021 by Mildred Dixon

This article provides an overview of women's health care services and some of the conditions that may need treatment at a clinic or hospital. Read on to discover more!

What is a women's health clinic?

A women's health clinic is a place that provides a variety of medical services to address the needs of women who are at any stage in their lives, from adolescence to adulthood. These clinics work closely with local public hospitals and private physicians, as well as community agencies such as school boards and social service agencies, to provide quality care that ensures the safety of women when they need it most.

What treatment and advice can I receive at a woman's health clinic?

Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of ageing in which your body starts making less estrogen and progesterone. Menopause usually happens when you're in your 50s, but sometimes it can start earlier. The symptoms of menopause are caused by dropping levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. These symptoms may include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness leading to painful intercourse
• Mood swings and irritability

Your doctor can give you medicine that replaces the estrogen that your body is no longer making. This medicine is called hormone therapy or HT. It comes as a pill, a patch and a cream.

Cancer screenings

Regular breast self-examinations and clinical breast examinations can help women stay on top of their health. The earlier you catch cancer, the better your chances of beating it. If you are in a high-risk group, you may be offered routine mammograms to check for cancerous cells in the breast.

A Pap test is a routine screening test for cervical cancer. During your visit, your doctor will take some cells from your cervix (the opening of the womb) and examine them under a microscope to check for abnormal changes in the cells. Any changes could be early signs of cancer or another condition that needs treatment.

Female sexual health

Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are passed through sexual contact with someone who already has the infection. Some STIs can be prevented by using a latex or polyurethane condom during sexual contact to protect against infections passed through semen, vaginal fluid, blood, and skin-to-skin touching.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is another way to protect your health. It's important to get tested regularly because many STIs don't have any symptoms and can lead to serious problems if left untreated.

For more information, contact a women's healthcare clinic today.

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