Everyone knows to go to the doctor when they’re sick, but preventive care is often the most vital element of living a healthy, fulfilling life. And while regular appointments with a primary care physician can be beneficial for just about everyone, the unique needs of women often require a more specialized women’s health provider. Here’s how regular wellness visits with this type of provider can help women lead healthier lives:

Making Menopause Symptoms More Manageable

Menopause is a normal part of life for women as they reach a certain age and with it can come some body changes that can make life less comfortable or more difficult. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, urinary incontinence, and more. 

Fortunately, women’s health providers can help menopausal women manage symptoms effectively. Treatments for managing these symptoms often include:

• Hormone therapy
• Medications to reduce hot flashes
• Medications and exercises for urinary incontinence

Because menopause symptoms can change over time, regular visits to the doctor are recommended.

Annual Pelvic Exams Can Help Detect STDs and Cancers Early

Gynecologists specialize in the prevention and diagnosis of conditions and diseases that affect the female reproductive system. Routine pelvic exams, which are conducted by a gynecologist, are the ideal way to protect the health of your reproductive system and often include the following:

• Checks for sexually transmitted diseases
• HPV screenings
• Tests for cervical cancer

Going on the Offensive Against Breast Cancer

Behind skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women. In Charles County, the annual rate of new cases of female breast cancer is somewhere around 130 per 100,000 women (that’s nearly 5,000 new cases every year). And, according to the latest data available, an average of over 100 Charles County women die every year because of this form of cancer.

Great strides have been made in the treatment of breast cancer over the past several years, but early detection is still the most potent weapon in the arsenal against it. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates a five-year relative survival rate of 99 percent for breast cancer when it’s found in its earliest detectable stage. How do you detect breast cancer early? Regular wellness visits with your women’s health provider can include the breast exams or mammography referrals that are vital to early detection.

Women’s Health Providers in Southern Maryland

Led by a team of highly skilled, specialized women doctors and practitioners, UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Women’s Health provides comprehensive care to women of all ages. More specifically, this experienced team focuses on gynecology, obstetrics, midwifery, and pelvic health. This includes:

• Annual pelvic exams
• Breast exams
• Management of menopause symptoms
• Urinary incontinence treatment
• Minimally invasive surgery

Making regular care and wellness visits as convenient as possible for women in Southern Maryland, this practice serves patients in Waldorf and La Plata. Talk to your primary care provider to request a referral or call (301) 609-4800 to schedule an appointment today.