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FACTS ABOUT
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND CERVICAL
CANCER
Adult
women today live under a lot of pressure -- from forces at
work, their family responsibilities and details of everyday
life. It's a challenge for these women to successfully
manage all the pressure without it influencing their
health.
For women
between the ages of 25 and 45, healthcare can sometimes fall
far down the list of priorities. Studies show that these
women may have only one doctor visit each year. During this
same time period, many serious health conditions can
develop. Women who lead a healthy lifestyle and practice
preventive healthcare are much better prepared to avoid
serious disease or illness.
Information
is the key to helping women lead healthy and productive
lives. Cancer is the leading cause of death among young
adult women in the United States killing 25 percent of women
before they can reach their full potential. Cancer ranks
second in the leading cause of death among the entire US
population affecting 23 percent of all Americans, just
behind heart disease.
The
University Osteopathic Medical Center offers the following
facts about reproductive health examinations and cervical
cancer to help women arm themselves in the battle to
maintain good health through preventive practices.
When
Should A Woman Visit A Gynecologist?
- All
women 18 yrs. and older or those sexually active need a
yearly gynecological exam.
- Anytime
a woman experiences severe pelvic pain.
- If a
woman has abnormal bleeding between periods or an unusual
discharge, pain, swelling or itching of the vagina or
lower abdomen.
- A
gynecological exam is the only regular exam for 24
percent of women.
- Experts
recommend additional health checks like blood pressure
and cholesterol should be added for these
women.
Tests
Performed At Annual Visit
The doctor
will listen to your heart and lungs, checking your breasts
for any changes or lumps and palpitate your abdominal area
for any irregularities. A Pap test is generally taken during
the visual portion of the pelvic exam. The doctor collects
cells from the entrance to the cervical canal and the canal
itself (opening to the uterus). These samples are then
specially prepared as slides for examination under a
microscope to check for abnormal cells, which may indicate
possible cancer or a precancerous condition. Not all
abnormalities found are cancerous. A pelvic exam is also
conducted to inspect the uterus and ovaries for the presence
of ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs), uterine fibroids
(growths), tumors and other abnormalities. If abnormalities
are suspected, usually other tests are done for
confirmation.
Preparation
For The Exam
The
following helpful hints make for a smoother exam:
- Best
appointment time is one week after a woman's menstrual
cycle.
- Do not
use spermicides or vaginal lubricants in the two days
prior to the exam. Avoid all vaginal treatments,
including douches.
- Write
down the first day of your last menstrual period, along
with any questions you want to ask the doctor. Bring a
thin sanitary pad to the office. Sometimes a little
spotting occurs after a pelvic exam.
Reproductive
Exams Can Detect Certain Cancers
Cervical
cancer occurs when cells on the surface of the cervix are
cancerous. Approximately 13,700 new cases of cervical cancer
were diagnosed in the United States in 1998, according to
the Agency for Health Policy and Research.
Knowing
The Symptoms Can Help With Early Detection
Symptoms
include:
- Watery
or bloody vaginal discharge, sometimes heavy and
foul-smelling.
- Vaginal
bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods or
after menopause; menstrual periods may be heavier and
last longer than normal.
If
cervical cancer spreads to nearby tissues, symptoms may
include:
- Difficult
urination and possible kidney failure.
- Painful
urination and possible kidney failure.
- Dull
backache or swelling in the legs. Diarrhea, pain or
bleeding from the rectum upon defecation.
Medical
experts at the University Osteopathic Medical Center (UOMC)
agree that it is both less expensive and more effective to
prevent disease, or catch it in its early stages, than it is
to treat the disease in its later stages. That's why
osteopathic family physicians are so committed to preventive
care. As physicians who treat people, not just symptoms,
they know its better for the whole family if family's female
head stays healthy and active throughout her life.
The UOMC
and its five southeastern Ohio clinic locations provide area
women with convenient and comprehensive healthcare services.
The medical center is a multi-specialty, outpatient clinic
made up of more than 60 physicians who also serve as the
faculty for the Ohio University College of Osteopathic
Medicine. Physicians at the medical center practice in a
variety of specialties including obstetrics and gynecology,
pediatrics, family medicine, geriatric medicine, cardiology
and vascular medicine, ENT (ear, nose and throat), internal
medicine, nephrology, orthopedics, OMM (osteopathic
manipulative medicine), pathology, rheumatology and
surgery.
For an
appointment or more information about women's health care
services at the University Osteopathic Medical Center,
please call (740) 593-1700.
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