Women's Health

What is women’s health?

Women’s health is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness in women. As a woman, your reproductive system increases your risk of certain health problems such as breast cancer and cervical cancer. 

The natural aging process also results in significant hormonal changes as a result of menopause. Women’s health services can effectively treat these and other problems, improving your health and overall quality of life. 

What services does women’s health include?

At Ribera Healthcare Clinic, women can access a wide range of women’s health services, including:

Gynecology 

Gynecology focuses on all aspects of women’s health, including menstruation, sexual health, and menopause. Gynecologists also offer preventive screenings, including Pap tests and mammograms, as well as immunizations for the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Contraception

Contraception is a type of women’s health that focuses on family planning. If you’re sexually active, but don’t want to get pregnant, contraceptives like oral birth control, birth control patches, and intrauterine devices (IUD) can provide you with peace of mind. If you’re sexually active with multiple partners, Ribera Healthcare Clinic also offers STD testing.

Hormonal therapy

Every woman experiences menopause eventually. Menopause signifies the end of your reproductive lifestyle and occurs when you’ve gone a full year without a menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, menopause presents a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, and general irritability. 

Hormonal therapy uses synthetic hormones that mimic those produced in your body. Hormonal therapy can restore balance to your body and improve your quality of life. 

Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction

When females experience sexual dysfunction, it often involves discomfort during sex. Issues like vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy are common problems that can make sex uncomfortable, especially for menopausal women. This can lead to friction and pain if you don’t become sufficiently aroused before having sex.

However, other women may experience pain during intercourse due to a condition known as vaginismus, while others may experience difficulty achieving an orgasm or pain when they orgasm. 

How often should I schedule a women’s health exam?

The team at Ribera Healthcare Clinic recommends you schedule a women’s health exam once each year. 

Many serious health problems, including cervical cancer and breast cancer, present few apparent symptoms early on. Regular check-ups can catch these and other issues in their beginning stages, ensuring more effective treatment.

A women’s health exam also presents an opportunity to build a relationship with your medical provider. During your appointment, you can ask questions and discuss concerns or unusual symptoms you’re experiencing. Everything you say is completely confidential, ensuring you can share all aspects of your health in a private and welcoming environment.

To schedule your women’s health exam at Ribera Healthcare Clinic, call the office or book online today.