From puberty to menopause, women go through various life stages, each with unique needs and health issues.
It is important to navigate women’s health at each stage of their lives to maintain their overall health and prevent potential health issues. Women’s health navigation involves a range of preventative measures, screening tests, and health practices that help detect potential issues early and promote the overall well-being of women.
Let’s discuss some key aspects of women’s health, including mammograms, pap smears, bone scans, STD testing, diabetes screening, and others, and where you can go for comprehensive women’s healthcare in Colorado Springs, CO.
Pap Smears
Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women. A pap smear is a screening test to detect cervical cancers early and is recommended for women every three years from age 21 to 65.
If you have certain risk factors, such as history of smoking, a weakened immune system, HIV infection, or a previous pap smear that showed precancerous cells, getting more frequent pap smears is recommended.
Typically, a pap smear is done with the pelvic exam; however, in women older than age 30, it may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast cancer in women with breast problems such as breast pain, lump, or nipple discharge. A mammogram is also recommended for women with no breast complaints but with an age group (40 and above) at higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Mammography is a simple test during which the technologist places your breast on plastic plates and uses other plates to firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten your breast tissues and hold them while the X-ray images are taken. The same step is repeated to make a side view of the breast.
Once the X-ray is done, those images will be sent to a radiologist, who will interpret the results.
DEXA Bone Scan
DEXA scan is an imaging test that measures the bone density in women at high risk for osteoporosis (a condition characterized by porous bones) and fractures. This imaging test uses a very low level of X-rays to measure the mineral content of the bones in different skeleton areas.
A DEXA scan is recommended if you have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis or fractures. These risk factors include increased age (The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends women aged 65 and above and men aged 70 or above get a DEXA scan), family history of osteoporosis or fractures, previous fracture injuries, taking medications that weaken bones, chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or lupus that make your bones more prone to fractures.
STD Testing
Sexually transmitted diseases are a common occurrence in the US. Therefore, sexually active women are encouraged to have regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections even if they have no symptoms.
The US Preventive Services Task Force encourage everyone to get HIV testing at least once between the age of 15 and 65. Moreover, women over 25 who have HIV or have been forced to have sex against their will are recommended to receive screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year.
Other Preventive Care Screenings for Women
In addition to the aforementioned tests, women should also get screening tests for:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Hypertension
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Diabetes
Women’s Health Care in Colorado Springs, CO
If you are a woman and are looking for a reputable healthcare facility offering a comprehensive range of women’s healthcare services, look no further than Abundance Health Care. We have a highly trained and exceptionally skilled family nurse practitioner who offers a comprehensive range of women’s health services that include but are not limited to annual well-women visits, breast exams, menopause management, pap smears, HPV screenings, vaccination, and much more. At our facility, you can also order mammograms.
If you would like to know more about us or want to schedule a consultation with our providers, please contact us today at (720) 869-0547 or fill out our online appointment request form.
