Women have specific health needs that change as they move from their teen years into adulthood and through menopause. Trust South Coast Medical Group OC to serve these needs, including well-woman exams, nutrition counseling, menopause management, and osteoporosis prevention. Call for an appointment or book online today to reach doctors who aim to support the health of women who live in Aliso Viejo, California, and the surrounding communities.
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is an annual check on the health of your reproductive organs. Exactly what happens during the exam depends on your age as well as your sexual and medical history. You’ll talk to the doctor about your periods and discuss any irregularities in your cycle. The doctor will also do a breast exam, pelvic exam, and most likely perform a Pap smear, which involves using a swab to take a sampling of cells from your cervix. You may also be screened for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
Can I talk to the doctors about contraception?
The subject of contraception can be an important part of your well-woman exam. Discuss the various options, including the IUD, birth control pills, and barrier options. You can talk frankly with the doctor about your needs and concerns, so you find the method of contraception that’s most comfortable and convenient.
What health issues arise during menopause?
Menopause is the time when a woman’s menstrual cycle has ceased for an entire year. Leading up to menopause is a time called perimenopause, which may be characterized by the familiar symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, irregular cycles, and vaginal dryness. If you’re suffering from these symptoms, talk to the doctors at South Coast Medical Group OC about ways to manage them and make this life transition as smooth as possible.
How can South Coast Medical Group OC help prevent major illness in women?
Women are at a greater risk of chronic disease as they age, specifically heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. By monitoring health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, and blood sugar, the doctors manage your risk and intervene if needed with medications, dietary revisions, or exercise recommendations. If you do develop a chronic disease, the doctors can help you manage it so it has minimal impact on your quality of life.
What special nutrition needs do women have?
Nutrition counseling at South Coast Medical Group OC can help you manage your weight, offset chronic disease, and support nutritional deficiencies. Women are especially prone to iron-deficient anemia. Female athletes, in particular, may need nutrition counseling to support the pressures of performance and to fuel their active bodies. As you approach menopause, you may have unexplained weight gain that you can curb with adjustments to your regular eating habits.