The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Health
Women’s Health Month is celebrated each May, and is a pivotal time to spotlight women’s health issues, support women’s health, and empower women everywhere to take steps for optimal health. Although we honor women and contribute to supporting their health every day, this Women’s Health Month serves as a paramount time to discuss women’s breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine, and mental health, and the importance of annual exams.
Breast Health
Breast health is a critical component of women's health. At East End Imaging, we’re dedicated to supporting breast health through providing education and regular screenings. We encourage women to practice breast self-exams, schedule annual mammograms, know their breast density, and have a breast cancer risk assessment.
Cervical Health
The cervix is a cushion of tissue that sits at the top of the vaginal canal, between the vagina and uterus, and is part of the female reproductive system. Each year, almost 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Getting screened for cervical cancer is a pivotal step for early detection and supporting your cervical health. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. Cervical cancer screening includes Pap and HPV tests.
Ovarian Health
Ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, producing and releasing eggs into the female reproductive tract during the mid-point of each menstrual cycle. Over the past few decades, ovarian cancer diagnoses have been declining and ovarian cancer is more treatable when caught early. It’s important to have a regular women’s exam for a variety of reasons, especially to monitor your pelvic floor. If something abnormal is discovered during a pelvic exam or if you have ovarian cancer-related symptoms, your doctor will recommend tests to further investigate the issue. These tests might include imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, x-rays, MRIs, or PET scans.
Uterine Health
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ that sits between the bladder and rectum in the female pelvis. As an effort to support optimal uterine health, it’s important to raise awareness about some of the most common conditions that affect the uterus. These include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and endometrial cancer. Contact your OB/GYN if you experience any symptoms associated with these conditions, or if something doesn’t feel right.
Mental Health
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a significant time to advocate for ways to support mental health for women. A weekly wellness routine is an important way to support mental health and might consist of components like: therapy, exercise, eating healthy, yoga, meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature.
Annual Exam
Attending an annual primary care exam and OB/GYN exam are important steps to take in order to be proactive about your health. Visiting a primary care provider for your yearly physical has a myriad of benefits like developing a personalized care plan, aiding in prevention, early detection, and proactive management of health issues.
Sources:
NIH: Cervical Cancer Screening
NIH: National Cancer Institute: Ovaries
American Cancer Society: Ovarian Cancer