For optimum reproductive wellness, women need a compassionate medical provider to care for their specific needs, including regular pap smears and menopause symptom management. Ivan Carreras, MD, of Carreras Medical Center in Hialeah, Florida, provides comprehensive women’s health care services to optimize your well-being and ensure your reproductive system is in perfect health. Call the practice today to find out more or make an appointment online.
Women’s Health Q & A
What is women’s health?
Women’s health is in many respects very similar to men’s health, but each sex has distinct differences when it comes to the reproductive system. For that reason, women have a range of health issues that can be drawn together under an umbrella term. Organs and body parts that come under women’s health include:
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Cervix
- Vagina
- Vulva
- Breasts
Women’s health covers the medical conditions that affect these body parts, as well as sexual health, menstruation, and menopause.
What is a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is a checkup Dr. Carreras carries out typically annually, although he may need to see you more often if you have any ongoing health issues. Your well-woman exam is an opportunity to check the internal and external health of your reproductive organs and discuss any concerns you have about your health.
The well-woman exam is also when you have your pap smear, an essential routine test that looks for changes in the cells on your cervix that could indicate the early stages of cervical cancer.
The pap smear only takes a few minutes, and in most cases, the results are negative or show changes that aren’t a cause for concern, but if you do have the beginnings of cancer, it does mean you can start treatment in good time.
What sorts of conditions come under women’s health?
There are numerous conditions that affect the reproductive organs. Among those most often encountered are:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Yeast infections
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Vaginal atrophy
As well as diagnosing any medical issues like these, Dr. Carreras can help with menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding, pain, and premenstrual syndrome. There could be underlying conditions causing these symptoms that you aren’t aware of, and if so Dr. Carreras can diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Many women find they experience problems during and after menopause that affect their well-being, such as hot flashes, problems sleeping, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. There are various treatments available to help manage menopausal symptoms, and Dr. Carreras can talk you through the options to find the approach that works best for you.
If you have any concerns or questions relating to your reproductive health, call Carreras Medical Center today, or make an appointment online.
