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Women’s Healthcare

Southwest Family Physicians -  - Family Practice

Southwest Family Physicians

Family Practice & Medical Weight Loss located in Tigard, OR

Women have specific health screening and preventive care needs that deserve expert attention. At Southwest Family Physicians, our team of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives, and counselors can help with every aspect of a woman’s health concerns, including annual exams, contraceptives, pregnancy, and menopause. Women can get the compassionate and reliable care they need to live the healthiest life possible. Call the office for an appointment or book online.

Women’s Healthcare Q & A

What is involved in women’s health?

Women’s health encompasses all care for women’s physical and reproductive health. Services provided include:

  • Annual exams
  • Pap smears
  • Clinical breast exams and mammograms
  • OB/GYN and postpartum care
  • Family planning and birth control
  • STD testing and treatment
  • Menopause management


Women’s health also includes addressing symptoms of pelvic pain, irregular periods, and urinary incontinence or infections.

Why should I schedule an annual well-woman exam?

Annual well-woman exams help promote the health of women, age 13 and older. Teenagers won’t necessarily need a pelvic exam but are given an opportunity to talk about their sexuality and reproductive health.

Women 21 and older receive Pap smears on a regular basis determined by age and previous results to check for cervical cancer. Through a regular pelvic exam, your provider can also assess your general gynecological health.

Annual visits also give a woman the chance to establish a relationship with their provider at Southwest Family Physicians. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about your menstrual cycle, birth control, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

What specific concerns are involved in women’s health?

All women receive a physical exam that includes a check of their height, weight, and vital signs. We will review any changes to your medical history and ask about any symptoms you’re having. Your provider will also discuss issues with you such as proper nutrition and smoking cessation if you smoke.

At a well-woman checkup, you’ll also receive a pelvic exam, Pap test, and manual breast exam. If you have certain symptoms, such as irregular periods, pelvic pain, or abnormal discharge, you may receive additional screenings for vaginal infections or a urinary tract infection. Ultrasounds or other screening tests can be ordered if you have symptoms that suggest uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

As you approach menopause, our providers at Southwest Family Physicians help you with the transition that marks the end of menses and schedule mammograms to screen for breast cancer or a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis.

What pregnancy services are available?

At Southwest Family Physicians, our team of expert practitioners offers all the care you need before, during, and after your delivery. The office offers full maternity, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. You can also take advantage of lactation and breastfeeding support.

Additionally, Southwest Family Physicians can offer ongoing care for you and your baby after delivery. If you’re pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant, set up a free consultation today.

 

What contraceptives are available?

Contraceptives, or birth control, help you plan your family the way you see fit. At Southwest Family Physicians we offer several options for preventing unwanted pregnancy and we will help you choose the right method for your specific needs.

Available contraceptive options include:

Hormonal methods

Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUD) contain hormones that regulate ovulation and prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.

Non-hormonal methods

If you can’t tolerate hormones due to medical issues or because of your age, you may need to use non-hormonal contraceptives, like condoms or a diaphragm.

You may also be a good candidate for non-hormonal IUDs, which use copper to prevent the egg from meeting the sperm. Copper paralyzes sperm to prevent fertilization.

Which contraceptive is right for me?

Many factors influence which birth control is best for you. The Southwest Family Physicians medical team will review your medical history and your plans for a family before discussing your options for contraceptives.

Birth control pills are an effective choice for preventing pregnancy. Your Southwest Family Physicians provider may also recommend birth control pills to regulate your periods or to rebalance hormones during perimenopause.

If you’re older than 35 or can’t tolerate hormones, you may need to use non-hormonal birth control methods.

If you’re sexually active with more than one partner, you may need to use condoms to prevent your risk for sexually transmitted disease.

If you are looking for a method of contraceptive that protects you from pregnancy for many years, an implant or IUD may be your best option.

Are contraceptives safe?

Generally, both hormonal and nonhormonal contraceptives are safe and effective when used correctly. You should take birth control pills as your provider recommends and use condoms to protect you from sexually transmitted disease.

If you are over 35 or have existing health issues, you may not be a good candidate for hormonal birth control, as it may increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. Women who smoke also shouldn’t use hormonal contraceptives.

If you’re looking for a reliable contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy, schedule a consultation today at Southwest Family Physicians. You can book an appointment using the online booking feature or by calling the office.

 

To receive excellent and compassionate care for all aspects of female health, call Southwest Family Physicians or book your appointment online.