Do you have questions about common health issues that affect women? Our Woodbridge, VA, physician, Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb of Ridgeview Internal Medicine, discusses several conditions and diseases that may impact your health.

How can I reduce my risk of osteoporosis?

Both men and women can develop osteoporosis, but post-menopausal women have a higher incidence of the bone disease. When you develop osteoporosis, your bone density decreases, increasing the risk of a fracture even if you only have a minor fall. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can decrease your risk, although you still may need to take a calcium supplement. It's also important to participate in exercises that help strengthen your bones, such as walking, running or aerobics, in addition to using weights or resistance bands a few times a week.

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of STD you have, but are often mild, at least at first. Common symptoms include:

• Pain when urinating
• Vaginal discharge
• Warts, ulcers or blisters
• Itching
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain
• Fever or nausea

Schedule an appointment in our Woodbridge office if you notice any of these symptoms. If we suspect your symptoms are caused by a sexually transmitted disease, we'll recommend an STD test. Yearly STD tests are recommended for all sexually active women.

What are the treatment options for urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments available that can help, such as:

• Bladder training
• Scheduled bathroom trips
• Botox injections
• Kegel exercises
• Medications that treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence
• Electrical stimulation treatment
• Pessaries, internal devices that support the bladder
• Surgery

Will my uterine fibroids go away?

Uterine fibroids don't usually go away completely, but they do shrink after menopause. Unfortunately, if you're experiencing heavy, prolonged periods, you probably don't want to wait until menopause to find some relief. Medications can help relieve the heavy bleeding, but they won't shrink the fibroids. Many women find relief with a variety of minimally invasive procedures that destroy the fibroids, such as myomectomy, myolysis and uterine artery embolization.

Are you concerned about a women's health issue. Schedule an appointment with our Woodbridge, VA, physician, Dr. Al-Khateeb of Ridgeview Internal Medicine, by calling (703) 494-4116.