How your doctors in Woodbridge, VA, can protect your health

Women’s health is complicated and it requires specific knowledge about health issues unique to women. An annual exam is a vital way to safeguard your health. Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA, offers a wide range of family medicine services, including health services just for women.

An annual women’s exam focuses on the basics including weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and general body health. Also, an annual women’s exam incorporates a gynecological exam to determine the health of a woman’s reproductive system.

If you are a young woman who is going through menstruation, an annual exam can be helpful to determine if you are healthy. The annual exam for a young woman is important if:

• Become sexually active
• Have irregular or very painful periods
• Have a yellow, gray, or green discharge
• You missed your period and there's a chance of pregnancy

Perimenopause and menopause can cause some issues. The women’s annual exam is the perfect time for your doctor to address:

• Hormonal changes and imbalances
• Mood swings and weight gain
• Loss of estrogen and hormone replacement
• Osteoporosis and other conditions associated with menopause and aging
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Declining interest in sex

The women’s annual exam includes a pelvic examination and pap smear to detect any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, sexually-transmitted diseases, and other medical conditions associated with a woman’s reproductive system. It also includes a breast examination to check for any evidence of suspicious lumps which may be evidence of breast cancer.

The women’s annual exam is also an important opportunity for you to ask questions about your body. Your doctor can provide all of the latest information to keep you on the right track to staying healthy.

You want to stay a healthy, vital woman at all stages of your life, and an annual women’s exam is an important asset to ensure your continuing good health. To find out more about a women’s annual exam, talk with the experts. Call Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA at (703) 494-4116. Call now and protect your health!