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What are the most important things a woman can do for her health? What are important screening tests that women should have regularly? Who should have Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing? Who should take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? What are the most important things a woman can do for her health?
Return to the top of this page. What are important screening tests that women should have regularly?
Return to the top of this page. Are birth control pills safe? Can the birth control pill be used continuously so I won't have a period? Birth control pills are safer now than those used in the past. They have lower levels of hormones. The pill has been shown to protect from ovarian and uterine cancer. There is no conclusive evidence of a link between birth control pills and breast cancer. Smoking in general is not advised, but smoking while taking the pill after age 35 increases cardiovascular risk significantly. Continuous use of the pill without having a week off for withdrawal bleeding has no increased health warnings or risks. Return to the top of this page. Who should have Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing? If sexually active, Chlamydia testing should be done every year until age 25 or where there is high-risk concern. Return to the top of this page. What is HPV? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is common and infects up to 50% of people who have sex at some time in their lives. Often, women don't have symptoms, and infection can go away on its own. Some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Having regular pap smears can help detect HPV. Vaccination can be given to all women from ages 12-26 years. Return to the top of this page. Who should take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Every woman is unique, and no one should start or stop HRT without consulting her health care provider. Not all women experience hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings during menopause. Those who do usually have the symptoms for just a few years and HRT benefits can be considered to outweigh the risks in some instances for a short period of time. Research shows that HRT does lower a woman's risk of broken bones. If your health care provider feels HRT would be right for you, you will be monitored closely to be sure that it is working for you. Return to the top of this page.  © 2008 Minnesota Gynecology and Surgery. Click here for privacy information. |
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