This Quarter's Newsletter. . .
WHAT MAKES WOMEN'S HEALTH UNIQUE FROM MEN'S?
Beyond the most obvious differences in reproductive organs, there are many other medical differences between men and women.
- Heart attacks present differently in women and later in their life.
- Women's urinary systems are different from men's therefore, they experience more urinary tract infections and
inflammation.
- Women comprise 80 percent of the population suffering from osteoporosis.
- Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression.
- Three out of four people suffering from autoimmune disorders are women.
- The good news: Women have a higher life expectancy than men.
Why Do Women Need A Female Health Specialist?
Gynecologists receive years of additional training in women's health issues. We are trained both medically and surgically
to offer comprehensive care to women. Because the main health differences in women and men are the reproductive
organs, female health specialists are experts in treating the many disorders of the female productive system. We also focus
on women's wellness. Women should be receiving screening exams that are very different from men's (pelvic exam, Pap
smear, mammogram). We discuss nutritional needs and treat medical conditions unique to women.
Why Choose Us As Your Female Health Team?
The providers in our practice work as a team to administer the highest quality care to our patients. We include a
multitude of specialists within our practices and each has a unique skill in women's healthcare. Our women's health
nurse practitioner is specially trained in vulvar and vaginal disorders. The physician's team includes a certified clinical
densitometrist to accurately diagnose and treat osteoporosis. Another member of our team received her fellowship in advanced laproscopic and minimally invasive surgery to provide women with the latest surgical approaches. Our
newest member is fellowship trained in Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive surgery, offering relief to the many
women suffering from incontinence and prolapse problems.
Article By:
Dr. Steepy
URINARY HEALTH FOR WOMEN
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are infections that occur in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. An infection can occur In any part of the system but more frequently occurs in the lower urinary tract that includes the bladder and urethra.
The most common urinary infection in women is caused by E. coli; a bacteria
that comes from the gastrointestinal tract. Common risk factors for UTIs can include being sexually active, using a catheter, having a compromised immune system, having a blockage in the urinary tract, for example, a kidney stone, and having
an abnormality in the urinary tract. Women are more susceptible to UTIs because
of the nearness of the urethra to the anus and the short distance from the urethra
to the bladder.
Menopausal women are more at risk for a UTI because a decrease in estrogen
causes changes in the vagina to become shorter and narrower and a decrease in
protective bacteria that can cause the pH to increase. As a result, organisms, including EColi increase and can make women more vulnerable to infection. the use of
vaginal estrogen can help with vaginal atrophy and also benefit the patient with
recurrent UTIs.
Suggestions to help prevent UTIs in women includes drinking adequate fluids,
wiping from front to back after emptying the bladder and bowel movements, urinating after intercourse, and avoiding lotions, sprays, bubble baths, or personal
products that can cause irritation. UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics and
an evaluation by your provider is recommended for proper treatment.
Article by: Rosemary Kipp