Our DNA dictates how men’s and women’s bodies are different. While these changes go beyond our reproductive systems, most agree that this is our greatest difference. This necessitates different approaches to the medical care men and women receive. Men need screenings for testicular and prostate health which women don’t require. Women require other gender-specific assistance. Women’s health clinics serve many roles in supporting women with the various physical and emotional needs associated with their gender.
The Basics
Many people who are unfamiliar with the role women’s clinics play in healthcare erroneously assume they’re simply a source of free condoms, pregnancy tests and Plan B emergency contraception. These services are simply the tip of the iceberg where women are concerned. Most clinics also help women get the answers they need about reproductive issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases and cancers of the reproductive system. Clinics have doctors and nurses on staff who can answer questions related to these issues. If a woman is pregnant, clinics can provide the prenatal care she needs.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
It’s fairly normal that clinics offer women obstetric and gynecological services. However, did you know that extends beyond simply the basic check-up and prenatal visit standards? Many clinics offer help with fertility issues. Others include options like birthing workshops, prenatal massage and fitness classes for expectant mothers. Not all births are attended by doctors, either. You can find many clinics with associated midwives and doulas. Clinics have offered postnatal help for a long time, too. This help includes postpartum depression diagnosis and intervention, assistance with lactation issues and resources for things like colic, vaccines and childcare.
Over and Above
Some clinics are branching out into specialized medicine or other services for women. As women require surgeries like hysterectomies and other gynecological procedures, clinics are increasingly offering the option of Da Vinci robotic surgery. This provides minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy. Bone density or DEXA scans are done to measure bone loss or bone mineral density so that doctors can diagnose and treat women for osteoporosis. Many clinics are now also offering prenatal ultrasounds. This prevents the expectant mother from making additional appointments to have those tests done. A fairly new procedure available, Mona Lisa Touch, helps women who are postmenopausal or who have had hysterectomies or breast cancer through the use of laser treatments.
Looking Your Best
Other clinics are diving into the field of cosmetic enhancements. Without performing major cosmetic surgeries, these clinics are still offering the opportunity for women to look and feel their best through various procedures. Laser hair removal has become very popular for some women. Other ladies are trying cool sculpting as offered by some clinics. This procedure freezes the fat deposits found in various areas of women’s bodies and eliminates the bulges found there. It’s not a weight loss method. It’s a method for reducing the unevenness fat deposits make or for tightening loose skin around those fat deposits.
Women’s health clinics have become resources for a wide range of gender-specific health concerns.
