Women are strong, inspiring, and impressive — to name just a few qualities. From courageous healthcare workers to hard-working politicians to dedicated homemakers, there are plenty of ways that women show off their amazing skills and keep the world turning.
While women may seem like superheroes (and often act like them), they still have to take care of their health. But being a woman comes with an extra set of health conditions to be aware of.
Just as each woman is unique, the health conditions they face are as well. Women’s Health is a vast category, ranging from gynecological issues to pregnancy to breast health. It also encompasses factors related to women's wellness — both physically and mentally.
Fortunately, as with many health conditions, prevention is key. By knowing about these conditions, staying up-to-date with healthcare appointments and leading a healthy lifestyle, you can increase your chances of preventing these conditions.
As the saying goes — knowledge is power. Here are 3 categories of health conditions to know about that only impact women or impact women differently than men.
1. Gynecological Health Conditions
“Female reproductive organs, which can include a uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vagina, inherently carry their own health risks when compared to typical male reproductive organs. In addition to conditions associated with fertility and pregnancy, women may also struggle with chronic conditions such as endometriosis, irregular menstruation, uterine abnormalities, such as polyps and fibroids, and other gynecological cancers, such as cervical cancer. These are just a few examples of why routine gynecological care is so important even outside of pregnancy,” explains Dr. Shannon Alexa, DO, OB/GYN at Mainline Fertility West Chester.
Gynecology deals with diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive organs. As a woman, you’re at risk for certain health conditions, including:
- Menstrual irregularities, such as missed/irregular periods and excessive bleeding
- Urinary tract conditions, such as urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bacterial vaginosis, which is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age that is caused by a change in bacteria in the vagina
Vaginitis, which is inflammation or infection of the vagina
- Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors or growths in the uterus or womb
- Cervical cancer, which is cancer that starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus)
You’ll also eventually encounter menopause, which is when a woman stops having menstrual periods. This normal but sometimes frustrating transition can cause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and trouble sleeping.
Fortunately, gynecologists are well-trained in preventing, treating, and managing these conditions starting in girls between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. That's why your annual well-woman visits are crucial, whether or not you plan to have children. They give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, undergo routine screenings and learn more about your body at each appointment.
2. Pregnancy and Infertility Issues
Pregnancy is one of nature's miracles — but it comes with its own set of health needs. If you decide to have children, your body will change drastically as you support and nourish your growing baby.
What’s more, in addition to actually giving birth, you will need to navigate a new kind of care before you welcome your baby into the world. This is called prenatal care, which includes adopting a healthy lifestyle to support your baby and going to prenatal visits throughout pregnancy.
"Additionally, whether or not having children is in your life plan, you may be faced with health conditions that make that option more difficult. Infertility is when you're unable to achieve pregnancy after at least one year of unprotected sex under age 35, or at least six months over age of 35. In addition, menstrual irregularities, such as very short or very long cycles can suggest underlying infertility issues. No matter the cause, infertility is not just physically challenging, but can also be emotionally difficult," says Dr. Alexa.
Health conditions that are related to infertility include:
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Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors or growths in the uterus or womb
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, which are symptoms related to hormonal imbalances in women of reproductive age
- Endometriosis, which is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, which is when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before 40 years old
Despite the complexity of both pregnancy and infertility, the healthcare world's understanding of these conditions is astounding.
During pregnancy, regular prenatal care allows healthcare providers to spot concerns early, which can lower your risk of complications both during and after pregnancy. As for infertility, your ability to safely and successfully conceive with procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) has improved drastically since the first IVF baby was born in the late 1970s.
3. Health Conditions That Women Have a Higher Risk of Developing
Some health conditions can affect both men and women, but women have a higher chance of developing them. Two of these include osteoporosis and breast cancer.
Osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes bones to become weaker and break more easily, mostly affects older women. In fact, more than 80% of people with osteoporosis are women.
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis for a number of reasons, including:
- Women's bones are naturally thinner and less dense than those of men.
- Women often live longer than men, and osteoporosis occurs as people age.
- Women lose bone mass after menopause.
Breast cancer — or cancer in the cells of the breasts — can also affect both men and women, but women are much more likely to develop the disease. This may be because breast cancer often forms in cells in the milk-producing ducts.
While these conditions are both serious, they are also both preventable and treatable. Healthcare providers have extensive knowledge and training in identifying risk factors and monitoring for signs of both osteoporosis and breast cancer. For instance, from 2013 to 2018, the rates of women dying from breast cancer steadily decreased by about 1% each year.
Women's Health Starts With Preventative Care
Being a woman comes with plenty of positives, but also a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, by taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, and staying up-to-date with healthcare visits, many of these conditions are manageable — if not completely preventable.
If you haven't had a routine check-up or well-woman visit in the past year, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Your primary care provider or women's health provider can assess your overall health and help you stay on top of other preventative care factors, including screenings, immunizations, and general wellness.
With some dedication, knowledge, and support, women can stay healthy and live long and happy lives.
Want to learn more about staying on top of your health as a woman? Make an appointment with a Chester County Hospital Primary Care Provider or Women’s Health Provider.