Women’s Health at Every Age - Prevent Illness and Stay Healthy

Julie H. Ladocsi, MD
Richmond Women's Specialists

Gynecological care emphasizes women’s health maintenance in ways that primary care visits do not. We can assist in early detection of diseases, preventive medicine, and develop a customized care plan that facilitates total health based on family history, lifestyle, nutrition, and current risk factors for illness.

There is significant overlap of medical care between age ranges for women, and we try to understand your total health picture so we can develop a long-term care plan.

In your teens… You should establish a relationship with an OB/GYN with whom you feel comfortable and can discuss health issues honestly. We will address concerns regarding menstrual issues, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. We will discuss appropriate vaccinations, including prevention options for HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Internal pelvic exams are unnecessary at this stage unless needed to address a specific problem. Open and honest dialogue with parents or guardians is encouraged at this time.

In your 20s… PAP smear screening for cervical cancer begins. Clinical guidelines recommend PAP smears every 3-5 years; however, gynecologic exams should still be administered annually. We will also discuss the HPV vaccine with you if you haven’t already been vaccinated. We will continue to work with you on contraception management and STD prevention and screening. This is also normally the time when we will begin pre-conception planning and even reproductive management, if you’re starting to have children.

In your 30s… We will focus on many of the items we’ve discussed in prior years, but this is when many women will be having children and managing the accompanying physical changes. Contraception and reproductive management are still a priority, as well as managing routine screenings. Pelvic and menstrual problems can surface during this decade, and we will develop a care plan for those if necessary.

In your 40s… Screening mammograms for breast cancer begin with regularity and we will discuss menstrual changes related to age. HCA Virginia has a robust imaging network and multiple options for screening locations. We will also continue reproductive planning and post-partum issues as appropriate.

In your 50s… We continue to focus on breast health with annual screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Colorectal screening begins in earnest in this decade, as well as management of perimenopausal and menopausal physical changes. For some women, urinary health can also be an issue and we will address that as necessary.

In your 60s… We will screen for breast and pelvic abnormalities and begin bone density testing (earlier for high-risk patients). Menopause management can still be a concern and we will address those issues accordingly.

In your 70s and beyond… Our priority will be prevention of osteoporosis and reducing fracture risks. We will continue to screen for pelvic and breast abnormalities, as well as manage gynecologic and urinary health.

Women’s health and preventive medicine is a fluid dialogue over many years between the practitioner and the patient. We hope to develop a longstanding relationship with you so we can effectively manage the continuum of your health in a way that promotes great communication and overall well-being.

For further inquiries about women’s health contact Julie H. Ladocsi, MD, of Richmond Women’s Specialists, at 804.267.6931, or visit their website at richmondwomens.com.