Julie H. Ladocsi, MD Richmond Women's Specialists Johnston-Willis Hospital |
Everyone recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, but did you know there are many things you can do throughout the months and years to reduce your risk and stay generally healthy? It's important to stay connected to your overall health as a woman, as preventive care is often the best medicine.
Gynecological care emphasizes women’s health maintenance in ways that
primary care visits do not. We assist in early detection of diseases 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 JulieH. Ladocsi, MD, of Richmond Women’s Specialists, at 804.267.6931, or visit
their website at richmondwomens.com.
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