Top 6 Doctors For Women’s Health: Know Their Roles & When To Visit Them
Hormonal and bodily changes that occur during different stages of Women’s life, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, need special health care attention. A range of health issues affect only women, and some conditions are more common in women. Even some conditions cause different symptoms in women and men. Here are 6 types of specialist doctors for women’s health. Know their roles and when to visit them.
Doctors, Every Woman Should Be Aware Of
1. General physician: Most of us visit a general physician, also known as primary care physician, whenever we feel ill. He/ she treats common illnesses such as cold, headache, and body pain. They also manage chronic disease conditions such as high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Based on the training and experience, some general physicians can treat most health conditions of women. If the condition needs extra attention, he/ she can refer you to specialists.
2. Gynecologists: These specialists treat or manage conditions specific to girls and women, especially those affecting the reproductive organs. The conditions include cancer in the breast, ovary, cervix, and uterus, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, urinary tract and vaginal infections, and problems with menstruation.
If you have pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, abnormal bleedings, pain with urination, vaginal itching, or pain with intercourse, visit a gynecologist. Your gynecologist will perform or recommend preventive wellness screenings such as mammography, Pap smears, pelvic exam, and bone mineral density screening based on your age. These screenings will help find out cancer, osteoporosis, and other abnormalities.
3. Obstetricians: An obstetrician is a physician expert in pregnancy and childbirth care. Most gynecologists are also obstetricians. They will guide you through the entire stages of pregnancy, monitor the baby’s growth and provide labor and delivery services.
Couples who consider pregnancy, especially if the women have any chronic conditions such as blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or other diseases, should visit an obstetrician. They will recommend appropriate medications and lifestyle changes to make sure you have a safe pregnancy.
4. Dermatologists: They are one of the important doctors for women’s health. They specialize in treating or managing skin conditions. Dermatologists can also treat your problems with nails or hair. The disease conditions include skin cancer, acne, scars, ringworm, nail infections, dandruff, scabies, warts, oral diseases, etc.
Nowadays, lots of cosmetic products are available for skin conditions and if the skin condition doesn’t get better with one product, instead of trying a new product, visit a dermatologist. He/she will find out the cause of the condition and recommend appropriate treatments. To make it easier to inspect your skin while visiting a dermatologist, avoid wearing makeup and jewelry.
5. Ophthalmologists: They are doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. They can perform regular eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses and medications and perform eye surgeries. Most people see an eye specialist if they have chronic or severe symptoms such as bulging eyes, excessive tearing, double vision, blocked vision, seeing floaters, flashes of light, etc.
Talk with an ophthalmologist if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, or thyroid conditions, as these conditions can increase the chance of developing eye disorders. He/ she might recommend you to take eye exams at certain intervals.
6. Dentists: Dentists are one of the important doctors for women’s health. They specialize in taking care of the teeth and mouth. They treat and help prevent any kinds of oral health issues. Women have special oral health concerns. Altering hormone levels during various stages of life, such as pregnancy and menstrual cycle, can increase the risk of oral problems.
Most people visit a dentist one or two times a year. Your dentist may suggest frequent clinical visits if you have health conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system as they can raise the risk of gum or dental diseases.
Be Honest With Your Health Care Professional
A physician is trained to listen to your words without judgements. While discussing, do not minimize symptoms experienced for fear of being judged. Tell your health care professional about all the medicines and supplements you have been recently taking.
Make a note of questions you have in advance so that you do not forget them. If you have a family history of chronic diseases, be sure to visit a physician. It can help reduce the risk of developing those conditions.
