Women often think that they need to see a gynecologist for quality gynecologic care, but Amberwell Primary Care providers know women’s health and offer many women’s health services to help you maintain a healthy reproductive system.
A major health concern for all women is gynecologic cancer. During the month of September, we take extra time to raise awareness about gynecologic cancers and highlight how Amberwell Primary Care providers can help you either prevent gynecologic cancers or find them in their earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective.
Gynecologic cancers are cancers of women’s reproductive organs, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Risk of developing gynecologic cancer increases with age, and, in some cases, includes genetics. Common signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer include:
- Bloating
- Persistent pelvic pain or pressure
- Itching or burning of the vulva
- Unusual bleeding or spotting
- Back pain or stomach pain
- Increased urination, constipation, diarrhea
It is important that you pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. Many women are unaware of the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers. It is important to understand what they are and to be able to recognize them if and when they occur. Talk with your Amberwell PCP if you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above.
Amberwell Primary Care Providers Offer Women’s Health Services
Visiting your Amberwell PCP for gynecological care has many advantages.
- They know you best. Your PCP has been tracking your health over time and is most likely able to recognize when there is a problem and can address it early on. They are familiar with your health history and your health goals–and your progress toward attaining those goals.
- They are focused on your overall health. Your PCP considers your overall health when treating and diagnosing you. They do not focus on just one area of your body. When you self-refer to a gynecologist, you assume you know where your pain is coming from, but you don’t really know and the gynecologist doesn’t know your medical history like your PCP does. Seeing your PCP is always a good starting point for any health issue. Then, if they think you need a referral to a gynecologist–or another specialist– they can refer you to someone they know and trust.
- They are trained to provide gynecological care and other preventive services such as:
- Pap smears
- Pelvic exams
- STI testing
- Yeast infections
- Menstrual disorders
- Urinary issues
- Breast exams
- They are excellent in OB care and care for expectant mothers during their pregnancies. At Amberwell Atchison and Amberwell Hiawatha, your PCP supports you throughout your pregnancy, then delivers your baby, and continues to care for you after you’ve become a parent. They are highly-skilled in both vaginal and cesarean section births.
Make an Appointment
Amberwell Health encourages women of all ages to stay up to date with screenings that can help prevent gynecologic cancers and other gynecological diseases–or catch them in their early stages. To schedule an appointment with an Amberwell Primary Care provider, call 913-367-7300.
