There is nothing wrong with consulting with a GP for medical concerns, but if you are a woman, there are certain areas in the body needing extra TLC that warrants the attention of a women’s health care specialist. If you are not familiar with women’s health clinics, then this article is for you. Read on to know why you should visit one and where to find a women’s health clinic in CBD Singapore.
Why should you visit a women’s health clinic?
Reason 1: They offer various unique services focused on women’s health for every age.
A woman’s body has different needs as it gets older. To keep it healthy and disease free, women’s health clinics offer various services to address specific concerns. Some of the most popular services include:
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Contraceptive
- Health Screening
- HPV Vaccination
- HIV Prevention
- STD Testing
- Vaginal Infections Treatment
Whether you are a teen undergoing puberty, a newly wed trying to get pregnant, or an adult transitioning to the menopausal stage, you can receive holistic care at a women’s health clinic.
Reason 2: They offer non-judgmental and professional services.
You can expect to be cared for by healthcare professionals that have the skills and training to treat patients respectfully and without judgment. This enables patients to openly share their concerns and information with confidence.
Reason 3: They provide the option to see a female specialist.
One of the factors considered by a lot of women when looking for a healthcare provider specialising in reproductive health is the gender of the doctor. Many are more comfortable in raising their issues with women doctors and this is one thing that you can turn to women’s health clinics for to get the utmost care.
Reason 4: They focus on specific health conditions affecting women.
Women’s health clinics not only deal with general health concerns, but their doctors specialise in conditions, diseases, and other concerns affecting women’s health, such as breast and cervical cancer. Likewise, there are myriad medical conditions that may affect a woman’s body only that may not be generally known. Women’s health clinics provide education on these matters to help women know what signs they should look out for.
Reason 5: They provide sexual health guidance and resources addressing women’s concerns.
While sexual health screenings and tests are available at regular sexual health clinics, considering to undergo one at a women’s health clinic will benefit women as the healthcare providers in this type of clinic can provide more guidance and resources specifically addressing women’s health concerns.
What services are available specific to women’s health?
There are several service available focusing on women’s health specifically, such as:
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
- Contraception
- Female Infertility Screening
- Menstrual Disorder
- Ovarian Cancer Screening
- Preconception Screening
- Vaginal Infections
Breast Cancer Screening
This type of cancer is common among Singapore women. One way to increase the chance of surviving breast cancer is early detection. It is highly recommended by doctors that women not only watch out for symptoms and do breast check ups at home, but they should undergo regular screenings for breast cancer as well. Breast cancer screenings may involve a combination of tests including a comprehensive physical assessment, blood tests, mammogram, and ultrasound.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
Cervical cancer stands as the ninth type of cancer that affects women in Singapore. This disease is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can be passed from one person to another through sexual or close skin contact. A cervix that has been exposed to HPV increases the risk of its cervical cells to develop inflammation and become abnormal, which may advance to cancer when not detected and treated. Similar to breast cancer, the chances of surviving cervical cancer is higher with early detection and intervention.
Contraception
There are various contraception methods available in Singapore if you are into family planning or avoiding unwanted pregnancy. These are the most common contraception methods in Singapore:
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- Contraceptive injections – This involves the use of female hormones that are injected at certain periods to prevent the pituitary gland from creating hormones that trigger the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Contraceptive patches – This involves patches that contain synthetic female hormones that are worn on the skin in an interval of three weeks. The patch releases a certain amount of hormones through the skin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
- Contraceptive pills – This involves taking in tiny tablets that contain estrogen and progestin. When absorbed by the body, the hormones prevent ovulation each month. The pills also work to thicken the cervical lining, which helps protect the egg from being reached by the sperm.
- Hormonal implants – This involves the insertion of an implant containing female hormones underneath the skin in the arm of a woman. Like contraceptive pills, the hormones released by the implant disables the ovaries from producing eggs and thickens the cervical lining to keep the egg out of the sperm’s reach. Hormonal implants are the best choice if you are looking for long term contraceptives as this can last for as long as three years.
Female Infertility Screening
Female infertility is a lot more common than some people think. There are numerous factors that influence this condition, but at the same time more and more solutions are available nowadays. If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for quite some time, consider visiting a women’s health clinic to seek professional help and get screened for infertility.
Menstrual Disorder
Regular menstrual cycle varies among women, but each should occur every 28 days on average. Cycles that range from 23 to 35 days are still normal. However, those that fail to land within those limits are already considered irregular periods, which is one type of menstrual disorder. Any change in the menstrual cycle, including the amount of menstruation, may also signal an abnormality in the woman’s body. These signs should not be overlooked as they can be signifying an underlying health condition, disease, or even pregnancy. Visit a women’s health clinic to know your menstrual disorder’s cause and the treatments available to cure it.
Ovarian Cancer Screening
Ovarian cancer typically affects women who are past the age of menopause although it may also occur in younger women. Screening for ovarian cancer determines your risk of developing it and, when detected early, gives you a greater chance of receiving treatment and overcoming it. Ovarian cancer screening involves a doctor’s consultation and physical examinations performed on your abdominal and pelvic area. Additional tests for screening, such as blood tests and pelvic ultrasound, may be asked by your doctor when necessary.
Preconception Screening
Preconception screening involves different tests that can identify health risks that can occur during pregnancy and/or after childbirth for both mother and baby. Some of the tests that you and your partner may take include:
- ABO Blood Grouping
- STD Testing
- Thalassemia Screening
Vaginal Infections
Disorders affecting the vagina may happen even if a woman is not sexually active. For some women, these abnormalities and conditions can be embarrassing to discuss openly, but leaving this untreated can worsen your overall health. Hence, deciding to visit a women’s health clinic is a step closer to getting well. Screening for vaginal disorders include the patient’s full disclosure of their medical and sexual history. For tests, your doctor will perform a pelvic and vaginal examination. When needed, other tests like pap smear, vaginal swab, or pelvic ultrasound may also be done.
To know more about other services that a women’s health clinic has to offer, checkout The Health Advisory Clinic, a women’s health clinic in CBD Singapore.
The Health Advisory Clinic
One Raffles Place, #04-49
1 Raffles Place, Singapore
048616
https://healthclinicgroup.com/
Tel: (+65) 6226 6442
Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442
