Updated on 07/27/2023

Healthcare is a big topic in today’s world. With rising costs and the growing awareness of proper diet and exercise, there is even more focus on health than ever before. Despite this, there are some surprising facts about women’s health that you may not know! Understanding what the following issues are can prepare you to deal with them if they affect your health.

1. Arthritis

One of the most common issues that can affect women is arthritis. This disease includes conditions affecting your joints and the tissues surrounding them. Arthritis is painful and causes your joints to become stiff. This can make it difficult to perform tasks you’ve completed all your life.

You will need more than general healthcare to address this condition if it develops. Check with your doctor about starting a physical activity program designed to help patients with arthritis. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce your pain and improve both your mood and ability to move. There are also medications and other forms of treatments that can help with symptoms of this condition.

2. Vaginal infections

If you are between the ages of 15 and 44, you are at an increased risk for bacterial vaginosis. This condition results from having too much bacteria in your vagina. It is not known what, if any, sexual activity affects the development of this disease and most women report having no symptoms. BV can go away without treatment, but it is recommended you have a checkup and talk about treatment. Antibiotics are often prescribed for this type of infection.

3. Opioid overdoses

Cases of women overdosing on opioids have been increasing in the United States since 1991. These prescription drugs are given to patients with chronic pain and tend to be used longer than necessary. It is reported that women are dying from overdoses at a slightly higher yearly rate, though more men die annually from this issue. This problem continues to grow and healthcare providers are becoming more aware of it. They are beginning to limit and watch opioid use, while still providing pain medications to women who need them.

4. Asthma

According to the CDC, 9.7 percent of women suffered from asthma in 2021. In comparison, only 6.2 percent of men had this condition at that time. There are triggers for asthma attacks that you should be aware of and avoid. Reduce or eliminate your exposure to dust mites, cigarette smoke, pet dander, cockroaches, mold, and other air pollutants. These triggers are not always avoidable, so it is important to know how to handle asthma attacks when they occur. Your physician can help develop a plan to deal with the condition and prevent attacks.

5. Infertility problems

About 1 in 5 girls and women between the ages of 15 and 49 (with no previous births) experience infertility. There are many factors that increase your risk of becoming infertile.

• Health conditions related to the reproductive organs (PCOS, Fallopian tube obstruction, fibroids, etc…)
• Being overweight or underweight
• Having an untreated STD
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Experiencing too much stress

Infertility can often be treated by your doctor with medicine or assisted reproductive technology. They will evaluate the reasons behind your specific case of infertility and work with you to help increase your chances of pregnancy.

6. Unusual menstrual bleeding

Upwards of 1 in 3 women experience abnormal uterine bleeding in their lifetime. This can include frequency, flow, duration, and regularity in the menstrual cycle. Symptoms also include pain, bowel and bladder issues, and even anemia. There are many issues that are thought to cause infertility including polyps, ovulatory dysfunction, and endometrial disorders.

Many women do not consider their symptoms to be alarming, but that their bodies are simply behaving differently than other women. If you have longer than usual or heavier than normal bleeding, talk to your doctor about getting treatment. This disorder could have an impact on your quality of life and reproductive health.

7. Iron-deficiency anemia

More women than men experience anemia due to iron deficiency, especially for women who are pregnant or who have heavy menstrual bleeding. Here are some of the most common symptoms of this condition.

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Rapid/irregular heartbeat
• Yellow or sallow skin
• Brittle nails

If you think you may have this type of anemia, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to test your iron levels and determine if supplements or dietary changes are needed to help improve your health.

8. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the top cause of cervical cancer in women. It’s a common virus that often spreads through sexual activity, and there are different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. However, not all women with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

Screening for HPV is a critical preventative measure. There are two main types of tests: the Pap test (also known as Pap smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test helps detect changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer in the future, while the HPV test checks for the virus that can cause these cellular changes.

It is recommended that women start getting Pap tests at age 21, and if the test is normal, repeat it every three years. After reaching age 30, women should receive a Pap test along with an HPV test every five years, which is considered the preferred method of testing. However, it’s also acceptable to continue getting just the Pap test every three years.

Comprehensive women’s healthcare in Amarillo, TX

If you would like to experience excellent women’s healthcare in Amarillo, Texas, contact the physicians at Women’s Healthcare Associates today. Our caring staff offers personal care that focuses on the health and well-being of every patient. To learn more about how our comprehensive women’s healthcare can help you, call us at (806) 355-6330 or contact us by email.