If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, talk with your women's health care provider about the birth control method that is right for you. Discuss your risk and screen for breast and cervical cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, ask about genetic screening. Learn about genetic testing for cancer risk. And, discuss how genetic testing might guide your health care decision-making. Learn the difference between normal and abnormal periods. Get help for painful or heavy periods. Ask your provider about how to manage symptoms of per-menstrual syndrome PMS.
Learn about the symptoms of menopause and how to manage them. Talk about bone health and heart health, and whether you still need birth control. Your provider can provide treatment options for vaginal dryness, painful sex, and loss of sex drive. Hormone replacement therapy is medication containing hormones. The benefits include helping to overcome moderate to sever hot flashes, prevent bone loss or fractures, relieve symptoms of menopause, or supplement an estrogen deficiency.
Hormone replacement therapy is available for women and men. Talk to your provider about osteoporosis screening, which is sometimes also referred to as a bone density test. This test will measure how strong your bones are and will indicate if you have osteoporosis or weak bones.
This screening helps you to understand your risk of breaking a bone in the future. Talk privately with your healthcare provider about bladder problems. Learn about treatments offered for leaking urine. Discuss other pelvic organ problems and discover exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor. Discuss your plan for a future pregnancy and find ways to maximize your changes of getting pregnant. Ask your provider how long it takes to get pregnant and what do to if pregnancy isn't happening.
Ask about an evaluation for infertility. Learn how infertility testing is done. Also, talk about next steps and possible treatment with your women's healthcare provider. At your visit, ask questions about sex and what it means to be in a healthy, intimate relationship.
