Women Health Issues: Woman Mental Health Issue

Women need to worry about some of the same health issues as men such as skin cancers, heart disease, diabetes, as well as age related conditions such as Alzheimer’s.  However, women also have to worry about many health issues that men never need to be concerned about; issues relating to sexual health and well being. 

Specific Health Issues

Women are faced with a number of health issues that men are not.  Most of these issues are related to women’s sexual and reproductive organs.  Women also have special health issues that come along with pregnancy.  Some of the specific health issues that particularly relate to women are as follows:

• Puberty
• Menstrual cycles
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Breast cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulval cancer
• Endometriosis
• Infertility
• Contraception
• Fibroids
• Premature menopause
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Domestic violence
• Miscarriage
• High risk pregnancy
• Thyroid disorders
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Prolapsed uterus
• Prolapsed bladder
• Decreased libido
• Hormonal imbalances
• Miscarriage

While men also have particular health issues, such as cancers of the reproductive system as well as prostrate issues, women are faced with many more health issues, and often times must see specialist physicians in order to have their specific health issues diagnosed and treated.

Health Issues Related to Pregnancy

When women become pregnant, a whole new set of health issues can arise.  Many women go through pregnancy feeling just fine and having no complications, however, there are some women for whom pregnancy presents many problems.  Some of the health issues affecting pregnant women are as follows:

• Genetic defects in the fetus
• Preterm labor
• Anemia
• Gestational diabetes
• Toxoplasmosis
• Thromboembolic disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Preeclampsia
• Rh incompatibility
• Placenta previa
• Amniotic fluid problems
• Placental abruption

All of the aforementioned pregnancy related issues are increased and made worse if the women is carrying multiples; twins, triplets, etc.  When this occurs, the woman’s obstetrician will more than likely refer her to a perinatologist, which is a doctor who is specifically trained to handle high-risk, multiple pregnancies, and all of the risks associated with them.

What to Do

Women who have gender specific health issues should consult a physician who is trained to diagnose and treat such issues.  Sometimes, a family care physician is not trained to deal with gender specific issues, and may not be able to provide the best care and treatment options for women with these types of health related issues.  What follows is a list of different types of doctors who handle women’s health issues, and who are specifically trained to do so:

• Gynecologist-should be seen when women have sexual health issues.  Also, performs yearly exams such as Pap smears, breast exams, as well as screening for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies.
• Obstetrician-this type of doctor takes care of all the issues that women with a normal pregnancy may experience.  Also, measures and monitors the growth and development of the fetus.
• Infertility doctor-this specialist should always be consulted when, after 6 months of trying, a woman has been unable to conceive. These types of doctors are trained to diagnose and treat infertility issues, and to also implement alternative methods by which a woman may become pregnant.

Even though all people, no matter what gender they are, have health issues, women have many health issues that need to be addressed by doctors and medical personnel that are specifically trained to treat women’s health related issues.