Sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and herpes, can cause a great deal of strain on a person’s life. It is important to take certain precautionary measures in order to avoid contracting any of these diseases. These include:

– Abstinence — Avoiding sexual intercourse is the only way to guarantee protection from contracting an STD. To prevent STDs, it is best to practice abstinence until you are ready to commit to a monogamous relationship.

– Monogamy — People who are in a healthy, committed, and monogamous relationship have no worry about contracting sexually transmitted diseases, provided they were infection-free when they entered the relationship.

– Safe Sex — Practicing safe sex, such as using a condom, can reduce the likelihood of contracting or spreading an STD.

– Limit Number of Sexual Partners — The more sexual partners a person has, the greater chance they have of contracting an STD. By reducing your number of sexual partners, you are reducing your chances of infection with a sexually transmitted disease.

How often a woman should have a pelvic exam and a Pap test depends on a number of factors unique to each individual, including medical history, age, and lifestyle. Doctors may also perform an HPV test. Most doctors recommend the following:

– Age 21 to 29 — Pap test every 3 years
– Age 30 to 65 — Both a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years; or a Pap test alone every 3 years

After the age of 65, women can stop getting these tests if they have had several negative test results in a row and have not had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
 
In some cases, women may need more frequent pelvic exams or Pap tests, including if they:

– Have a history of abnormal Pap test results
– Have a family history of sexual health problems or cancer
– Have a history of cervical cancer
– Are HIV positive
– Have a weakened immune system
– Have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

There are many changes a woman can make to her lifestyle that can make it easier to manage her menstrual cycle. These include:

Dietary changes, such as:

– Avoiding low-carb and high-fiber diets
– Consuming enough folate
– Eating pineapples and papayas
– Herbal supplements, such as:
– Black cohosh
– Chasteberry
– Mugwort
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Get regular exercise
– Practice good sleep habits
– Reduce stress
– Take hormonal birth control
 
If you are having trouble managing your menstrual cycle, it is best to consult a medical professional who specializes in women’s health, such as a gynecologist.

Menopause comes with many unpleasant symptoms, which often prompt menopausal women to seek treatment. One of the most dreaded symptoms of menopause is weight gain, which can come on quickly and suddenly after hitting menopause. This can be ameliorated by exercising more regularly and eating a healthier diet.

Perhaps the most notorious symptom of menopause is hot flashes, which can range in severity. Hot flashes are typically triggered by certain things, such as spicy foods, warm temperatures, stressful situations, alcohol, and caffeine. It is important to identify these triggers in order to mitigate these symptoms.

Less discussed but just as popular, low sexual desire, or lack of libido, is another common menopause symptom that can negatively impact a woman’s
sexual health. The treatment for this depends on its causes and effects, but typically includes discussing needs and expectations with their partner, exploring options to improve sensation and lubrication during intercourse, and even counseling with a trained sex therapist.
 
To improve your sexual and reproductive health, come to Women’s Health Consulting. Call us today or book an online appointment with our gynecologist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 200 S Michigan Avenue, #1550, Chicago, IL 60604. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Cicero IL, Oak Park IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Maywood IL, and Logan Square Chicago IL. We look forward to serving you!