May: Pelvic Health Awareness Month
Did you know pelvic health conditions can significantly affect a women's quality of life? One in three women have pelvic health conditions and we can help!
One in three women have pelvic health conditions. These conditions include pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary and or bowel incontinence. Pelvic health plays an important role in complete physical, mental, social, and sexual well-being. Pelvic health conditions can affect a woman’s quality of life.
VA Women’s Health Primary Care Providers are trained to provide comprehensive health care to women Veterans. If you are experiencing pelvic symptoms that affect your quality of life, you are encouraged to request an appointment with your VA provider. Based upon your symptoms and health history, your provider may perform an exam, obtain lab testing, place an order for a pelvic ultrasound and enter a consult for you to start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT). PFPT is Physical therapy with female therapists specifically trained in treating conditions of the muscles in the pelvis.
If further evaluation is needed, your provider will refer you to VA Gynecology for further evaluation and treatment. If conservative treatment and therapies fail to treat your condition effectively, additional consultation can be made through the VA Community Care for a surgical consultation with a Gynecology Surgeon, Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgeon, or a Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Do You Know When to Schedule Your Next Pap Smear?
During your exam, your Women’s Health Provider may recommend Cervical Cancer Screening. Cervical cancer screening finds changes in the cells of the cervix before they lead to cancer. Screening includes the Pap test and the human papillomavirus test. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection which is spread through sexual contact. Over 80 % of sexually active people have had HPV at some point in their life. HPV is a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Most often HPV infections are cleared without treatment, but sometimes HPV can affect the cervix by causing abnormal cells which may lead to cancer.
Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21. Women between the ages of 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Women ages 30-65 should have a Pap test and HPV co-testing every 5 years. Women over the age of 65 or those who have had their cervix removed during a surgical procedure should have a discussion with their provider to determine whether continued cervical cancer screening is necessary.
Abnormal cells found on cervical cancer screening will likely result in a recommendation for further testing, which may include a repeat Pap test, an HPV test, or an exam of the cervix with a microscope, called a Colposcopy. If a Colposcopy is indicated, your doctor will place a consult for you with VA Gynecology.
In order to get the most accurate results for cervical cancer screening, it is recommended to avoid douching, vaginal medications, hygiene products, and sexual intercourse 2 days prior to testing.
If you have any questions about cervical cancer screening, or concerns about your pelvic health, please contact your VA Women’s Health Primary Care Provider. If you do not have a VA primary care provider and are interested in getting established with one, please contact our Eligibility department at 608-256-1901 ext. 17038.
For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.