What Are Women’s Health Services?
Women’s health is an important topic because women are presented with unique health issues. Some health issues that affect women and men can actually affect women differently. For example:
- Women are more likely to show signs of anxiety and depression than men
- Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Women are more likely to pass away following a heart attack
- Osteoporosis and arthritis are known to affect women more than men
- The effects of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be more serious among women than men
The most common medical concerns for women include menopause, pregnancy, female organ condition. For a healthy pregnancy, early and regular prenatal care are extremely important. Screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer are recommended, as are bone density tests for osteoporosis.
What Services Does De Castro and Basit MDs Provide?
Drs. De Castro and Basit provide Pap smears and birth control to women in Hanford, California and the surrounding areas.
Pap Smears
Pap smears, or Pap tests, are procedures that use a small brush or spatula to gently remove cells from the cervix. Once removed and collected, the cells are checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. Pap smears can also identify other health conditions, including infections and inflammation. This procedure is often done at the same time as pelvic exams, and may also be done at the same time as human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. Most women between the ages of 21 and 65 need to get Pap tests or a Pap test and HPV test together.
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should get Pap smears as part of their routine health care. Even if you are not currently sexually active, have gone through menopause, or got the HPV vaccine, you should still get regular Pap tests. We recommend:
- Women 21-29: schedule a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women 30-65: schedule a Pap smear every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, or co-testing every 5 years.
- Women over 65: schedule a Pap smear if you’ve never been tested or if you have not been tested after the age of 60.
You do not need to schedule regular Pap smears if you are older than 65 and have had three normal Pap tests in a row within the last 10 years. Women who do not have a cervix and women who do not have a history of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap test results can also stop receiving tests.
Birth Control
Birth control, also known as contraception, involves methods of preventing pregnancy. Birth control methods include medications, devices, and procedures that decrease or eliminate the chances of bearing children after vaginal intercourse. It is also very important to remember that contraception (aside from condoms) will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
The following products, devices, and procedures are sorted by effectiveness (via Planned Parenthood):
- Tubal ligation/sterilization – 99% effective
- Vasectomy – 99% effective
- Implant – 99% effective
- IUD – 99% effective
- Shot – 94% effective
- Patch – 91% effective
- Pills – 91% effective
- Vaginal ring – 91% effective
- Diaphragm – 88% effective
- Condom – 85% effective
- Female condom – 79% effective
- Sponge and Fertility Awareness Methods – 76-88% effective
- Cervical cap – 71-86% effective
- Spermicide – 71% effective
To learn more about these specific birth control methods, please consult Dr. De Castro or Dr. Basit. Women in Kings County can benefit from their candor and expertise. With all of the available options out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose the birth control that is both effective and comfortable. Drs. De Castro and Basit want you to feel comfortable discussing your concerns and the questions related to birth control. Sexual health is extremely important, and we want you to get the best care and information available.
Request Women’s Health Services In Hanford, California
If you need to schedule a Pap smear or you’re interested in birth control advice, call at (559) 582-9100. You can also request your appointment online, using our website’s request form below. When you request online, a member of our team will reach out to you to confirm your appointment.
