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By Harriet Porter


Some politicians today seem to stumble badly when discussing female reproductive health. Whether related to birth control medication or constitutional protections, many personal aspects of reproduction and health maintenance are largely decided by men who have never personally dealt with the unique issues women face. An OBGYN Waco, Texas practice ignores partisan rhetoric while championing the true health needs of the female population.

The differences between female and male may seem to be obvious outwardly, but also create an entirely different set of experiences while growing up. Most young boys eagerly look forward to their first hint of a beard at the same age their female contemporaries already anticipate making an appointment with a specialist in female reproduction. At a time when the pain of childhood immunization needles has not yet completely faded, young girls face an entirely new reality.

The OBGYN acronym includes both the obstetrician who focuses on health issues during the months of pregnancy culminating in birth, and the gynecologist who specializes in overall female reproductive system well-being. In combination, they describe someone expert in both arenas, including pre-natal care and delivering babies. The issues they deal with routinely are both sensitive and personal, requiring a great deal of trust from their patients.

Having an annual wellness exam is considered important for all non-pregnant women. This routine checkup includes both the breasts and pelvic regions, two areas most commonly affected by potentially fatal cancers. PAP smears have been the baseline for detecting malignancies for many years, and are still recommended regularly. Although rarely pleasant to undergo, the simple procedure collects a sample for microscopic analysis.

Most common abnormalities can be detected during a regular yearly checkup, as can often-serious conditions such as fibroid tumors, or painful endometriosis. Many sexually transmitted infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making a cure more complicated and longer-lasting. It is important to detect and treat chlamydia or gonorrhea when suspected, before infection can lead to long-term damage.

Although breast self-examination is an important tool in the battle against breast cancer, many cases are detected only via mammograms. Some doctors currently debate the required frequency of these tests, but most agree they are still an excellent way to detect malignancies. Those women who have consistently received negative results for breast cancer will probably be allowed to skip some future tests, but not all.

Women who plan on becoming pregnant deserve to begin that journey in optimal health. When potentially serious issues are discovered before a pregnancy becomes advanced, treatment can often save both baby and mother from unwanted complications. Amniocentesis or ultrasound images taken at recommended intervals bring peace of mind regarding abnormal fetal development, and can illustrate the need for pre-natal surgery in some cases.

From learning which types of contraception are personally safe and effective, to dealing with the hormonal firestorms that sometimes characterize menopause, women rely on the OBGYN they have chosen. This relationship can last in some cases for years, and is the cornerstone of the unique biological events only women experience. It is a crucial partnership, and choosing the right doctor can be the most important decision some women make.




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