Visiting a Health Clinic for Women’s Health Screenings

Routine health screenings are a crucial part of any woman's preventive healthcare. Health clinics offer a convenient way for female patients to receive health screenings. These clinics are accessible and work around almost any schedule.

Skipping routine appointments like regular women's health screenings can be tempting when life gets busy. However, doing so can be harmful to their health. Therefore it is important to make time for these screenings. This article takes a closer look at a typical health clinic, the types of health screenings, and why they are so important.

What is a health clinic?

Health clinics come in many forms and can be staffed by various medical professionals, from general practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners. They can be stand-alone medical facilities. In addition, they may be associated with hospitals and universities or be available at retail establishments and community centers.

They provide a wide range of general medical services, including primary and urgent care. Many clinics are open evenings and weekends to cater to those who cannot come during regular business hours. Though they offer services by appointment, they may also accept walk-ins.

Common women's health screenings

The type of screenings a female patient needs depends on her age, lifestyle, and health history. Healthcare professionals at these clinics will be able to advise patients on what health screenings they should consider and how often. Here is a closer look at commonly recommended screenings.

• Pap smear. During this test, a practitioner collects cells from the patient's cervix. The sample is sent to a lab where a technician will check for abnormal cells that could be signs of cancer. Some patients will need this test yearly, while others every few years.
• Pelvic exam. This is a physical examination in which the practitioner checks the size and position of the patient's reproductive organs. There are a variety of reasons for this exam, such as checking for abnormalities or investigating unusual bleeding or pelvic pain.
• Breast exam. For this exam, the practitioner uses gloved hands to check a patient's breasts for lumps or abnormalities. A breast exam is often done as part of an annual health exam.
• STI screenings. Many sexually transmitted infections are silent in female patients. Therefore, these infections do not manifest obvious symptoms and can damage reproductive organs before a medical practitioner detects them. However, depending on their sexual activity, the patient may want to make certain STI screenings part of their regular preventive care routine.

In addition to these regular health screenings, health clinics can provide for a female patient's other health concerns, such as birth control and pregnancy testing. They also provide a place to turn for treatment of other common vaginal infections or urinary tract infections. In addition, the doctors and other healthcare practitioners at these clinics can make recommendations based on patient-specific needs. They may even be able to provide referrals or recommend additional tests based on these screenings.

Do not put off preventive care

These screenings help catch diseases and other health issues early when they are easier to treat. Therefore, every female patient should make them a priority. Call our team today to learn more about our health clinic and women's health screenings.

Request an appointment here: https://hillendale.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Woodbridge at (703) 945-1942 for an appointment in our Downey office.

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