Category: Women’s Health

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Navigating Women’s Sexual Health

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

Navigating Women’s Sexual Health

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

Sexual health is a very important aspect of overall well-being for women, encompassing a variety of factors including physical, emotional, and social. Unfortunately, regardless of its significance, discussions around this topic are often shrouded in taboo and misconception. The team at Flying Horse Medical Center in Colorado Springs recognizes the importance of addressing these concerns openly and providing women with the support and resources they need.

Flying Horse Medical Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for our female patients, addressing all aspects of their well-being. In this article, we’ll offer some insights and solutions for the top women’s sexual health concerns.

Top 10 Women’s Sexual Health Concerns

The top 10 women’s sexual health concerns include:

Low Libido

Most women experience some fluctuations in their libido at various stages in their lives. Factors including stress, medical conditions, relationship issues, and changes in hormones can contribute to these fluctuations. The medical providers at Flying Horse Medical Center take a holistic approach to address these issues by exploring the underlying causes and creating personalized treatment plans which may include lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, counseling, or medications.

Painful Intercourse

Dyspareunia, usually known as pain during intercourse, is a common issue for women but is often overlooked. The most common causes of this issue include vaginal dryness, infections, pelvic floor disorders, and psychological factors. The providers at Flying Horse Medical Center conduct thorough evaluations to identify the root cause and recommend the most appropriate interventions. Standard treatment options range from conservative to surgical, depending on the cause, and include lubricants, pelvic floor therapy, medications, and surgery.

Menopausal Symptoms

The transition into menopause brings a variety of changes including vaginal dryness, low libido, hot flashes, mood swings, and more. These can have a significant impact on sexual health as well as quality of life. Flying Horse Medical Center incorporates a variety of treatments including hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies to manage symptoms and offer our female patients support through this change.

Sexual Dysfunction

Women of all ages may be affected by various forms of sexual dysfunction including orgasmic disorders and arousal difficulties. These issues may stem from physical or psychological causes. We are dedicated to providing sensitive, effective care for our patients who are struggling with sexual dysfunction. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches including psychotherapy and psychiatry, medications, sexual counseling, and innovative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma therapy to restore sexual function and improve overall well-being.

Reproductive Health Concerns

Women face a barrage of reproductive health challenges throughout their lives including contraception, fertility issues, pregnancy concerns, and postpartum sexual health. We provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services including family planning, fertility evaluations, prenatal care, and postpartum support. We aim to empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

Menstrual Irregularities

Menstrual irregularities such as heavy periods, irregular cycles, and painful menstruation can interrupt daily life and signal underlying issues including hormonal imbalances, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), or endometriosis. Our providers offer medical evaluations and treatment options that aim to alleviate symptoms and promote menstrual wellness.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can have a significant impact on confidence and overall quality of life. The most common causes include childbirth, aging, and pelvic floor weakness. We help our patients regain bladder control and improve overall pelvic health with a variety of treatments including pelvic floor exercises, behavioral strategies, and medical interventions.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can pose a substantial risk to sexual health, which emphasizes the importance of prevention, regular testing, and safe sexual practices. We believe that education, screening, and prompt treatments are critical for reducing the rate of transmission of these infections and maintaining sexual wellness.

Body Image Issues

Body image concerns can impact sexual confidence and satisfaction, which affect intimacy and self-esteem. We help our patients cultivate a positive body image through a variety of self-care practices, supportive relationships, and reframing negative beliefs to foster a healthy sense of self and improve sexual well-being.

Emotional and Mental Health

Emotional and mental health are important factors in sexual satisfaction and overall wellness. The providers at Flying Horse Medical Center work with patients to address issues including stress, anxiety, depression, and past trauma. Treatments include therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-care routines to promote emotional resilience and enhance intimate relationships.

Flying Horse Medical Center Can Help You Navigate Women’s Sexual Health Concerns

The team of providers at Flying Horse Medical Center understand the importance of prioritizing women’s sexual health with compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs. We aim to empower women to lead fulfilling, healthy lives by addressing the sexual health concerns mentioned above and more.

If you are experiencing sexual or general health issues, we encourage you to reach out and schedule your appointment with our experienced team. We offer a variety of healthcare services for residents in and around Colorado Springs & Monument and we’ve been voted as the best mental health provider in Colorado Springs.

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Getting a Mammogram When You Have Breast Implants

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

Getting a Mammogram When You Have Breast Implants

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

Dr. Millicent Geers

Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts. These x-rays are then examined by radiologists — doctors trained to look for any suspicious findings consistent with breast cancer. Mammograms are essential for the early detection of breast cancer. In the United States, women are encouraged to start breast screening with mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of early breast cancer or a genetic disposition to breast cancer, your screening may start even earlier. All women with breast tissue, whether augmented or not, should be screened for breast cancer.

It is important for all women considering breast implants and all women who currently have implants to know that having implants will affect your breast cancer screening. Breast implants can prevent some of your breast tissue from being fully visualized on your mammogram. Implants that have been placed in a pocket behind the pectoralis muscle will allow more visualization of your breast tissue than implants placed in a pocket in front of your pectoralis muscle. Extra views of the breast may be needed in order to achieve a more complete examination of your breasts, regardless of the pocket in which they are placed.

Breast implants are not associated with an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Your risk for breast cancer is tied to but not limited to such factors such as age, being overweight, having a family history of breast cancer, or inheriting certain genetic mutations linked to breast cancer.

On the other hand, the risk for cancer of the capsule that forms around the breast implant is increased with breast implant augmentation. This is capsule cancer is not the same as breast cancer. These cancers of the capsule include breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), and other lymphomas.

If you have breast implants continue your routine screening. When you schedule your mammogram, make sure to tell the appointment scheduler that you have breast implants. When you arrive for your mammogram, again mention that you have breast implants.

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What to Know About Mammograms

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

What to Know About Mammograms

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 out of 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although that figure sounds scary, there is hope. When caught in its early stages, there is a 99% survival rate from breast cancer. Being aware of this disease empowers you to make an informed decision about your healthcare. Learn more during October, which is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What Is Breast Cancer?

The simplest definition of breast cancer is when cancer cells form in the breast tissue. Breast cancer can impact both men and women, but rates among men are much lower. According to the NBCF, breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women, except for skin cancers. Discovering breast cancer before it spreads outside of the breast tissue leads to better outcomes.   

How Is Breast Cancer Detected?

Doctors have many diagnostic tools to find breast cancer, from routine breast examinations to MRIs and ultrasound. Mammograms are considered one of the key tests for breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue. It can be used to screen for signs of breast cancer before you even notice symptoms. If you notice changes in your breast tissue, it’s recommended to speak to your healthcare provider. 

What Does Having a Mammogram Feel Like?

During the mammogram, the breast is placed on a plastic plate of a special X-ray machine. Another plate is placed on top of the breast to flatten it and to hold in place while the image is being taken. Images need to be taken of both breasts, one at a time.  It only takes a few moments, but it can be uncomfortable. Don’t be scared or afraid of the pain. Technicians do everything they can to minimize the discomfort during a mammogram.

How Often Should You Get a Mammogram?

Guidelines for mammograms and other breast cancer screenings vary based on age and health history. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram annually, with the choice to start as early as aged 40. You should talk to your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk and screening tools to know what to look for and when you should get proactive about your health. If you keep putting it off, talk to one of the best mental health providers in Colorado Springs to move past your anxiety. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives.

Make an appointment for a breast cancer screening with medical providers in Colorado Springs & Monument. Take charge of your health. We have a wide range of concierge medical services, from women’s health to psychiatry.