STAYING HEALTHY

Vaccination for Women

Here are the current vaccination recommendations for women:

HPV (human papilloma virus): age 11-26; after age 26 (consult clinician) -available up to age 45
COVID: age 5 and older
Influenza: yearly even during pregnancy and lactation; (nasal spray is not recommended for pregnant women)
Tdap or Td Booster: every 10 years; 1 dose Tdap-each pregnancy(between 27-36 week gestation) and Tdap/Td as a part of wound management
Shingles (Zoster Recombinant (RZV) (age 50 and over) 2 doses
Pneumococcal (age 60) 1 dose

Women who have not been immunized and considering pregnancy should obtain 30 days before pregnancy: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines

Cervical Cancer Screening

WHEN TO GET SCREENED

If You Are 21 to 29 Years Old:

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old:

Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you—
A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

If You Are Older Than 65

Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if— you have had normal screening test results for several years, or You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

How to prepare for Your Pap or HPV Test

You should not schedule your test for a time when you are having your period. If you are going to have a test in the next two days—
You should not douche (rinse the vagina with water or another uid).
You should not use a tampon.
You should not have sex.
You should not use a birth control foam, cream, or jelly.
You should not use a medicine or cream in your vagina.

TEST RESULTS

It can take as long as three weeks to receive your test results. If your test shows that something might not be normal, your doctor will contact you and inform you how best to follow up. There are many reasons why test results might not be normal. It usually does not mean you have cancer.

If your test results show cells that are not normal and may become cancer, your provider will schedule a more detailed exam of your cervix called a colposcopy. In most cases, treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing. It is important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your test results and receive any treatment that may be needed.

If your test results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait several years for your next cervical cancer screening test. But you should still go to the doctor yearly for a checkup.

Preconception Healthcare: Planning for Pregnancy

Preconception health care is the medical care a woman or man receives from the doctor or other health professionals that focuses on the parts of health that have been shown to increase the chance of having a healthy baby.

Preconception health is important for every woman―not just those planning pregnancy. It means taking control and choosing healthy habits. It means living well, being healthy, and feeling good about your life.

Preconception health care is different for every person, depending on his or her individual health―ask us about it!

Planning for pregnancy:

Make a plan and take action
See your doctor
Take 400 micrograms of Folic acid every day
Stop drinking alcohol, smoking and using certain drugs
Avoid toxic substances and environmental contaminants
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Learn your family medical history
Get mentally healthy
Get help for violence

Your doctor will want to discuss your health history and any medical conditions you currently have that could affect a pregnancy, any previous pregnancy problems, medicines that you currently are taking, vaccinations that you might need, and steps you can take before pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects.

Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray, and cat or rodent feces around the home and in the workplace.

People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). People who are underweight are also at risk for serious health problems.

Collecting your family’s health history can be important for your child’s health. Your doctor may recommend you or your spouse consider genetic counseling before getting pregnant. Reasons people go for genetic counseling include having had several miscarriages, infant deaths, trouble getting pregnant (infertility), or a genetic condition or birth defect that occurred during a previous pregnancy.

Mental health is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. To be at your best, you need to feel good about your life and value yourself. Everyone feels worried, anxious, sad, or stressed sometimes. However, if these feelings do not go away and they interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor.

Violence can lead to injury and death among women at any stage of life, including during pregnancy. The number of violent deaths experienced by women tells only part of the story. Many more survive violence and are left with lifelong physical and emotional scars.If someone is violent toward you or you are violent toward your loved ones―get help. Violence destroys relationships and families.

Colposcopy

What is a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is an examination of your cervix using a colposcope, which is a special microscope with a light. Your provider will apply a vinegar solution and possibly iodine to your cervix to help visually identify any areas of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells appear white. The provider will also look for blood vessels and other changes that may appear abnormal. If necessary, your provider may take a biopsy to send to a lab for further analysis.

How do I prepare for my colposcopy exam?

First of all, relax. Three million women have abnormal Pap tests every year, so you are not alone. Next, it’s best to avoid scheduling a colposcopy exam during your period. In addition, for a day or two before your colposcopy exam, it’s best to refrain from having vaginal intercourse, not use tampons and do not apply anything to your vaginal areas, including lubricants, medications, douches and spermicides.

Some women may experience anxiety before a colposcopy exam. It’s best to write down any questions you may have ahead of time for your doctor. In addition, find out if your provider is using DYSIS colposcopy as four out of five women prefer DYSIS over standard colposcopy.* You can also hear from women who have had a DYSIS colposcopy exam. What’s most important is that you do not skip your colposcopy exam as cervical cancer is treatable when caught early.

What to expect during the exam?
A colposcopy exam is typically conducted in your provider’s exam room and is similar to getting a Pap smear done. You lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your provider will place a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds open the walls of the vagina so your provider can see your cervix. The provider will then use a colposcope (a special microscope with a light) to view your cervix. The provider will use a swab to clean your cervix and will then apply a vinegar (or other) solution to your cervix to help visually identify any areas of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells will appear white. In addition, your provider will also look for blood vessels and other changes on your cervix that may appear
abnormal.

Biopsy during the exam
If your provider finds an area(s) that looks suspicious, she/he make take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue (in this case from the cervix) that is collected. To collect the sample, your provider will use a sharp biopsy tool. You may feel some mild discomfort during a biopsy like pressure and/or cramping.

After the colposcopy exam
Overall, a colposcopy exam usually lasts only 10 to 20 minutes. If you did not have a biopsy, you can usually resume normal activities. If you did have a biopsy, discuss with your provider any potential limitations or restrictions. After the exam, you may experience some spotting or light bleeding from your vagina. If you had a biopsy, you may also experience some mild pain and a darker discharge. Use a pad to collect any blood and/or discharge.

Before you leave your colposcopy exam, be sure to ask your provider when you should expect to receive the results of your biopsy. The results of the biopsy will determine if you need any further testing or treatment.

If your biopsy does find something abnormal, your provider may offer you the option of tracking and monitoring the abnormal cells to see if your body’s immune system is able to resolve the condition. However, if treatment is needed, it may be as simple as an outpatient procedure. Your provider will explain your options so you can make the right decision for you.

At Redefined For Her, we stay ahead of innovative technologies to provide you with the best care. Dr Rivard was one of the Clinical Investigators in United States for state-of-the-heart Dysis colposcopy.

DYSIS® Ultra is a comprehensive colposcope with care coordination features and innovative computer-aided cervical mapping that generates the data to help healthcare professionals detect cervical lesions efficiently and direct the patient journey.

Why choose DYSIS Colposcopy?

Colposcopy hasn’t changed in decades, but in the past few years the introduction of the DYSIS colposcopy technology has helped change the exam for women for the better.

Advancements in technology like the DYSIS colposcopes are helping clinicians increase detection of precancerous lesions on your cervix and monitor and track cervical changes over time.

The DYSISmapTM is a color-coded map of a woman’s cervix, which helps clinicians identify potential areas of concern.

Standard colposcopy is used with a special microscope and light, but DYSIS offers computer-aided colposcopy to help give clinicians additional
information during a colposcopy exam.

How does DYSIS help improve colposcopy?

DYSIS is an advanced cervical imaging system that is a clinically proven advancement in colposcopy that standardizes and objectively measures the whitening process (called acetowhitening) during the standard visual colposcopy exam.

It then displays the results of this scan in the form of the color-coded DYSISmap, which is like a weather map.

Clinical studies have shown that when DYSISmap is used in addition to a visual colposcopy exam, detection of pre-cancerous areas can increase by 31-60%.

What if my colposcopy results aren’t normal?

If your doctor or provider finds abnormal cells, you might not need to do anything right away. Sometimes, you'll need more tests or treatments. It
depends on how abnormal your cervical cells are.

Your doctor or provider may recommend waiting to see if the cells heal themselves. In this case, you’ll have another Pap test and maybe other tests to watch the cells.

Sometimes, your biopsy is also your treatment. That’s because your doctor may be able to remove all of your abnormal cells during the biopsy. If so, you won’t need any more treatment. You’ll go back to having regular pelvic exams, Pap tests, and/or HPV tests. Your doctor or provider will tell you how often you need to have these.

Or you might need further treatment. There are 4 procedures that are very good at removing the abnormal cells and preventing cervical cancer.

Cryotherapy: abnormal cells are frozen off
LEEP: abnormal cells are removed using a thin wire loop that carries an electrical current
Laser: abnormal cells are removed using a laser
Cone biopsy: a cone-shaped wedge is cut out of your cervix to remove the abnormal cells

No matter what treatment you get, it’s important to continue getting regular pelvic exams after you’ve been treated for abnormal cells. Even though these procedures are very effective, sometimes abnormal cells come back.

Sexual Health

Sexual health relates to healthy relationships, family planning and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual health is not limited to the expression of sexuality but includes the mental, emotional, spiritual and psychological aspects of one’s being. Sexual wellness includes a respectful approach to sexual relationships that is free of harassment, prejudice and violence. The World Health Organization states that sexual health is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.

Click here to learn more!

Breast Cancer Screening

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women.
Different factors increase or decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts. Each breast also has blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels carry an almost colorless, watery fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels carry lymph between lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Groups of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women.

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. Breast cancer is more likely to occur as a woman ages. It occurs more often in White women than in Black women, but Black women die from breast cancer more often than White women. Breast cancer rarely occurs in men. Because men with breast cancer usually have a lump that can be felt, screening tests are not likely to be helpful.

Different factors increase or decrease the risk of breast cancer.

The following are risk factors for breast cancer:

Older age
A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease
Inherited risk of breast cancer
Dense breast tissue
Reproductive history resulting in greater exposure to estrogen
Radiation therapy to the breast or chest
Obesity
Drinking alcohol

The following are protective factors for breast cancer:

Reproductive history resulting in less exposure to estrogen
Taking estrogen-only hormone therapy after hysterectomy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, or aromatase inhibitors and inactivators
Aromatase inhibitors and inactivators
Risk-reducing or prophylactic mastectomy
Ovarian ablation
Getting enough exercise

It is not clear whether the following affect the risk of breast cancer:

Hormonal contraceptives
Chemicals in the environment
Having your first child before age 25