Women’s wellness myths debunked

Try these three true-or-false questions.

There are countless women’s health claims circling about on the internet, in magazines, even among family and friends.

With so many sources, it can be difficult to determine what is true.

We’ve asked some health providers to address some common women’s wellness myths.

1. I don’t need an OB-GYN unless I’m trying to have kids or am currently pregnant. FALSE.

“Many women are under the impression they don’t need to see an OB-GYN provider if they are not pregnant or no longer having children,” says Jennifer Hill, APRN, a nurse practitioner at Kettering Physician Network Women’s Health — First Choice in Hamilton.

“However, routine well visits to your gynecologic provider are an important way to manage other reproductive health topics, like contraception or menstrual irregularities, as well as screen for and prevent conditions with serious consequences such as breast and ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, elevated cholesterol, colorectal cancer and osteoporosis.”

In addition to providing care for pregnant women, gynecologic providers can help patients manage issues such as urinary incontinence, hormone imbalance and menopause.

2. I should see a doctor for regular check-ups, even if I’m not sick.

TRUE.

“Many patients believe they should only see a physician if they are sick, but that’s not the case,” says Saba Qureshi, MD, a family medicine physician with Kettering Physician Network Primary Care — Sugarcreek.

In addition to monitoring major health markers on a regular basis and receiving preventive care like flu shots, regular wellness visits are a good way to maintain a relationship with your doctor so you have someone you trust when a health concern does occur.

“Regular wellness visits also provide the opportunity for your provider to discover more serious health concerns, like cardiovascular issues or cancers, that don’t always have obvious symptoms,” says Dr. Qureshi.

3. I don’t have any symptoms of breast cancer, or a family history of cancer, so I don’t need to have an annual mammogram.

FALSE

The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms for all women over 40, regardless of symptoms or family history.

“Annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 have been proven to save the most lives compared to alternate screening schedules,” says Kettering Breast Evaluation Centers radiologist Meghan Musser, DO. “Early detection is critical and is linked to a patient’s overall survival.”

“Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer need to undergo screening before age 40,” says Kettering Cancer Care hematologist and oncologist John Haluschak, MD. “We strongly recommend patients address their risk with their primary care physician and if there is a family history of breast cancer, we recommend utilizing a genetic risk assessment to determine if screening should begin before age 40.”

Kettering Health Network is a faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare system. The network has eight hospitals: Grandview, Kettering, Sycamore, Southview, Greene Memorial, Fort Hamilton, Kettering Behavioral Health and Soin.