My City August 2021

W ith advancements in healthcare, the way we look at and approach gynecological health has evolved. Hurley midwives say that for the most part, teens don’t need to have a pap smear or pelvic exam, even after they start their period. But Hurley gynecologist, Omari Young, MD, points out that women in their 20s often do not get the testing and counseling they need to maintain reproductive health.This can set them up for infertility issues down the road. College Age Women If you are in college or head Professionals Empowering Teens with Screenings, Information Hurley Reproductive Health

More than half of all pregnancies in Michigan are unplanned. Gynecologists and midwives say young women should take an ac tive role in their health, discussing contraception options with their healthcare provider to prevent disease and unplanned pregnancy. Important Information for Teens Hurley midwives can help with empowering teens to claim their reproductive health. Studies have found that sexual Hurley midwife Jennifer Brown, DNP, CNM says, “Pap smears usually do not need to begin until age 21. We can test for STI through urine so for most cases, there is no reason for your teen to have a pelvic or genital exam.” With that said, this doesn’t mean teens shouldn’t schedule a well-visit appointment. Teens can talk with a Hurley midwife or gynecologist about questions concerning menstruation, like irregu lar or painful periods, or abnormal bleeding. To make an appointment with either a Hurley gynecologist or midwife, visit hurleymc.com. x JENNIFER BROWN, DNP, CNM communication with parents, especial ly moms, is associated with increased safer sex behaviors. It’s important to make teens active participants in deci sions about their gynecological health.

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ing off to college, you have more than exams to be thinking about. All sexually active adults should have an annual screening for STI (Sexual Transmitted Infection). Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most commonly reported infections and if untreated, can lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory

OMARI YOUNG, MD

Disease).That might not sound like a big deal, but complications of STI include infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Over the past 30 years, cases of cervical cancer have dropped 50% in the U.S., mostly due to widespread screening. Low-risk women should start getting cervical cancer screening at age 21, then a pap smear every three years between the ages of 21-29. Reproductive health professionals are a great source for ad dressing other health concerns and screenings during well visits. “Obstetricians and gynecologists have a unique opportunity to address non-reproductive health at the well-woman visits,” says Dr. Young. “This can include screening for depression and anxiety, blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, intimate partner vio lence screening and many other areas that are very important to a woman while not specific to gynecological health.”

Ӑ 12-13 years old – typical start of menstruation (African Americans can start earlier) Ӑ First two years of menarche can be irregular, leading to questions. Ovulation is only occurring about 50%of the time. Ӑ Eventually, menstrual cycles should become regular.