Guide | 10 key recommendations for women’s health from an OB-GYN
Medical visits are increasingly brief, and many women do not have time to raise every concern. What would an OB-GYN say with more time?
The author interviewed OB-GYN Dr. Alyssa Dweck, co-author of V Is for Vagina, who offered lifelong health recommendations for women.
1. Do not let stress control your life
“Most of my female patients have one thing in common: they are exhausted, too busy, and trying to do everything,” Dr. Dweck said. Stress can affect fertility and increase the risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find a sustainable way to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise, or journaling.
2. Do not become anxious about dieting
“Healthy eating does not mean giving up red wine and chocolate cake,” she said. Moderation is key. Combine lean protein, healthy fats, quality carbohydrates, and fiber without excessive restriction.
3. Use calcium appropriately
“Excess calcium may cause kidney stones and may increase heart-disease risk.” Dr. Dweck recommends about 1,000 mg daily for women under 50 and 1,200 mg for women over 50, preferably from foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds.
4. Exercise should include more than cardio
“Running alone is not enough.” She recommends exercise three to five times weekly, combining cardio with resistance training such as weights and squats. This can help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers while supporting confidence and mental health.
5. Consider fertility early
Although many women conceive in their late 30s or early 40s, fertility begins to decline gradually around age 32. If you plan to have children, discuss options such as egg freezing with a doctor early.
6. Recognize additional benefits of contraception
Birth-control pills are often misunderstood and do more than prevent pregnancy. Research shows they may lower the risks of uterine and ovarian cancer and help regulate menstrual cycles.
7. See a doctor annually
Do not skip annual gynecologic care even without symptoms. Women over 21 should have a Pap test every three years; women aged 30–65 may have Pap and HPV co-testing every five years. Sexually active people also need regular STI screening. Annual care can identify risks early.
8. Maintain a satisfying sex life
“Sex should not feel like a task; it should provide relaxation and pleasure.” Sex may reduce stress and chronic-disease risk, provided it is enjoyable. Discuss dryness, pain, or other discomfort with a doctor.
9. Prioritize sleep
Waking tired and struggling to concentrate may mean insufficient sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation increases the risks of heart and mental-health conditions. Keep a regular schedule and prioritize sleep quality.
10. Consider genetic testing
If your family has a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other chronic diseases, consider genetic testing. Doctors can use testing to assess risk and support earlier preventive measures.
Guide | 10 key recommendations for women’s health from an OB-GYN
Guide | 10 key recommendations for women’s health from an OB-GYN
Medical visits are increasingly brief, and many women do not have time to raise every concern. What would an OB-GYN say with more time?
The author interviewed OB-GYN Dr. Alyssa Dweck, co-author of V Is for Vagina, who offered lifelong health recommendations for women.
1. Do not let stress control your life
“Most of my female patients have one thing in common: they are exhausted, too busy, and trying to do everything,” Dr. Dweck said. Stress can affect fertility and increase the risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find a sustainable way to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise, or journaling.
2. Do not become anxious about dieting
“Healthy eating does not mean giving up red wine and chocolate cake,” she said. Moderation is key. Combine lean protein, healthy fats, quality carbohydrates, and fiber without excessive restriction.
3. Use calcium appropriately
“Excess calcium may cause kidney stones and may increase heart-disease risk.” Dr. Dweck recommends about 1,000 mg daily for women under 50 and 1,200 mg for women over 50, preferably from foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds.
4. Exercise should include more than cardio
“Running alone is not enough.” She recommends exercise three to five times weekly, combining cardio with resistance training such as weights and squats. This can help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers while supporting confidence and mental health.
5. Consider fertility early
Although many women conceive in their late 30s or early 40s, fertility begins to decline gradually around age 32. If you plan to have children, discuss options such as egg freezing with a doctor early.
6. Recognize additional benefits of contraception
Birth-control pills are often misunderstood and do more than prevent pregnancy. Research shows they may lower the risks of uterine and ovarian cancer and help regulate menstrual cycles.
7. See a doctor annually
Do not skip annual gynecologic care even without symptoms. Women over 21 should have a Pap test every three years; women aged 30–65 may have Pap and HPV co-testing every five years. Sexually active people also need regular STI screening. Annual care can identify risks early.
8. Maintain a satisfying sex life
“Sex should not feel like a task; it should provide relaxation and pleasure.” Sex may reduce stress and chronic-disease risk, provided it is enjoyable. Discuss dryness, pain, or other discomfort with a doctor.
9. Prioritize sleep
Waking tired and struggling to concentrate may mean insufficient sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation increases the risks of heart and mental-health conditions. Keep a regular schedule and prioritize sleep quality.
10. Consider genetic testing
If your family has a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other chronic diseases, consider genetic testing. Doctors can use testing to assess risk and support earlier preventive measures.
Source:
Collected online