Although the 'Reproductive Age', one of the female life periods, covers the 19-45 age group, in terms of 'Healthy Woman', it is necessary to separate those over the age of 40 from this age group, as the risks of some diseases begin to increase. That's why we will discuss the main topics for the 19-40 age group.
What should be considered regarding reproductive health?
As the name suggests, this age group is for those who want to In terms of pregnancy, it is the period of having a child or the period when those who have children should apply effective contraception. Those planning a pregnancy should evaluate possible pregnancy risks before pregnancy and during the interpregnancy period, and take precautions accordingly. For those with a history of pregnancy, it is easier to determine the risks in subsequent pregnancies. However, a chronic disease may also begin during the interpregnancy period. Those who have never been pregnant should be reviewed in terms of basic health. Those at risk for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid diseases have an increased risk of developing these diseases during pregnancy. It is recommended for overweight people to lose weight. It is recommended that all healthy women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms of folic acid supplement per day to prevent some structural anomalies that may occur in the baby.
Another issue that needs to be addressed in terms of planned pregnancy is genetic counseling. Consanguineous marriages are common in Turkey. There are also genetic diseases (such as Mediterranean anemia) that are common in our geographical region. If necessary, prospective parents are screened for certain genetic disease carriers.
Modern and effective contraception and methods of protection from sexually transmitted diseases should also be discussed in women in this age group. In order to have the desired number of children at the desired time, help should be given to the couple in choosing the most suitable method for that couple.
Sexual problems and concerns are issues that disrupt the mental health of women and couples and unfortunately are not talked about in our society. The physician must be alert to these problems and ensure that the patient opens up to him/her with the right guidance. It is often an issue that different branches need to help together.
What issues should be addressed for social relations and mental health?
Personal and within the family Relationships are one of the main problems affecting mental health. Again, domestic violence is common in our country. As for working women, their job satisfaction and workplace stress affect their mental health. While sleep disorders can be indicators of mental and mental health problems, they themselves impair general health.
What are the other issues that need to be discussed?
Self-breast examination should be taught. Preventive treatments should be started if women aged 35 and over have a high risk of cancer. Therefore, risk factors need to be determined.
Which screening tests should be performed?
Cervical (cervix) cancer screening is performed through the cervix. The swab taken is studied. There are two types of laboratory tests: Pap test and Co test. Pap tests are recommended every 3 years for those aged 21-29. Screening for this cancer is not recommended before age 21. In the group aged 30 and over, it is recommended to perform a Co-test, which is a combination of Pap test and HPV (cancer-causing virus) type. The co-test is repeated every 5 years. However, due to its high cost, screening can be continued with a Pap test every 3 years.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These two microorganisms, which primarily cause infection in the cervix and then cause more serious problems, affect the vagina, mouth, pharynx, It is examined in swabs taken from the rectum or cervix. A urine sample can also be studied. Screening is done once a year. It is performed in women aged 24 and under if they are sexually active and if there are risk factors in the group aged 25 and over (many partners, new sexual partners, new sexually transmitted disease diagnosis).
Clinical Breast Examination is performed annually for those over 20 years of age. It is recommended to be done 1-3 times.
HIV test should be done at least once in a lifetime. Risks are evaluated annually and repeated if necessary.
Vaccines to be administered:
Tetanus, diphtheria vaccines (Tdap, Td): A single dose is administered. Preferred is a single dose of Tdap instead of Td vaccine repeated every 10 years.
HPV vaccine: Controversial. For those who prefer it, it is given in 3 doses if they are under the age of 26 and have not been vaccinated.
Influenza (flu) vaccine: It is administered as a single dose and once a year.
KKK (Red, measles, mumps) vaccine: Previously to the unvaccinated A single dose is recommended.
Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine: 2 doses are administered to those who are not vaccinated or have not had chickenpox.
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