Southern Women's Specialists in Fairhope provides comprehensive menopause treatment, including HRT, symptom management, and natural approaches. Learn about the stages and find relief.

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During menopause, your estrogen levels fall. Some women get uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.

Vaginal atrophy is often a side effect of menopause. This condition includes symptoms of vaginal dryness, inflammation, and general discomfort of the genital region due to thinning tissues within the vaginal wall.

The board-certified OBGYNs at Southern Women’s Specialists specialize in treating vaginal atrophy.

At your routine annual exam you may have an age–based screening ordered for:

-Cervical Cancer

-Breast Cancer

-Bone Density

-Colon Cancer

-Sexually transmitted diseases

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of long-term birth control for women. A small plastic T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus and can prevent pregnancy for 3 to 10 years depending on the type of IUD. An IUD is a highly effective form of birth control, but does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

An IUD is inserted by your OB/GYN in the office and will only take a few minutes. During the procedure, you may experience side effects like discomfort, cramping, or dizziness. Your OB/GYN may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller before the procedure, or use a local anesthetic during the procedure to ease pain. The T-shaped IUD is left in the uterus, leaving 2 small strings outside the cervix for removal.

A follow up appointment may be scheduled after the procedure to be sure the IUD is still in place. Your OB/YGN will show you how to check that the IUD is still in the correct position and tell you how often you should check the placement.

Your IUD will be removed when it has reached its expiration date, if you are experiencing a medical problem, or if you plan to become pregnant. It can be removed during a short procedure at your OB/GYN’s office. Your gynecologist will gently pull on the IUDs strings to pull the IUD through the cervix and out of the vagina.

Today, there are many options as it relates to birth control. The physicians and nurse practitioner at Southern Women’s Specialists can help you select the option that is best suited to your needs, and those of your partner. We offer contraception counseling for women looking to start using birth control or for those looking to change their current method.

These assessments should include screening, evaluation and counseling, and immunizations based on age and risk factors.

At 20 Years old

You should have your first pap test if you haven’t already and have a sexually transmitted infection screening if necessary.

At 30 Years old

Be sure to talk with your OB/GYN if you are planning on getting pregnant. Continue to get an annual well-woman visit during your 30s.

At 40 Years old

Decide with your OB/GYN when you should have a mammogram, especially if you have certain risk factors. If you’re having perimenopause symptoms, there may be ways to manage these symptoms.

At 50 Years old

During your 50s, it is good to get a lung cancer screening if you are a current or past smoker. It is also time to have a preventative screening for colorectal cancer.

At 60 Years old

Continue to get regular mammograms and osteoporosis screenings during your 60s.

At 70 Years old

Be sure to get a seasonal flu shot, a shingles shot, and a pneumonia shot, as well as others your doctor may recommend.

At 80 Years old

Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent falls, and if you have any problems with your visions or hearing.