Chances are you’ve graduated from OBGYN care at this point, and we’d like to say—good for you! We are here to help you manage any concerns that may arise. No matter where you are on your journey, WHA is here to provide exceptional care.
Few over age 65 need to have continued screening tests for cervical cancer (hooray!). Depending on your history, your provider may recommend age-appropriate screening.
If you’re on HRT, talk to your provider about how that’s going for you. If you are still benefiting from it and have been taking hormones orally, your provider may want to discuss transitioning you to transdermal (through the skin). If you haven’t been on estrogen and are noticing more urogenital changes in your 60s and beyond, consider discussing vaginal estrogen with your provider.
If your gynecologist is helping to manage any type of HRT, you should continue to see them as recommended. If you’re not on hormone therapy and you’re not experiencing gynecological issues, you should see a primary care provider or internal medicine specialist for regular preventative health care visits. In the absence of factors that put you at higher risk, Medicare recommends a preventative pelvic and breast exam every two years–and we are happy to see you for that–or any time you’re experiencing a gynecological concern.
If you’re post-menopausal and experience vaginal bleeding, we want to talk to you right away. Call our office; we may have you talk to one of our advice nurses to help assess the situation.
Few over age 65 need to have continued screening tests for cervical cancer (hooray!). Depending on your history, your provider may recommend age-appropriate screening.
If you’re on HRT, talk to your provider about how that’s going for you. If you are still benefiting from it and have been taking hormones orally, your provider may want to discuss transitioning you to transdermal (through the skin). If you haven’t been on estrogen and are noticing more urogenital changes in your 60s and beyond, consider discussing vaginal estrogen with your provider.
If your gynecologist is helping to manage any type of HRT, you should continue to see them as recommended. If you’re not on hormone therapy and you’re not experiencing gynecological issues, you should see a primary care provider or internal medicine specialist for regular preventative health care visits. In the absence of factors that put you at higher risk, Medicare recommends a preventative pelvic and breast exam every two years–and we are happy to see you for that–or any time you’re experiencing a gynecological concern.
If you’re post-menopausal and experience vaginal bleeding, we want to talk to you right away. Call our office; we may have you talk to one of our advice nurses to help assess the situation.
Bladder control is the ability to store and release urine properly, which can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, aging or medical conditions. Issues with bladder function include incontinence (loss of bladder control), urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder), urinary frequency (needing to urinate often) and urgency (sudden, strong urges to urinate), all of which may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Bladder control is the ability to store and release urine properly, which can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, aging or medical conditions. Issues with bladder function include incontinence (loss of bladder control), urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder), urinary frequency (needing to urinate often) and urgency (sudden, strong urges to urinate), all of which may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Feeling safe, respected and in control is key to enjoying sex (and it should be enjoyed!). Discomfort—whether physical or emotional—can affect your experience, and you deserve to be heard if something doesn’t feel right. Talk to your provider if you’re experiencing pain, vaginal dryness or other changes.
Taking steps to prevent disease can protect your long-term health. Women face unique risks for conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices (like exercise, well-rounded nutrition, not smoking and not drinking regularly), along with early intervention can help lower these risks.
Emotional health is your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs, manage stress and maintain positive relationships. It’s closely connected to mental and physical health. Paying attention to your feelings, getting support when needed and making time for movement and things that bring you joy all support emotional well-being.
Physical activity includes any movement that engages your muscles and burns energy—like walking, running, strength training or yoga. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for adults, including during pregnancy. Regular movement supports your overall health, reduces pregnancy complications and helps well-being during times of transition such as menopause.
At this stage, care becomes more individualized—and more coordinated. These guidelines are a foundation, but your providers will help tailor care to your health, your history, and what matters most to you. Routine preventive care and annual wellness visits are typically managed through your primary care provider. We focus on breast and pelvic care, as desired, as well as any gynecologic concerns that arise.
Keep on keepin’ on with annual mammograms.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for people of average risk beginning at age 65.
Your provider will guide how often to continue screening based on your history, prior results, and risk factors.
At this point, you likely have a routine—but it’s still worth staying consistent. Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screening as recommended by your primary care provider.
Staying up to date on vaccines continues to be an important part of preventive care.
At this stage, care becomes more individualized—and more coordinated. These guidelines are a foundation, but your providers will help tailor care to your health, your history, and what matters most to you. Routine preventive care and annual wellness visits are typically managed through your primary care provider. We focus on breast and pelvic care, as desired, as well as any gynecologic concerns that arise.
Keep on keepin’ on with annual mammograms.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for people of average risk beginning at age 65.
Your provider will guide how often to continue screening based on your history, prior results, and risk factors.
At this point, you likely have a routine—but it’s still worth staying consistent. Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screening as recommended by your primary care provider.
Staying up to date on vaccines continues to be an important part of preventive care.
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
A website to compare the cost of prescription medications.
A good resource for articles on sex after 40. Also includes various products, but this is not a specific endorsement of those.
A searchable database of current medical information for both patients and providers.
This resource from the Oregon Medical Board provides more information on what to expect from various types of physical exams at the doctor's office, including how to advocate for your rights and what to know about medical chaperones.
