Wellstar Women's Health

From adolescence through adulthood, Wellstar Women’s Health cares for women at every stage of life and encourages patients to stay up to date on essential screenings.

Building a foundation in your 20s

You may feel invincible in your 20s, but it’s important to start healthy, lifelong habits now. Schedule an annual physical exam with your primary care team so they can check important indicators of health over time, like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. Taking charge of your health early on lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being.

Find a women’s health clinician near you.

Reproductive health in your 20s and 30s

By age 21, women should get an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear with an OB/GYN. Depending on your results, you may not need another Pap smear for three years. You may also want to test for human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause several types of cancer, even though you may not have any symptoms. Your OB/GYN may also recommend monthly self-breast exams.

Be attentive in your 40s

Adding a yearly mammogram at this stage (or sooner, if advised) is important. You can schedule your mammogram through either an OB/GYN or a primary care clinician. Modern mammography programs can reduce breast cancer mortality by more than 40%. Wellstar has several mammography locations and offers 3D mammograms, which can help detect breast cancer at early stages when it’s easier to treat.

Starting at age 45, you should talk to your primary care team about a screening test for colon cancer. Colonoscopies are the most common procedure to detect precancerous polyps and should be repeated every 10 years or sooner, depending on your personal and family history.

Maintain your health and wellness in your 50s and beyond

In your 50s, it’s important to maintain your relationship with your care team. Ask if you need a heart screening (coronary artery calcium scoring). Individuals with a history of smoking should inquire about lung cancer screenings. Since hormone changes can lead to osteoporosis, post-menopausal women should also consider a bone mineral density test.

Learn more about women’s health services at Wellstar.

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar partners with patients year-round to help them feel their best.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health—making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.

Partner with your Wellstar care team

When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care team.

“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”  

Know Your Foundational 4

To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your clinician will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.

Blood pressure

A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.

Blood glucose level

The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Blood cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Body mass index (BMI)

A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Personalized OB/GYN care for women

“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”

Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond. 

“We’ll make sure you are up to date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.

Primary care, anywhere

In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar clinician over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”

If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care team will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.

“Through our patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.

Accessing care online

If you’re a MyChart user, E-visits are a convenient way for you to receive care from a Wellstar clinician without needing to schedule an appointment or come to the clinic. Through MyChart, tell us about your health concern by answering a few questions about yourself and your symptoms, then a primary care expert will respond in MyChart with your care plan.

Conditions that can be treated with an E-visit include:

• cough
• sinus problems
• urinary tract infection
• conjunctivitis
• back pain
• diarrhea
• vaginal discharge
• heartburn

Log on to MyChart and click “Symptom Checker” from the menu in the top left of the screen to start an E-visit.

For more immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening, you can talk to a clinician with WellstarON, our virtual urgent care. 

In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.

Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.