Providence Women's Health
Forms & Information
One in every three American women develops heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should receive an annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, in addition to their yearly mammogram, beginning as early as age 30, according to guidelines published by the American Cancer Society.
Breast health experts at Providence Health & Services recognize the importance and complexity of counseling women on breast health and screening recommendations. In November 2009, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued updated guidelines for breast cancer screening. These new recommendations have been met with uneven acceptance from various foundations, professional organizations and breast health providers.
We have reviewed these new recommendations carefully and have engaged a number of concerned providers, physicians and women’s health advocates in order to gain consensus around this important issue. In general, Providence endorses the thorough, professional and evidence-based effort put forth by the USPSTF and recognizes these are difficult issues to analyze.
If you are an established patient at our clinic, and are preparing for your next follow-up visit, please complete these forms and bring them with your to your next appointment. In addition we will also need your photo ID and current medical insurance card.
The postpartum time brings many physical and emotional changes. This guide will help answer questions about the changes in your body and about your postpartum care. It is not meant as a substitute for professional medical care. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to talk with your doctor, nurse midwife or family maternity nurse.
Ready to have your baby? Here's everything you'll need to prepare for delivery at a Providence hospital or medical center.
The Providence Women and Children’s Health Research Center conducts research designed to improve the health of women, newborns and children.
Following the American Cancer Society guidelines, women are advised to have a screening mammogram every year after their 40th birthday. Most health insurance plans cover mammography expenses. Financial counseling is available for those without insurance.
Fill out this quick risk assessment, based on National Osteoporosis Foundation recommendations for bone density testing, to learn about your risk for osteoporosis.
From the experts
The medical term for involuntary loss of urine is "urinary incontinence," and there are several types; stress incontinence and urge incontinence are among the most common.
Q: I enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner each night and thought it was good for my health. Now I hear having a glass of wine each day can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Is that true?
Answer from the expert staff of the Ruth J. Spear Breast Center at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center:
Q: Would it be a bad thing to do daily cardio workouts without any days off? I've been doing about 20 to 50 minutes of cardio a day for the past three months in hope of getting results quickly. I don't want to delay getting my new body, but I also don't want to cause any problems.
Q: "Year after year, I make a New Year's resolution to start exercising. And I never keep it up past about March. What can I do differently this year to finally succeed?"
Q. I recently had a benign breast lump removed. It turned out to be a “fibroadenoma,” and my doctor said it was totally benign. Still, I’m worried – does this mean I’m at an increased risk of breast cancer?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q: How long does it take to get out of shape? I couldn’t exercise for a while in December, and am wondering how much my fitness level may have declined. When I get back to the gym, how long would it take to get back in shape?
Q: How long does it take for breast cancer to grow? My doctor just examined my breasts a month ago (no lumps), and today I found a lump. Is it possible that breast cancer could have developed so quickly?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q. I’m a young woman who tries to do breast self exams (BSE's) every month. But I often put them off because they make me so nervous. I just heard that not all health care organizations recommend monthly BSE's. What do you say?
Answer from the expert staff of breast cancer research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center at Providence Portland Medical Center:
Q: “Can I have my period and still be pregnant?”
Q: “A friend forwarded an article to me suggesting that vitamin D can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Is this true?”
Answer from Alison Conlin, M.D., medical oncologist, Providence Cancer Center:
Q: "You know how when little kids realize they need to go to the bathroom, it needs to be now? I've become that way: I need to go often, and there's no delaying – otherwise I end up with an adult version of 'an accident.' I'm afraid of ever being very far from a restroom! Am I stuck with this for the rest of my life?"
Q: How much time do I need to devote to exercise each week to make a positive impact on my metabolism?
Q: What intensity should I aim for in my cardio workouts?
Q. “I’m a 55-year-old male who is thinking about becoming a father. Does my age present any risks to the baby? My wife is 41. We are both in excellent health.”
Q: How long should I wait to get pregnant after…
- Having a medical procedure involving anesthesia?
- Taking prescription medications?
- Getting travel immunizations?
- Undergoing chemotherapy?
- Having uterine fibroids removed?
Q. What is “Group B strep,” and how do I know if my unborn baby is at risk?
What pain medicines are safe to use for headaches? With all the recent recalls and new safety warnings, I’m worried that I may be risking a stroke or heart attack every time I take something to get rid of a headache.
Q: The weather has been so bad, I’ve basically been a couch potato. Now that the weather’s improving, I want to get out this weekend and get active. How should I begin an exercise program?
Q: “How many of my daily calories should come from beverages? I realize that the calories in my daily lattes and occasional sodas, sports drinks and beers add up, but are there any actual guidelines on what, and how much, we’re supposed to drink every day?”
Q: “I am a 47-year-old woman, I weigh 155 pounds, and I am very physically active. Currently, I do more cardio than strength training. How many times a week should I be doing strength training?”
Q: “I’ve been working out for three years, focusing mainly on weight lifting, and I’m starting to get bulkier and to gain muscles. However, I still have some visible body fat. My ultimate goal is to become very lean and ripped. What is the best and fastest way to lose the fat – especially the love handles?”
Q: “Could it be possible for the male to be at fault for miscarriages? I’ve had two pregnant women in my life: The first woman had two miscarriages, and the second had one. Is there something wrong with my sperm?”
Q: I've recently gone through menopause, and on top of everything else, I seem to be losing bladder control. I have little leaks of urine when I sneeze or laugh hard. Is this related to menopause? Is there anything I can do about it?
Is there any truth to the rumor that cats will suck the breath out of babies? And are there any other reasons we should find new homes for our pets before we have our baby?
Q. "I am 40 and am, unexpectedly, expecting for the fourth time. In my last pregnancy seven years ago (same father), I gave birth three and a half weeks early due to preeclampsia. What is my risk of developing it again? Is there anything I can do to minimize my risk?"
Q: Since I’ve been pregnant, I have been occasionally leaking urine. Will this stop after I have my baby? Can I do anything to avoid it now?
Q: I just turned 40 and my husband and I would like to have a baby. What are the risks and what would you advise to optimize our chances of having a healthy baby?
Everyone gets motivated to get more active when the summer sun comes out. Before you get started, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success and preventing injury by considering these tips from our experts.
Q: What exactly is SIDS, and why does sleeping on the back prevent it?
Q. “My wife and I are talking about conceiving a baby. I have been using marijuana and smoking cigarettes for about ten years. My wife has never smoked anything. Before we do this, I want to know if I should quit for a month or so to make sure that our children won’t have birth defects or problems later in life. My wife seems to think that what I do doesn’t matter, and that it’s only what she does that affects the baby. I’m not so sure. I want to do the right thing.”
Q: Ever since a hysterectomy, I've taken estrogen to help with menopausal symptoms and to prevent heart disease – my mother died of a heart attack. But I heard about a study that said estrogen doesn't really protect against cardiovascular problems. What's going on?
Q. “I'm pregnant! This will be my first child. In your expert opinion, what are the top 10 things I should do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby?”
Q: "My husband does a lot of strength training, but refuses to include any aerobic exercise in his routine. I'm worried that he's losing out on some important health benefits, but he doesn't buy it. Can you convince him?"
Do all babies need a vitamin K shot? I don’t like the idea of sticking a needle in my newborn.
Q: "I’ve been working out for about three weeks now, and I have actually gained weight. Is this normal? What should I do if it isn’t? I eat right, and my workouts consist of 30 minutes of cardio followed by 30 to 40 minutes of weight lifting, five days a week.”
Answers from Angela Keating, M.D., board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with Providence Medical Group Columbia Women's Clinic.
Q: “I am concerned about some discharge from one of my breasts. If I squeeze the nipple, I get a dark greenish fluid. Sometimes it also occurs spontaneously. I mentioned this during my last physical exam, but my mammogram appeared to be OK. Should I do anything else, or just wait for my next mammogram? If it’s nothing to be concerned about, what is causing it?”
Answer from Heidi Nelson, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Providence Women and Children’s Program and Providence Women and Children’s Health Research Center:
Q: "I just purchased an elliptical trainer, and after three weeks of 30-minute routines every other day, I’m finding that staying in my ‘target heart rate’ zone is too easy. A higher level feels right – rigorous, but not too hard. The trouble is, at this rate, I am working at my ‘maximum heart rate’ – about 150 to 176. Would I be better off staying with my current high intensity level, or backing off on the intensity and doing a longer workout?"
Q: A friend forwarded an email to me about what to do if you're alone and you think you're having a heart attack. It says that coughing hard will squeeze the heart and keep the blood flowing until you can get help. It also says that women may experience strange symptoms, like a pain in the jaw, instead of chest pain. Is any of this true? Answer provided by Suzanne M. Hall, M.D., FACC, medical director of Providence Women and Heart Disease Program at Providence Heart and Vascular Institute, and cardiologist with Columbia Cardiology Associates.
No one is immune to domestic violence or an abusive relationship. It can happen to anyone. It happens to men and women of all ages, from all cultures, across all socio-economic groups.
Stress increases the likelihood that a potential abuser will turn violent. Knowing the warning signs and resources available could save someone's life. Pretending that warning signs don't exist will only make a situation more dangerous. If you or someone you know may be in a dangerous relationship, please seek help immediately.
If you leak urine when you laugh, sneeze or cough, you have what we call “stress incontinence.” It happens when extra pressure is placed on the abdomen which, in turn, puts pressure on the bladder. Coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, playing tennis, running and jumping are examples of activities that can cause stress incontinence.
For some women, menopausal symptoms can be very uncomfortable, leading to loss of sleep, mood swings, hot flashes and diminished sexual satisfaction.
If you’re interested in trying botanical options for managing menopause, phytoestrogens and black cohosh may be your best bets.
Modifying your diet can significantly improve your menopausal symptoms and decrease your risk of serious disease.
Women who exercise regularly have fewer menopause symptoms. “Maybe it’s because they get all their sweating done in one fell swoop!” Dr. Ferrier jokes. “We really don’t know why, we just know it works.”
For many menopausal women, combined estrogen-progestin therapy remains a reasonable treatment choice, Dr. Ferrier says.
Weight gain is a common symptom of menopause. It’s frustrating when your old pants no longer fit – but more importantly, increased weight contributes significantly to risk of heart disease.
In May 2002, the National Institutes of Health announced that it was halting the arm of it’s Women’s Health Initiative study that measured the effects of combined estrogen-progestin therapy (Prempro).
Q: Recently I have felt pressure in my vagina and even something that seems to bulge out when I walk around or bear down. Are my insides falling out?
Midwifery has long been an option for women wanting to deliver their babies with minimal medical intervention. Providence Health & Services has paired the personal support of midwifery with the modern comforts of a hospital since 1993.
As a pregnant woman, you have options. You can see an obstetrician, a family medicine doctor or a midwife for pregnancy care. Sometimes, you may see a combination. So, how do you decide which choice is right for you? Lisa Chickadonz, a nurse-midwife with Providence Maternal Care Clinic, is a great source of perspective on the midwife experience.
Simple behavior modifications may improve the symptoms of overactive bladder.
The medical term for involuntary loss of urine or stool is “incontinence,” and there are several types. Stress incontinence and urge incontinence are among the most common.
Forgetfulness tends to increase with age, but there's a big difference between normal absent-mindedness and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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