Happy International Women’s Day!
One of the missions of International Women’s Day is to assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health.
Browse through the topics below to learn more about each of them, and find resources that may help you or your loved ones.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, 1doc has prepared some health screenings and tips dedicated towards women.
These health screenings and tips are:
Pap Smear
Tests for: Cervical Cancer (cancer cells / early cancer cells / infections)
The procedure:
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.
Why it’s important:
Pap smears can detect cervical cancer early, and can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.
Booking slots for pap smear are available from 20 March onwards.
Book your Pap Smear appointment:
Integrated Wellness Clinic Novena:
Book an appointment
(Mondays to Fridays)
Book an appointment
(Saturdays)
1doc Medical Centre Heartbeat@Bedok
Book an appointment
(Mondays to Fridays)
1doc Mediline Wei-Min Serangoon Gardens
Book an appointment
(Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only)
1doc Mediline Wei-Min Marine Parade
Book an appointment
(Tuesdays & Thursdays only)
Breast self examination
Tests for: Breast Cancer
The Procedure:
Remove any kind of garment and position yourself in front of a large mirror which reflects at least your upper body
Breast self-examination starts with the visual inspection
One breast may be larger than the other
New disparities in size should be noted
Dimpling in the skin
Changes in breast shape
Swelling in both the breasts
Any rashes, erythema, puckering
Textural anomalies resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange).
Any changes in the nipples must be monitored
Asymmetric venous distribution or dilation
The visual survey of the breast tissue requires an inspection from the following three angles:
With arms at the side,
Arms raised above the head while bending forward, and
Hunched over with the hands placed on the hips.
Why it’s important:
Regular breast self examination allows women to become familiar with their breasts and to detect any changes early. By regularly examining your breasts, you can become more aware of what is normal for your breasts, and you can notice any changes or abnormalities that may develop.
Early detection of breast cancer is important because it increases the chances of successful treatment and improves the outcome. In addition to self-examination, regular mammograms and clinical breast exams are also recommended for breast cancer screening.
Women should discuss their breast cancer screening plan with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their individual needs.
Talk to a 1doc Family Physician
Urinary Tract Infection
What is it:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. It is more common in women than in men and can cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics and prevented by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and practicing good hygiene.
Signs and symptoms:
Kidney
Back or Side Pain
High Fever
Shaking and Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Bladder
Pelvic Pressure
Lower belly discomfort
Frequent, painful urination
Blood in urine
Urethra
Burning with urination
Discharge
Prevention of UTI:
These steps may help lower the risk of UTIs:
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
Drinking water helps dilute the urine. That leads to urinating more often — allowing bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.Try cranberry juice.
Studies that look into whether cranberry juice prevents UTIs aren't final. However, drinking cranberry juice is likely not harmful.Wipe from front to back.
Do this after urinating and after a bowel movement. It helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
What to do if you experience symptoms:
UTIs can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical examination, urine analysis, and urine culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, which can help to clear the infection and relieve symptoms. In addition to antibiotics, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and practicing good hygiene can help to prevent and manage UTIs.
Talk to a 1doc Family Physician
What Changes At
Peri-Menopause
What is it:
Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause when a woman's body begins to transition from reproductive to non-reproductive. It is a natural biological process that typically starts in a woman's 40s, but can begin as early as her 30s, and can last for several years until menopause is reached.
Perimenopause is a normal part of the aging process, but some women may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment. Hormone therapy and other medications can help manage symptoms, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can also be effective in reducing symptoms.
Menopausal changes:
Skin, Mucosal & Hair changes
Reduced Skin thickness
Reduced elasticity
Reduced hydration
Increased wrinkling
Hair loss
Central Nervous System
Vasomotor symptoms
Sleep disruption
Depression and anxiety
Cognitive changes
Migraine
Weight & Metabolism
Weight gain
increased visceral adiposity
increased waist circumference
Sexual Dysfunction
Decreased sexual desire
Dyspareunia
Urogenital System
Vaginal dryness
Vulva itching and burning
Dysuria
Urinary frequency
Urgency
Recurrent lower urinary tract infectionx
Musculoskeletal System
Joint pain
Sarcopenia
Managing symptoms:
It's important for women to talk to their healthcare provider about any changes they may be experiencing during perimenopause to determine the best approach for managing their symptoms and maintaining their overall health
Talk to a 1doc Family Physician
Is it more than just menses pain?
While it's common to experience some discomfort or cramping during menstruation, there are some signs that your period cramps may not be normal and could be a sign of an underlying condition. Here are some signs to look out for:
Severe pain: If your period cramps are so severe that they interfere with your daily activities or require medication to manage, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
No relief from OTC pain meds: If you are not finding relief from over-the-counter pain medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause of your menstrual cramps and recommend appropriate treatment.
Long duration: If your period cramps last for more than a few days, or occur at times other than during menstruation, it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Pelvic discomfort: While mild to moderate menstrual cramps are normal, severe or debilitating cramps can be a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Other symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever along with your period cramps, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Talk to a 1doc Family Physician
Thyroid Diseases
What is it:
Thyroid illness refers to any condition that affects the function of the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and many other bodily functions. There are several types of thyroid illness, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
Symptoms:
Hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, depression
Hyperthyroidism: weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, diarrhea, sweating
Thyroid nodules: a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness
Thyroid cancer: a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, enlarged lymph nodes
What to do:
If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid illness, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones or imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a thyroid scan, to evaluate the size and function of the thyroid gland.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition, but may include medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, or active surveillance for certain types of thyroid nodules.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for managing your thyroid illness and to monitor your condition over time. With appropriate treatment and ongoing care, most people with thyroid illness can lead healthy, active lives.
Talk to a 1doc Family Physician
1doc Family Physicians
At 1doc, we are proud to have a team of highly qualified family physicians who are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to women of all ages.
Our physicians understand the unique health needs and concerns of women and are committed to providing personalised care and support to help you achieve your best health. Whether you need preventive care, family planning services, or treatment for a specific health condition, our female physicians are here to provide the expert care and guidance you need.
Dr Eugene Loke
Dr Chrystal Fong
Dr Toh Mei Ling