For many people, the term women’s health is associated with reproductive care. While these issues are important, they are not the only reasons that women seek medical care. Past studies have shown that for women, less than half of all doctor’s visits are gynecology related. In fact, the majority of women are seeking care for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other non-reproductive issues.

Dr. Moogerfeld of Moogerfeld Internal Medicine in Statesboro, GA, recommends that in addition to regular visits with a gynecologist, women should also see a primary care physician or internal medicine doctor.

Most Women’s Health Issues Are Not Reproductive

For decades, women’s health issues have focused on conditions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and problems with fertility. While these conditions are almost exclusively women’s illnesses, they are not the most prevalent diseases among the female population.

In fact, incidences of thyroid cancers and disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lymphomas, and lupus are significantly higher among women than they are among men. These conditions are best managed and treated by an internal medicine doctor, as opposed to a gynecologist or OB/GYN.

A Primary Care Physician Can Screen Women for Many Conditions

As part of their medical training, primary care physicians (PCPs) and internists learn to perform breast exams and pelvic exams. So, although it is not their specialty, an internist is capable of providing reproductive health care services. If requested by a patient, a PCP can include breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings as part of an annual physical.

Women Get a Better Idea of Their Overall Health

One of the biggest problems with treating reproductive health as the main component of women’s health is that it fails to take into account how the body works as an entire system. For example, a woman who is struggling with fertility may have an underlying medical condition, such as hypertension, that is directly affecting her ability to conceive. A doctor of internal medicine looks at the body as a whole and can not only identify a problem but also find a cause and solution.

If you or a woman in your life is in need of complete medical care, call (912) 681-7111 to schedule an appointment. For more information on women’s health and other services, visit the Moogerfeld Internal Medicine website.