Make Your Health a Top Priority During National Women’s Health Week

All women should have regular wellness visits to maintain good health. National Women’s Health Week, which runs from May 13-19, is the perfect time to schedule checkups and lifesaving preventative screenings. As the nation’s leading provider of women’s health care, Planned Parenthood health centers offer a wide range of health services and compassionate, expert care.

Here are some tips for taking control of your health:

• Find a provider you feel comfortable with and be honest with them. The more they know, the better they can help you stay healthy. Don’t hesitate to talk about your body or sexual health: It’s important not to let shame or anxiety get in the way of taking care of yourself.
• Annual visits are an important way to put your health first in a safe, compassionate space. One in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life for professional and confidential care. Periodic checkups and screenings are essential for staying healthy.
• Maintaining good health means knowing your body and recognizing its changes. If something feels out of the ordinary — lumps, swelling, pain, spotting, low sex drive, no orgasms, or unusual discharge — be sure talk to your health care provider right away. It might be less serious than you imagine, but you should have it checked out.
• If you use birth control, annual visits are a chance to make sure you’re using the birth control method that’s right for you. Birth control methods are not one-size-fits-all, and you should expect to try different methods between adolescence and menopause.

Whether you are straight, bi, lesbian, queer, cisgender, or transgender, Planned Parenthood's doors are open to everyone, regardless of race, immigration status, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We believe all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care and accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health information, no matter who they are or where they live. You can call (800) 230-PLAN or visit www.pphp.org to schedule an appointment.