Women often serve as primary caretakers in so many situations. Whether it’s tending to the kids or taking care of a sick spouse, women are no strangers to putting others first.
With all this responsibility, women’s health may suffer. When should they focus on themselves?
Experts agree women should seek care sooner rather than later in these circumstances specific to their bodies:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- moderate abdominal pain
- heavy vaginal discharge
- intense lower back pain
- unusual nipple discharge
- any breast lumps or abscesses
- painful or burning urination (UTI)
- postpartum depression
Urgent Care or ER?
Emergency rooms and urgent care centers each serve specific purposes. Urgent care is a good place to start for certain scenarios such as, acute or new-onset complaints. These facilities are also appropriate for obtaining a referral to a specialist. Assessments are quick, so women can be in-and-out within an hour or less.
Of course, there are times when urgent care is not enough. Emergency rooms handle life-threatening physical and mental situations. Women should head to the ER if they are experiencing:
- thoughts of suicide or harming someone else
- severe abdominal pain
- unstoppable vaginal bleeding
- chills, fever, vomiting
Many health systems have their urgent care center onsite. So, if a woman goes to urgent care but needs ER attention, transfer is simple.
Expanding Beyond “Urgent”
The term “urgent care” can be misleading. In fact, professionals working in urgent care settings can help with:
- IUD placement and checks
- birth control refills
- routine abscess drainage
- mental health analysis and referrals
- domestic violence intervention
Never Wait on Sexual Assault
Certain symptoms can wait for a standard physician appointment. One exception is sexual assault. It is critical women see a healthcare professional as soon as possible after such an event.
Physical care and potential evidence collection is a priority. But women also have a safe space in which to determine next steps. Sexual assault survivors may want the hospital to contact the police or arrange for safe housing. In these traumatic cases, women should never delay seeking professional care.
Listen to a Podcast for More Information
To listen to an in-depth conversation on this topic with University of Maryland Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Sherry Pearson, listen below. To listen later or download a copy, please follow this link: https://radiomd.com/umms/item/46670
Read more
- Top Tips for Optimal Women’s Health
- Women and Heart Health: How to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
- What to Do If You Miss a Birth Control Pill
