Women’s healthcare goes beyond basic gynecological services, encompassing a wide range of areas. In New Jersey, personalized, prevention-focused healthcare tailored to the needs of female patients is available from the family-oriented medical practices of Nirvana Healthcare Management Services. Our patient coordinators make it easy to access quality, seamless care across Essex County.

Women’s Preventative Health Screenings

The primary goal of a health screening is to detect a disease in patients who aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Early detection plays an important role in enhancing the likelihood of treatment success and fostering positive outcomes. Several tests are important for women to receive during their lifetime, including:

Bone Mineral Density Screening

A bone mineral density (BMD) test is to identify if the patient has osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak, brittle bones. The frequency of this test depends on the results of previous screenings. Some women may have one every 15 years, while others may need more frequent testing. As stated by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women who meet the following criteria should be evaluated:

• Are ages 65 or older
• Are younger than age 65 and past menopause

Due to the link between osteoporosis and menopause, aging women are at greater risk of developing this condition. While other tests are available, the DEXA (DXA) scan is the primary screening method.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screenings are done through clinical breast examinations and mammograms. However, it’s also recommended that women perform regular self-exams at home and report abnormal findings to their providers. According to American Cancer Society, mammograms are recommended as follows: 

• Ages 40 and 44: Women may choose to begin yearly screenings.
• Ages 45 to 54: Women should be screened annually.
• Age 55 and older: Women can receive a mammogram every other year or continue yearly screenings.

Cervical Cancer Screening

To identify cervical cancer, patients can be screened using the human papillomavirus (HPV) or Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Based on current cervical cancer testing guidelines, patients should be screened starting at age 25. Women ages 25 to 65 should receive an HPV test every five years and a Pap test every three years. Outlined below, these tests may be performed individually or simultaneously during an appointment:

• HPV test: HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) and a primary risk factor for developing cervical cancer. This test is used to detect high-risk HPV types that are most likely to cause this disease.
• Pap test: This screening detects cancer and pre-cancer cells found at the cervix.

Ovarian Cancer Screening

Patients are commonly screened for ovarian cancer during a clinical pelvic examination. During this exam, a provider feels the ovaries for size, shape, and consistency. While it may be difficult to detect early ovarian tumors this way, other tests are available, such as the transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and pelvic ultrasound.

Health care report cards build a foundation, and the patient’s record is revisited during every visit. These report cards are based on United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Additionally, they include the woman’s individual medical history, risk factors, and overall health to ensure each patient receives personalized care.

For the convenience of our patients, laboratory services are available at all locations.

Overall Health Evaluations

The clinicians take the time to evaluate each patient, focusing on risk assessments, prevention, and overall health management. Treatments are recommended based on several factors. Each patient can expect to receive high-quality care from a provider who will listen to her concerns and craft a treatment plan based on her individual needs. Aside from routine screenings, other types of healthcare evaluations are available, such as:

• Diabetes
• Gastroenterology and hepatology conditions
• Hypertension

Family planning is also accessible through Nirvana Healthcare Management Services providers. From prescriptions to IUD placement, a physician can recommend the ideal form of birth control for the patient based on her health, comfort level, and lifestyle.

Conditions that Commonly Affect Women

Women’s health covers a broad spectrum of medical issues, but even those that impact both genders often affect women differently. The board-certified providers of Nirvana Healthcare Management Services use additional prevention tools for female patients as appropriate. Some of the health issues that impact women differently include:

• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Heart attack
• IBS
• Leaky Gut
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Vascular diseases, such as varicose veins and spider veins

Additionally, some of the specific testing services available include pelvic, transvaginal, and breast ultrasounds. These tests are used to identify specific causes of pain, help physicians check the bladder and reproductive organs, as well as detect abnormalities.

Patients can make an appointment at a time that accommodates their everyday schedules. While it can be two to three months to get an appointment with some providers, the coordinators at Nirvana Healthcare Management Services routinely set up appointments within days.

Book an Appointment with a Provider

Holistic, comprehensive women’s health services are available in several locations throughout Essex County, including Newark and East Orange, NJ, with Nirvana Healthcare Management Services. Our primary care medical practices include Salerno Medical Associates, Metropolitan Medical Group, Roseville Medical Society, North Ward Medical Arts, Armenti Medical Group, and in-home services for in-home patients through CHOP/SHOP.  To schedule an appointment or request more information about women's health and wellness, contact us today.