Our Services / Women's Health

Women's Health services offered in Orange county, Fountain Valley, CA

Women have specific health needs, and those needs often fall to the bottom of a long to-do list. For women of all ages in and around Newport Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Irvine, and Fountain Valley, California, Wasim H. Raja, MD, is an outstanding resource for women’s health care. If you’re overdue for a well-woman exam or are searching for a new provider, call the office or book an initial visit online today.

Women's Health Q & A

What is women’s health?

Women’s health is an area of medical practice focused on addressing the health needs specific to women. While much of women’s health care centers on reproductive health, there are also many general health issues that affect women differently than men.

Some of the challenges women face in regard to overall health and wellness include:

Heart disease
Cancer
Chronic respiratory disease
Stroke

During your women’s health visits Dr. Raja discusses ways to prevent these health issues and help you achieve the highest possible quality of life, both now and in the years to come.

What should I expect during women’s health visits?

A pelvic exam is performed during most women’s health visits. This exam allows Dr. Raja to check your vaginal and cervical tissues for signs of abnormalities.

You’ll also receive a Pap smear during some of your pelvic exams. This screening uses a small sample of cervical cells to search for signs of cancerous changes. Pap smear testing has dramatically reduced the number of deaths related to cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cellular changes in the early stages when treatment can be most effective.

A breast exam is also part of women’s health visits. Dr. Raja not only performs a professional breast exam but can teach you how to perform at-home breast exams.

You’ll also have a chance to discuss any topics you desire. Some of the issues that fall under the umbrella of women’s health include:

Birth control
Sexually transmitted disease prevention and treatment
Fertility planning
Puberty
Menopause
Postpartum physical and mental changes
Unusual symptoms
Sexual health and healthy relationships

It’s important to remember that nothing is off-limits when it comes to women’s health. Dr. Raja views his role as your partner in enhancing overall health and wellness and is happy to discuss any concerns or questions you have.

How can I prepare for a well-woman exam?

If you are scheduled for a pelvic exam and Pap smear testing and are having your period, you might want to reschedule your appointment for another time. Menstrual bleeding can interfere with your Pap smear.

Otherwise, a great way to prepare for your annual well-woman exam is to create a list of questions or concerns. Having a written list helps ensure you get the details you need to make informed decisions about your care.

When you’re ready to schedule your women’s health appointment, feel free to call the office to check availability. Online scheduling is also an option, and allows you to book from home any time of day or night.