Regional One Health’s Certified Nurse Midwives see women of all ages for personalized well-woman care, prenatal and childbirth care, and so much more.
Certified Nurse Midwife Amanda Williams wants patients to know they have options for empowering care that addresses their needs and goals.
She recently took time to answer common questions, from how often you need to see your gynecology provider to whether you need to cancel if you have your period.
Regional One Health recognizes different people want different models of care. Our midwifery team is a huge part of that!
For women seeking personalized, empowering care, Certified Nurse Midwives are an excellent option at all stages of life. Our nurse midwives see patients from the time they start their period through family planning and into menopause.
Certified Nurse Midwife Amanda Williams, DNP, CNM, FACNM, PMH-C held a “Lunch & Learn” to address the biggest questions she hears – and explain how a nurse midwife can help.
“Everyone assumes midwife means we just catch babies, but we’re advanced nurse practitioners who can provide a full spectrum of care,” Williams said. “We encourage women to be their own advocates and to recognize that they deserve great health care!”
Here’s what she wants patients to know:
Do I need a gynecologic exam every year?
It’s true that average-risk patients don’t need a Pap test every year. Patients between age 21 and 29 should have the exam every three years, and patients between age 30 and 65 should have a Pap test or HPV test every five years.
However, there are other reasons you should see your gynecology provider annually.
Certified Nurse Midwife Amanda Williams said midwifery covers the full spectrum of care for patients of all ages. “We encourage women to be their own advocates and to recognize that they deserve great health care!”
“We can do breast and pelvic exams. We can talk about your period and contraception and your sex life. We can check things like your blood pressure, bone density, blood sugar, thyroid function, and vitamin D levels,” Williams said.
“We can also help with emotional health and social needs. We screen for domestic violence, and we’re a mental health touchstone – we can be your first resource. Medication, counseling, and resources can help, and we can connect you with all of these.”
Should I reschedule if I have my period?
Williams said she can still do many of your tests, including a Pap test, if you have your period. For some procedures, like placing an IUD, it’s actually a good time to go because your cervix is softer during your period.
If you’re uncomfortable with a gynecologic exam during your period, you can still call to check in: “We can have a conversation about any concerns you’re having,” Williams said.
Do I really need the HPV vaccine?
Yes! Williams stressed the vaccine is extremely safe and effective for preventing cervical cancer and related cancers. It is recommended for boys and girls between ages 11 and 12, but can be started as early as age 9 and given up to age 45.
Williams said some parents feel their child is too young for a vaccine that protects against a sexually-transmitted virus. However, she explained, “It’s given at this age because their immune system is super-charged. The response of the immune system when we introduce that vaccine at an early age allows us to get the full benefit.”
Is it unhealthy to stop my period with birth control?
You should see your gynecology provider annually, even if you aren’t due for a Pap test. They can check your blood pressure, address concerns about your period, counsel you on birth control, and be a checkpoint for mental health issues.
Some patients find it reassuring to have a regular period, and that’s perfectly fine. If you don’t, that’s completely normal as well.
“You don’t have to have a period to be healthy!” Williams said.
Birth control can regulate your cycle or stop your period altogether. Williams noted birth control does have side effects, so you should discuss the risks vs. benefits with your provider.
There are lots of options, including hormonal birth control like pills, shots, and patches; and non-hormonal options like IUDs, diaphragms and condoms.
Can my provider help me with sexual concerns?
Your provider can screen for anxiety or depression, thyroid disorders, medication side effects, hormonal changes, and more, all of which can impact your sex life.
“Remember, there is no ‘normal’ amount of sex – everyone is different, and if you’re happy with your sex life, it isn’t a problem,” Williams said. “But if you’re troubled by something, it’s worth a deeper discussion about what you can do.”
Is there anything I can do about menopause symptoms?
“During menopause, there’s this myth that you just have to suffer for a decade and then you’re free,” Williams said. “That isn’t true – you don’t just have to live with it!”
Menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on your life and should be taken seriously. They include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, brain fog, fatigue, headache, memory problems, joint pain, itchy skin, weight gain, sexual problems, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and irregular or heavy periods.
“As women, we hear, ‘It’s all in your head,’ ‘You’re just stressed,’ or, ‘That’s a normal part of being a woman,’” Williams said. “There are ways your provider can help. We want to help you learn to love your body. Love yourself like you love your best friend!”
For some patients, hormone replacement therapy is a safe, effective option. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise also help, as can products for symptom relief. Williams said your provider can help you identify the best option for your needs.
Contact a nurse midwife!
Williams encourages patients to find a provider who will listen to their concerns and empower them to play an active role in their health.
“As women, we hear, ‘It’s all in your head,’ ‘You’re just stressed,’ or, ‘That’s a normal part of being a woman,’” she said. “There are ways your provider can help. We want to help you learn to love your body. Love yourself like you love your best friend!”
Our nurse midwives see patients for women’s wellness and prenatal care at our East Campus, Hollywood Primary Care, and the Outpatient Center, and Regional One Health is the only hospital in Memphis where patients can give birth with the support of a nurse midwife.