We take pride in the care we provide — helping women in our communities build happy, healthy lives.
A woman’s health care needs change throughout her lifetime. Clinicians at ECU Health – physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants – have specialized training in women’s health at all ages and stages of life – from adolescence and puberty to adulthood, motherhood, menopause and beyond. We work with you to optimize your best life and health with preventive care and screenings such as general health screenings and counseling, infectious disease testing and cancer screenings. Specialized age-specific screenings – including pap smears and pelvic exams, mammograms and self-breast exams and colonoscopies – will help you attain and maintain optimal health.
Care that is Unique to You
Our range of services is designed with you in mind. It’s not always easy to take steps for better health, and every woman has her own approach. The key is to find what works for you. A great way to do that is to reflect on your health goals, what motivates you and what’s holding you back from being your healthiest you. Let us help you with our services for women.
Breast Health
It’s never too early to think about how to have healthy breasts for life — and never too late to make changes for the better. No matter your age, you can lower your risk of breast cancer if you limit alcohol, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Regular, moderate exercise and a habit of eating fruits and veggies also help.
Learn what’s normal and what’s not for you and your body. Do monthly self-breast exams, regular clinical exams and, at the appropriate age, screening mammograms.
If you or someone you know has received a breast cancer diagnosis, rest assured that ECU Health offers a high quality of care and caring with skilled clinicians and advanced technologies to pursue the best-possible outcome.
Urogynecology
Urogynecologists focus on clinical issues associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor and bladder. Pelvic floor dysfunction includes a range of issues triggered by weakness, tightness or other discoordination of muscles and supportive elements that make up the pelvic floor. Health concerns include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, issues with bowel movements and pelvic pain.
Gynecologic Oncology
Our specialists in gynecologic oncology have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, including the ovary, uterus, vagina, cervix and vulva. ECU Health experts can help you learn about pre-cancerous changes, screenings, vaccines and care options that will protect and restore your health. For all cancers and many other diseases and disorders, prevention, screenings and early detection are key to better outcomes.
Learn more about important screenings here.
Family Planning
Starting or growing your family can be an exciting and challenging time filled with personal decisions based on your unique health and lifestyle choices. Preconception care and preparation are essential to good health during pregnancy. Our providers are committed to offering comprehensive, safe and personal family planning care for women. With access to a full range of options, our providers assist you in making the best choices for you and your family. We offer services at our community offices, and some options may be available during your stay at our hospitals.
Access important information on birth control effectiveness below.
Preconception Health
Preparing for a healthy pregnancy starts before conception. To optimize your health and pregnancy journey, a pre-pregnancy exam with your doctor or midwife can help identify and reduce risks for you and your baby and may include:
- Review of family medical history for you and your partner
- Review of your personal medical history and current medications
- Assessment for any possible genetic disorders
- Assessment of current vaccines
- Screening for infections
Heart & Vascular Care
More than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease, causing one in three deaths among women every year – more than all cancers combined. The good news is 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. That’s where ECU Health’s expertise comes in, with more specialists and locations across eastern North Carolina and access close to home.
Heart disease affects every woman differently, and warning signs for women are different than for men. Expert care at ECU Health can help you manage a chronic disease, such as high blood pressure, or provide life-saving treatment in an emergency and rehabilitation to get you back to life. Learn more about ECU Health Heart & Vascular Care here.