Our family medicine providers in Coeur d’Alene specialize in women’s health primary care. We take a holistic approach to your health, supporting your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From the moment you walk through the doors of our spacious office, you’ll receive the same level of care and attention that you’d expect from your own family. If you’re ready to feel better today, we’re here to help.
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Ironwood Family Practice provides personalized healthcare to patients of all ages. Our approach involves educating and empowering our patients to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.
Family Medicine Services for Women in Coeur d’Alene
We’re dedicated to helping all women of all ages in North Idaho stay healthy and strong. With a commitment to patient education, our women’s health care providers take the time to understand your unique health needs and create a wellness plan that addresses them.
Our gynecologic and women’s health services include:
Routine pap and breast exams
When you get yearly pap tests and breast exams, you receive peace of mind. These important screenings help women spot the signs of breast and cervical early, when they’re most treatable.
During an annual breast exam, our providers will check for redness, swelling, tenderness and any lumps in your breasts and armpits that could be signs of trouble. We’ll also teach you best practices for how to conduct a self-exam. We follow American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines that recommend women receive an annual breast exam at age 25. We can also refer you for a mammogram, an X-ray image of your breasts, which women should have every 1-2 years after age 40.
During an annual pap test, your provider will take a small tissue sample from the wall of your cervix. That sample will be evaluated in a lab for signs of cervical cancer or human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer. You will receive your results within a few weeks. Women should have their first pap test at age 21, according to the ACS. Your provider will advise you on how often to repeat the test based on your individual risk factors.
Family planning services
If you’re getting ready to start a family, congratulations! Our women’s health services providers in CDA will support you at every step. We can provide tips on how to improve your health and fertility so you have the best chance for a healthy pregnancy. We’ll also help you create a pregnancy plan that includes guidance on the proper timing between pregnancies to help avoid complications like preterm or low-weight births.
Menopause care
Every woman experiences menopause differently. We’ll prepare you and support you through the three phases of menopause, which include perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Our expert team will explain what to expect at each stage and provide options to help you deal with unwelcome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, depression, vaginal dryness, anxiety, extra weight, and trouble sleeping.
Bone density (osteoporosis and osteopenia)
About half of all women over age 50 will experience some form of bone loss as they age. This includes conditions like osteopenia (a mild form of bone loss) and osteoporosis (a more severe form linked to a high risk of fractures, including hip fractures). These bone health conditions are silent diseases, meaning they have no symptoms. Our team at Ironwood Family Practice can help women identify early signs of bone loss, refer you for a DEXA scan (a low-dose X-ray) to evaluate your bone density, and recommend treatments that can slow bone loss and even promote bone regrowth.
Colon cancer screenings
Colon and rectal cancers are the No. 2 leading cause of cancer death among women under 50. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends most women get their first colonoscopy at age 45. A colonoscopy helps doctors see early signs of colorectal cancer, such as polyps, and treat them in the same procedure. Our team at Ironwood Family Practice will discuss your risk factors and let you know when you should start screening. We can write an order for your colonoscopy and let you know what to expect. Plus, we can discuss other screening options, including stool-based tests like Cologuard or virtual colonoscopies.
Birth control options
A women’s health family medicine provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of different contraceptives to help you make the most informed choice. A women’s health primary care provider can offer you many options, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), small, T-shaped devices that are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. We perform IUD insertions and removals in our office, providing a safe, clean environment.
Routine physicals
Well-women check-ups are an important part of staying healthy throughout your life. During routine and annual physicals, we’ll review your medical history, take your vital signs, and perform a physical exam from head-to-toe. We will also order lab tests so you know key numbers about your thyroid function and your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Plus, we’ll ask about any changes in your health status and give you helpful lifestyle tips to enhance your mind and body.
Pregnancy testing
Why see a Family Medicine Provider for pregnancy testing? In-office blood and urine testing is often more accurate than home testing. At Ironwood Family Practice, you can receive pregnancy testing and counseling in a safe, private space. Our providers can also provide you with information about early prenatal care, such as the importance of taking vitamins like folic acid to improve medical health.
Pregnancy support
Moms-to-be can rely on our team for guidance during their prenatal journey. We can work with your OB/GYN to manage any pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, we can schedule postpartum visits and give you advice to help improve the health of both mom and baby.
Why choose Ironwood Family Practice for Women’s Health Care?
At Ironwood Family Practice in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll feel empowered to take charge of your health. We provide high-quality, personalized women’s health primary care. Here, women will benefit from:
Expertise in women’s health care.
Our team includes providers with special qualifications and education in obstetrics, women’s health, and weight management. We advocate for women, helping prevent, diagnose, and treat health problems at all stages of life. Our providers also aid women in managing chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
We embrace a team-based care model, giving you access to both a physician and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) who put you first. This model allows you to get an appointment quicker and improves both quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Easy access to your most important women’s health information.
You can use our MyChart patient portal to view lab test results, send secure messages to our providers, and refill prescriptions conveniently.
As women’s health family medicine providers, we can provide expert care for everyone in your family. We’ll get to know your family members and walk alongside you throughout your healthcare journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a well-woman exam and how often should I have one?
A well-woman exam is a comprehensive checkup that addresses your unique health needs. Most women should have a wellness exam annually, although younger women may need them less often. At Ironwood Family Practice, our women’s health family medicine experts will offer expert guidance on how often you should see your doctor. We’ll listen to your concerns and give you practical advice you can use to enhance your wellness at every stage of your life.
What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?
Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. It’s confirmed after women go 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Symptoms include hot flashes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, decreased libido, and weight gain due to slowed metabolism. Women in the Coeur d’Alene area should see a woman’s health doctor if they experience any of these symptoms. The team at Ironwood Family Practice will explain the stages of menopause and give you lifestyle tips and potential treatments that can relieve your symptoms and help you manage this transition smoothly.