6 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Body

The female body is intricate and confusing. It makes being a woman even more difficult. Not only are we treated like second class citizens, but we also must deal with our “plumbing” bleeding every 28 days AND it’s hidden from our view.

Some of the hardest parts of being a woman are learning how to treat our bodies. We simply don’t have it as simple as men. Women are more likely to get bladder infections, UTIs, and, let’s face it—birth control is mostly on us for now.

This becomes a huge problem since we must see doctors more, yet we make less money and are still paying more for healthcare. According to the CMS, female spending on healthcare in 2010 was higher for primary health care in every age group.

Therefore, it may be even more vital for women to have adequate health insurance. By checking out Health Quote Gurus we can find the best plan that works for us and our needs. But, let’s be honest, it’s still not that simple. There is still a ton of stuff we need to be paying attention to.

Check out these six things every female should know about her body:

When To See The Gynecologist

According to the Mayo Clinic, starting at 21, every woman should start getting Pap smears. Then, most doctors suggest getting another Pap test every three years to prevent cervical cancer. The CDC reports that cervical cancer has significantly decreased in the last 40 years because of Pap tests. Generally, cervical cancer is treatable if found early.

It’s important to note, however, that Pap tests aren’t the only reason we should make an appointment with our gynecologist. We should also go to the gynecologist if we have questions about birth control (and to get birth control), have an uncomfortable itch or burning “down there,” experience any irregular bleeding or a change in our vaginal discharge, if we expect we’re pregnant, or if there is any change in our breasts.

Stretch Marks Are Normal And OK

After puberty, it can be difficult to accept our changing bodies. It’s hard enough that the boys start treating us differently, but now we have these lines on our bodies that resemble scars. And our pubescent minds think this makes us less attractive. However, most people have them, so what’s the big deal?

According to the Mayo Clinic, stretch marks can occur anytime a person rapidly grows (like during puberty). Therefore, stretch marks are extremely common and just the perceived downside of being healthy and getting taller.

There Are Birth Control Options

Before a woman becomes sexually active, it’s important that she knows all her birth control options and how to effectively use them. We should be as informed as possible on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs. According to the CDC, most unwanted pregnancies were due to a lack of contraceptive use or improper use of contraception. Being prepared for the method we will use (and learning to use it correctly) when we become sexually active (either for the first time or with a new partner) significantly reduces our chances of getting pregnant or an STD.

How To Do A Monthly Breast Exam

It’s important to talk to our gynecologist about the best recommendation for individual breast exams. For example, if we have a family history of breast cancer, our doctor will most likely suggest starting to get mammograms way before the recommended age. Generally, most doctors recommend the average woman with no risk factors should still do a monthly breast exam. We should ask our doctors to show us exactly how to perform our monthly breast exam. According to John Hopkins Medicine, 40 percent of breast cancer cases were initially found by a woman who found a lump during her self-exam.

That She Needs More Sleep Than Men

The National Sleep Foundation reported on Dr. Jim Horne’s (an expert in sleep science) research that concluded that women need, on average, 20 extra minutes of sleep compared to men. He explains that this is because us gals tend to multi-task throughout our day, which means we use more of our brain than men. According to Dr. Horne, the more we use our brain, the more sleep we need to let the brain recoup.

That Her Body Is Her Own

In a world that treats females like they’re “second best.” Where nearly everyone will imply or say what she should and shouldn’t be allowed to do. And where she ends up oppressed by her society and its laws. It’s important that we have agency over our own lives and bodies. As women, it’s important that we know that our bodies belong to us and we should get to decide what happens to them. Not our partners, not our children, not anyone.