Taking control of one’s health is a year-round necessity, but in May, special attention is focused on general health and wellness for women. This year, Covid 19 concerns also continue to be at the forefront of this effort.
Even as roles have changed, women continue to be primary caregivers in many homes, so making their health a priority is crucial. May is a great time to schedule an annual wellness visit with your family doctor, take care of health screenings you may need, and check for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Annual pap tests and mammograms are the best way for women to catch treatable conditions early.
If you also are considering a Covid 19 vaccination, you may be concerned about how women specifically could be impacted. There is a lot of information circulating as the vaccination effort continues, so talking to your doctor about concerns is a must.
What women should know about the Covid vaccine
- The link to blood clots – Both in the US and overseas, reports indicating that women may be vulnerable to developing blood clots after a Covid vaccine continue to be rare, with uncertainty as to whether there is a link between the two. In the US, federal agencies are monitoring administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is again available, as well as reports of any other side effects from any Covid vaccinations. You should discuss concerns about your own health and risk factors with your doctor, and anyone experiencing severe headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain after receiving a vaccination should seek medical attention.
- Changes to your mammogram – The Covid vaccine may cause enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, typically only on the side where you receive the shot. Enlarged lymph nodes is a normal reaction to a vaccine, but this symptom also can indicate breast cancer, and since they will look like white blobs on your mammogram, this could cause some confusion and concerns. To avoid any confusion, schedule a routine mammogram before your first shot or at least one month after your second shot, since this vaccine reaction typically lasts only a few weeks. If you have had a shot and are keeping a scheduled mammogram for treatment of breast cancer or to check a suspicious lump, alert your doctor and radiologist.
- For fertility patients – If you are scheduled for egg retrieval, embryo transfer, or intrauterine insemination, avoid receiving a Covid vaccination less than three days before or after the procedure so that any vaccine side effects are not misconstrued as a post-surgical infection.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant – There is no evidence that the Covid vaccine in any way impacts a women’s fertility, pregnancy, or an unborn child. Women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth and are nursing their babies should not be afraid to receive a Covid vaccine.
If you have questions about the Covid vaccine, side effects, or any health risks that you or a family member may have concerning Covid 19 or the available vaccines, contact our office and speak to one of our professionals. At Stark Women’s Center, your overall health and wellness is always our priority.