(5/9/2014)  Women’s health and related issues was the topic for the May meeting of the Mall Walkers Club at Myrtle Beach Mall last week. The guest speaker for the meeting held Tuesday, May 6, was Dr. Merritt King of McLeod OB/GYN Seacoast.

Dr. King explained that an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB/GYN, is a doctor who specializes in the care of women. He stressed the importance of women partnering with an OB/GYN for preventive health care. They can help to make informed choices that prevent health problems and take preventive steps such as exams, routine tests and immunizations to detect problems early.

According to Dr. King, women should see an OB/GYN yearly for a pap smear or pelvic examination and whenever you experience abnormal signs and symptoms or other women’s health issues. These could include:

Pelvic pain or menstrual cramps severe enough to disrupt your daily routine.                                                                                                       

Abnormal bleeding that causes you to change sanitary napkins, tampons, or other menstrual products more than once every two to three hours.              

Bleeding between periods.                                                                                                                                                                              

Any unusual discharge, pain, swelling, or itching of the vagina or lower abdomen.                                                                                   

Endometriosis                                                                                                                                                                                            

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease                                                                                                                                                               

Reproductive disorders                                                                                                                                                             

Pregnancy                                                                                                                                                                               

Menopause                                                                                                                                                                                            

Changes in your breasts

For more information about McLeod OB/GYN Seacoast or outreach events at McLeod Loris Seacoast, please call (843) 390-8326.