Women's Health

If you visit your doctor only when you feel sick or need birth control, you’re missing the most important benefit of women’s health care: preventing disease and maintaining optimal wellness. At the Harlandale Clinic in San Antonio, Texas, Melhem Dandan, MD, FACOG, FAAFP, who holds dual board certification in OB/GYN and family practice, and Eric Hettler, PA-C, MPAS, offer holistic medical care for women’s reproductive and overall health. To schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today!

Why do I need routine women’s health care?

Women’s health care focuses on preventing problems. Most chronic health conditions develop gradually over many years. While they’re in the early stages, you can prevent them from turning into a full-blown chronic disease.

Unfortunately, in the early stages, they seldom cause symptoms. The only way to learn about the problem is with routine women’s health care appointments. Regular check-ups allow your provider to detect early changes and recommend a plan to reverse the problem.

What are the top women’s health concerns?

The team at Harlandale Clinic provides comprehensive care for your reproductive and general health, including common problems such as:

Heart disease

Heart disease is the top cause of death in women, yet many live with heart problems without obvious signs. If you have a high risk for heart disease or you have symptoms such as chest pain, you can get an EKG at the Harlandale Clinic.

Breast cancer

You may not realize that breast cancer is the most common type of all cancers, affecting more people than prostate and lung cancer (the second- and third-most common, respectively).

Autoimmune diseases

Women account for more than 80% of all people with autoimmune diseases. A few examples include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, psoriasis, and thyroid disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS occurs when women have excessively high levels of androgens (male hormones). As a result, their ovaries can’t function, and women can develop insulin resistance and have a high risk of infertility, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

What women’s health services might I receive?

Your women’s health exam begins just like an ordinary physical exam. Then your Harlandale Clinic provider completes a breast and pelvic exam. 

In addition to your pelvic exam, you may receive one or more of the following:

• Pap smear
• Birth control
• STD testing and treatment
• Menopause management
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Dietary counseling
• Weight loss management
• Chronic disease management
• OB/GYN services
• Infertility assessment
• Immunizations

Your provider also evaluates your risk factors for developing chronic diseases and performs or recommends the health screenings you may need.

Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are routine. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may also need screenings for colon cancer, osteoporosis, or breast cancer.

To schedule a women’s health appointment, call Harlandale Clinic or request an appointment online today.