Innovations in healthcare for women have made specialized treatment or prophylaxis for family planning or contraception and for vaccinations available to patients.
Eighty percent of women will have had HPV by the time they are 50 years old. The body’s defenses may or may not be enough to clear the virus. Because the virus often has no signs or symptoms, many people do not even know that they have the virus.
The HPV vaccine is provided for patients between the ages of 9 and 26 years. Anyone 17 years or younger should consult their pediatrician; however, all over 18 years should be seen by a gynecologist. The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent the infection of six of the human papilloma viruses that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine must be given in a series of three shots on a set schedule. Educational material is available as provided by the Merck company.
This vaccine is available through many insurance companies although some insurance policies do not recognize vaccination programs over 6 years old for women. HPV is a valuable tool for women who are thinking ahead for the maintenance of health in their lives.
Another major innovation is the Mirena intrauterine device. The Mirena is also covered by many insurance companies. It is an IUD insert, which provides very positive results for contraceptive management for a period of five years with time release birth control medications.
Implanon is another new program designed for contraception for those who do not wish longer term family planning. It is a subdermal implant that releases birth control medications for a period of three years. Implanon is covered by some insurance policies.
In order to check whether or not a patient’s policy covers any of the new innovations, the patient should call the customer service number on the back of their insurance card and ask the representative for information about coverage of these new programs.
Mississippi Coast OB/GYN's friendly staff will answer any questions regarding the HPV vaccines, Mirena IUD, and the Implanon insert.
