Women's Health: An Overview
As a woman, one of the most effective ways for you to maintain your health is by getting regular checkups with both a primary care provider and a gynecologist. Establishing an honest and open relationship with your care providers is key. If you feel embarrassed or anxious about discussing your health concerns, just remember that they’ve heard and seen it all before.
Emotional health and wellness are important for everyone in the MIT community; women have specific health issues to take into account, including hormonal influences and phase-of-life issues. For example, depression and anxiety, conditions more common in women, may be affected by menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Research shows that women are good at developing social networks and tend to feel more comfortable asking for support. Knowing when to make use of friends for emotional support and knowing when to turn to professional resources, like those available at MIT Medical, are strengths that can help women maintain emotional health and resolve issues before they become crises.
How We Support You
In addition to our primary care and obstetrics and gynecology services, MIT Medical offers a variety of programs and resources that address women’s health, including:
Wellness and fitness classes: The Center for Health Promotion & Wellness sponsors wellness and fitness classes specifically for women, including Belly Dancing, Work in Fitness for Women, and Childbirth Preparation.
Group counseling: MIT Medical’s Mental Health Service offers a number of groups, including the Women Graduate Students Group, Making Peace with Food Group, and the Sexual Identity Support Group.
Mental Health Service: MIT Medical’s Mental Health Service provides evaluations, brief treatment, referrals, urgent care, and consultations to members of the MIT community. A professional and compassionate staff of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and clinical social workers is available to help you. All visits and conversations are confidential. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 617-253-2916, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information and Education
The MIT Medical web site provides information on a range of women’s health issues, including:
- Sexual Health: Online health topic pages include Sexual Health & Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sex and Sexuality, Contraceptives, and HIV & AIDS.
- Emotional Well-being: Check out our health topic pages on stress, anxiety, depression, body image and eating concerns, healthy relationships, mindfulness and stress reduction, addictions and compulsions, and Alcohol & other drugs.
- Fitness and Nutrition: Online topic pages include exercise and fitness, Nutrition & mindful eating, sleep, and smoking.
- Violence and Abuse: Please read our health topic page on sexual violence. If you or a friend are in an emergency situation, call 911.
Additional Resources
Multimedia library: MIT Medical’s Center for Health Promotion & Wellness has free pamphlets on issues such as menstrual cycles, breast health, urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), exams and vaccinations, pregnancy, and menopause. Books, videos, and DVDs are also available for free loan. Stop by the Center’s multimedia library (E23-205) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Women’s and Gender Studies: If you are a student at MIT, consider taking a Women’s and Gender Studies class. For a complete listing of courses, refer to the MIT Course Catalogue.
For more information about women’s health, visit the following web sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
National
Institute of Mental Health
National Women’s Health Information
Center
Our Bodies Ourselves
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