Women's Health Services at Jefferson
Women have unique healthcare needs that extend beyond pregnancy and childbirth – her needs as an individual and the health needs of her family. Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals strive to provide expert care to accommodate the special needs of women through:
Breast Health
- The Jefferson Breast Care Center is dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for women in maintaining their breast health. From leading-edge diagnostics to top oncologists, surgeons and plastic surgeons, our commitment is to help women like you make the best healthcare choices for your unique needs.
- The Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancer (NAPBC). Administered by the American College of Surgeons, the NAPBC recognizes centers that achieve the highest standards for breast cancer treatment in the areas of leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement.
Learn More About the Breast Care Center
Cardiovascular Health
- When you or a woman you care about needs expert diagnosis and treatment, turn to the women's heart and vascular health experts of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia.
- One in four women in the United States dies of heart disease.
- Twenty-three percent of women will die within one year after having a heart attack.
- Within six years of having a heart attack, about 46 percent of women become disabled with heart failure. Two-thirds of women who have a heart attack fail to make a full recovery.
- Once a woman reaches midlife, her risk of heart disease and heart attack jump dramatically: One in eight women between the ages of 45 and 64 has some form of heart disease, and this increases to one in four women over 65.
Learn More About Women and Heart Health
Urology
- Women tend to have more problems with the urinary tract than men because:
- The uterus puts pressure on the bladder during pregnancy, which can lead to problems later on
- Women have a shorter urethra, which makes infection more
likely
- A drop in hormones during menopause affects the muscles that keep the bladder in place
- There are several types of incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence and overflow incontinence. They occur in women twice as often than in men.
- Millions of women experience recurring urinary tract infections.
- Childbirth, heavy lifting or straining and hormonal changes in menopause that weaken the muscles around the bladder and vagina all contribute to cystocele (also known as prolapsed or fallen bladder).
Learn More About Women and Urology
Mental Health
- Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. Jefferson's Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior focuses special attention on the consultation and treatment of the most common psychiatric problems of anxiety and depression.
Learn More About the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
Obstetrics and Gynecology
- For many women, your gynecologist functions as a primary care provider until you choose to become pregnant. Jefferson provides a multidisciplinary team of gynecologists, nurse practitioners and others to ensure you receive the essential screenings to maintain good health, and will recommend treatment solutions that meet your needs should any problems arise.
- If you are considering having a child, having difficulty conceiving or need assistance after the birth of your child, our caring and compassionate staff can provide the latest developments for the treatment of infertility, providing state-of-the art care for premature or critically ill infants as well as helping you manage a healthy and happy pregnancy and delivery. Our certified lactation consultants, nurses, physicians and obstetricians will be there for you after your delivery as you move into this new phase of your life.
- Jefferson is the only hospital in the region to offer Cool Cap therapy for newborns that have been deprived of oxygen. This therapy reduces brain activity, allowing time for recovery to reduce permanent brain damage.
Learn More About the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Epilepsy
- Jefferson established a Women's Health and Epilepsy Program that offers expertise in areas of special concern to women. The Program focuses on the association of seizures and menses, sexual function and fertility in epilepsy, and offers care to promote the health and well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy.
Learn More About the Women's Health and Epilepsy Program
Sleep
- Since women tend to experience sleep problems more often than men, Jefferson established the Women's Program at the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center. We're committed to working closely with you and our team of specialists to thoroughly understand your circumstances – and recommend an optimal course of treatment.
Learn More About the Women's Sleep Program at the Sleep Disorders Center
Bone Health
- Women experience osteoporosis at a disproportionate rate to men. Jefferson's Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program offers prevention, diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis and related conditions.
Learn More About the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program
Integrative Medicine
- Many women consider alternative treatments to conditions such as menopause, perimenopause, pain management, work-life balance and stress reduction, among others. The Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine can offer more holistic approaches to treat your symptoms and condition.
Learn More About the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine