ETSU’s obstetrics and gynecology department is sending the message that women’s health is an issue not to be ignored.
Department Chair Dr. Martin Olsen wants to raise awareness and educate women about abnormal pap smears, safe sex, unexpected pregnancies, eating disorders and sexual abuse. “I definitely think an outreach program regarding women’s health would benefit ETSU’s female students,” Olsen said.
Education on women’s health encompasses a wide range of topics and students may be uncertain about how to obtain such information. “Education about safe sex, STD prevention and pregnancies is offered to patients, but the information is available to any student who wants or needs it,” he said.
Preventive maintenance for women in their 20s should include an annual pap smear and breast exam, Olsen said. “If the patient doesn’t have an OB/GYN, that’s fine. Her family physician can perform the exam,” he said.
Abnormal pap smears are not as uncommon as you might think, he said. An abnormal exam could be something simple, or it could be a sign of something more serious, Olsen said. “Women should have personal discussions with their physicians if they receive an abnormal pap smear result. It’s important to maintain female health,” Olsen said.
Smokers have an increased risk of having an abnormal pap smear, Olsen said. One of the leading causes of abnormal pap smears is the human papillomavirus or HPV, he said. “There are many different types of HPV and only testing through a physician can determine which type you have,” Olsen said.
Some types of high-risk HPV cause cell changes in the cervix and other types of HPV cause genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease, Quest Diagnostics’ web site says.
“In fact, 70 percent of people may have HPV and not realize it,” Olsen said.
Teen pregnancies are also a concern among health officials. ETSU’s OB/GYN department has coordinated with Mountain States Health Alliance to create a program for teen mothers and fathers. Young Moms and Dads was established 14 years ago to serve those who are 20 years old and under, said Pam King, prenatal education coordinator.
The program is free to anyone who wants to enroll and participants do not have to live in Washington County to be a part of the program.
The program also offers a store in which moms and dads can shop using points they have earned during the course of the 24 weeks of meetings. “We have a topic of the day, guest speakers and a peer mentoring program called ‘Reality,’ ” King said. “Some of our past participants are now professionals in our community. The young women and men need those role models.”
The greatest problem facing young mothers is procrastination in seeking medical care, Olsen said. “Denial is prevalent in young pregnant women,” he said. “The best prenatal care is administered when the patient notifies her physician early in the pregnancy, when she first realizes she’s pregnant.”
All women of child-bearing age, especially those who are sexually active, should be taking a daily vitamin containing folic acid, Olsen said. “Folic acid helps prevent birth defects,” he said.
A major concern in women’s health is the growing problem of eating disorders, Olsen said. “Eating disorders are difficult – anorexia and bulimia,” he said. “Patients don’t always tell the truth. Women should encourage their friends to see a doctor if they suspect that they may have an eating disorder.”
Attention needs to be brought to the awareness of another serious problem facing women – sexual abuse, Olsen said. “If I could choose one topic to educate women about it would be sex abuse prevention,” he said.
“About 20 percent of females are abused and 10 percent of males,” he said. “Sex abusers can be other children or a family member.”
The FBI tracks sex abusers under the age of 10, Olsen said. He has been a member of the Children’s Advocacy Center for three years and has witnessed some terrible abuse situations. “Sex abuse is an ugly disease and people need to talk about it,” he said.
The OB/GYN department is located at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine on the VA campus.
For more information about the topics covered or any other questions regarding women’s health, please call 439-8097 or go by the office. For more information on Young Moms and Dads, call Pam King at 431-6183.

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