Skip to main content

Women's Health Specialist

Michele L Martinez, MD

Family Medicine & Geriatric Care located in Riverside, CA

If you're looking for a women's health provider, you've come to the right place. Women's health services through Dr. Michele Martinez and People's Care Health Systems offers routine health checkups and treatment for special conditions, providing quality care for girls and women of all ages. For women’s health services, visit Dr. Michele Martinez in Riverside, California. Don’t hesitate to call People’s Care Health Systems or use the booking tool here on the website to schedule an appointment.

Women's Health Q & A

What should I expect at my well-woman exam?

A well-woman examination is an exam offered to women to review elements of their reproductive health. Women are generally suggested they schedule an exam once per year. You can expect a few things during a well-woman exam:

  • A pelvic examination
  • A Pap smear
  • A breast exam
  • Weight check
  • Blood pressure check
  • Urine check

Preventative care is a surefire way to ensure you are healthy, and reproductive health is no different. During your first visit with Dr. Martinez, she will likely conduct each of the aforementioned evaluations. She may also suggest any number of immunizations, or order various lab tests depending on your age.

Why do I need a Pap smear?

Dr. Martinez will perform a Pap test in order to screen for cervical cancer. Usually given in conjunction with a pelvic exam, most women begin receiving Pap smears after they first become sexually active (others will choose to receive them upon their first menstruation).

How often should I receive a Pap test?

How often you get a Pap is personal to your wants and needs, and also health-dependant, left up to your doctor. Most women can follow these guidelines:

  • If you are between the ages 21 and 29, you should get a Pap test every 3 years.
  • If you are between the ages 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer) test together every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
  • If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.


Some women may require more frequent Pap tests than this timeline suggests. There are a few reasons you might speak to Dr. Martinez about getting frequent Pap tests. They are:

  • If you have a weakened immune system.
  • Your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant.
  • You have had treatment for abnormal Pap results or cervical cancer in the past.
  • You are HIV-positive.

What health concerns affect women as they age?

The number one change that occurs in women as they age is menopause, or the time that marks your menstrual cycle ending. Menopause is clinically described as beginning after a woman has gone without a period for 12 months. Generally beginning in the 40s and 50s, the average age that women begin menopause is 51.

Symptoms of menopause, which women begin to experience during perimenopause include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Loss of breast fullness

What is postmenopausal osteoporosis?

The most common form of osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, affects many women after menopause, leaving some at a high risk of fracture. Bone loss generally occurs in the 5-7 years post-menopause. For women in this time of their life, it is possible for them to lose up to 20% of their bone mass.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis goes unseen and unfelt, for the most part. That is, until a fracture occurs. For this reason, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to avoid bone loss during this critical time.

Who should see Dr. Martinez for their female health?

Consider your age and possible reproductive goals when considering visiting Dr. Martinez for female services. She can administer birth control and various forms of contraception, as well as safe sex tips and advice. She can also help plan for pregnancy, prenatal care, consideration of infertility treatment, and dealing with menopause.

Additional reasons to visit People’s Care is if you experience changes in your reproductive cycle. While most changes are viewed as either normal, planned, or even expected, it’s important to ensure you are healthy. Potential changes to be aware of include:

  • Your first menstrual cycle
  • Pregnancy
  • Perimenopause
  • Menopause

Dr. Martinez is committed to ensuring that her female patients’ biological functions, including menstruation, family planning, childbirth, and menopause, are provided for at the highest level. Schedule an appointment by calling People’s Care Health Systems, or use the online scheduling portal.