Women Veterans, you may be surprised to learn about all VA has to offer. If you haven’t checked out VA in a while, things have changed. We recognize each of you are unique and your health care needs are not “one-size-fits-all.” That’s why VA continues to expand its services, so we can provide you with the best care possible to better fit your needs.
All of your care coordination in one place
When it comes to your health and well-being, we have you covered. VA is a one-stop-shop where you can receive care coordination for all your health needs in one place. You have access to a full spectrum of gender-specific comprehensive health care at VA, and our Whole Health approach is all about focusing on what matters to you.
Your VA health care coordination includes primary and preventative care, reproductive health, fertility services, maternity care, mental health, and resources for your overall well-being, like exercise, sleep and nutrition.
We’re not your grandfather’s VA
We’re here to support you in all stages of your life through gender-specific care (including LGBTQ+ health), preventive care, and general primary care for acute and chronic illnesses. You can receive routine wellness exams as well as cervical cancer screening (Pap tests), breast cancer screening (mammograms), birth control and vaccines.
We understand not every woman’s journey is the same when it comes to pregnancy or family building. VA is a trusted partner in discussing sensitive reproductive health topics, such as fertility, birth control, menopause and more. And we’ve expanded and improved our maternity care to include coordination for 12 months postpartum and access to lactation support and breast/chestfeeding supplies.
We also understand women Veterans may face unique mental health challenges and we work to address them directly through evaluation, counseling and treatment.
Unexpected services that may surprise you
While those services may be in your usual rotation, these may come as a surprise:
- We’re not afraid to talk about sexual health. VA can address lack of interest or desire in sex, difficulty with arousal or orgasms, sexual pain and may provide prescription vaginal devices and medications to help.
- We have prosthetics and sensory aids services, from post-mastectomy implants and wigs to home improvement or alterations to accommodate disability needs.
- We can bring health care to you through virtual telehealth appointments in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can get prescriptions in the mail.
- We can make physical and cognitive rehabilitation fun! Our recreation and creative arts therapies, like art, dance, drama and music can connect your hobbies with your recovery.
- There’s plenty more to discover, including well-being services like treatment for sleep issues, healthy cooking classes, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture and other treatments.
Call or text 1-855-VA-WOMEN or visit VA’s women’s health website to learn more. If you haven’t been using VA’s health services, we invite you to give us a chance. And if there’s something on your mind, talk to your VA health care team about it. We can most likely help.
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Thank you, I filed a notice of intent to file. During filing my paperwork the person assisting me switched personalities, through the VAFT. I was afraid to say what needed to be reported, about more serious topics of Domestic violence and sexual misconduct. Some of the services listed above I wasn’t aware of, even going through this current process. Thank you for sharing the information and links.
The VA offers what each of the military branches have emphasized about health for years, particularly i the past generation. Everyone needs care for four pillars: mental, social, physical and spiritual. Your list does not mention anything related to spiritual care. VA Chaplains are trained in spiritual care and the delivery of holistic care.
The spiritual dimensions of military service include spiritual and mental distress, loss, isolation, substance use, belonging, betrayal, developing spiritual resources, protecting religious freedoms. VA staffs include women chaplains who are veterans and/or who have been working with veterans.
Thank you for making sure that women know about the care that VA chaplains provide through spiritual care.
Awesome, love it. Thank you!
Then why can’t a 66 yr old veteran that served for 25 yrs get a non generic hormone patch – I am soo allergic to the adhesive on the generic brand????
First of all, nothing worse then when you play phone tag to make an appointment, they call you, you call them back and they tell you they can’t make an appointment for you right now, and then you guessed it they never call you back, and your consult gets cancelled. The VA should think about hiring outside patient advocates, because let’s face it, patient advocates that get paid by VA, aren’t neutral and trying to improve the patient experience. You want to talk a good game, but my cancer care was non existent. Jumping through hoops and trying to get consults approved, also pathetic. Outside hospitals and providers have no clue how the Mission Act works. You sounds like an abusive partner, that keeps telling us, we have changed, please give us another chance, we come back and nothing has changed.
I quit the VA after how I got treated at the VA hospital in Philly. I was the wrong sex and color. I had a procedure done and was treated so bad that they should have taken me the UPenn Vet school. next door.
The waiting room may surprise you too. Just wait for the derogatory comments by the male veterans…. Whether they are directed right at you or at the staff working at the front desk, so many of the male veterans think they own the place and think they are entitled to act anyway they want and belittle anyone they want. It happens every time I go in, and NOTHING is done about it, EVER. Oh, but they have a “sister assister” program, so another female can be with you during your visit, instead of CORRECTING the behavior of the men who are completely out of line and trigger you for even walking in the VA in the first place. You know I am not wrong about this, and yet you refuse to correct them. Therefore, it will be hard to gain female patients until you do. I absolutely LOVE my doctors, nurses and front line staff at the VA, but male patients need to be corrected!!!
Nothing in the article mentions that this care is only available for “ELIGIBLE” veterans. My wife and I both served before 9/11. She is not eligible for VA health care because of our income and not having any service-connected disabilities.
My sister served and does not any disabilities and does not have a problem with getting care. I would contact your USREP for help.