Discomfort discussing reproductive health can leave women managing symptoms alone, even when those symptoms affect daily life. Speaking with World Journal, Dr. June Ng, an obstetrician–gynecologist (OB/GYN) at Maimonides Medical Center, explains how cultural taboos, language barriers, and concerns about judgment can keep women in Chinese communities from seeking care. Some may feel embarrassed to discuss symptoms, struggle to communicate their concerns, or stay silent because they worry about troubling others.
“Women deserve full and adequate medical care,” says Dr. Ng, who encourages women to discuss unfamiliar symptoms with a medical professional rather than putting their health needs aside or coping alone.
To start these conversations, Dr. Ng proactively asks patients about changes they may not recognize as menopause related. Beyond hot flashes and irregular periods, symptoms can include vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, sleep difficulties, and mood changes.
Dr. Ng also emphasizes that postpartum depression is a medical condition, not a personal failing, and that seeking professional support early matters.
Regular gynecologic visits offer another opportunity to raise concerns and discuss cervical cancer screening, contraception, family planning, and HPV vaccination. These conversations help patients understand their options and take an active role in their health.
At Maimonides, our gynecologists and women’s health specialists provide routine checkups, cervical cancer screening, birth control counseling, and treatment for menopause-related symptoms, with care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Learn more about women’s health services at Maimonides and read more in Chinese from the World Journal.
About Maimonides Health
Maimonides Health is Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system, providing more than 1 million patient visits each year through the system’s three hospitals, 1,800+ physicians, and more than 80 community-based practices and outpatient centers. Our system is anchored by Maimonides Medical Center, one of the nation’s largest independent teaching hospitals and home to centers of excellence in numerous specialties; Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital (formerly New York Community Hospital), a 130-bed adult medical–surgical hospital; and Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn’s only children’s hospital and only pediatric trauma center.
Maimonides’ clinical programs rank among the best in the country for patient outcomes, including our Heart and Vascular Institute, Neurosciences Institute, Bone and Joint Center, and Cancer Center. For additional information, please visit www.maimo.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.