Gynecology & Wellness Exams
Whatever her age, a regular gynecology exam or wellness exam is part of a woman’s life. We understand it’s a sometimes delicate and personal experience, and treat everyone with empathy and understanding. To us, each patient is precious.
Wellness exams
Well woman care keeps women healthy throughout their lives, and encompasses everything from menstrual disorders to contraception advice, menopausal care, cancer screening and infertility.
Management of Women’s Health Concerns
There are many potential areas for concern that can be discussed at any time during your regular OBGYN appointment.
Management of Abnormal Pap Smears
Receiving an abnormal pap smear result is a worrying time. We’re here to explain and discuss what your results mean, helping you reach informed decisions about the next steps.
Uterine Fibroids
Uncomfortable and painful, there are many reasons why uterine fibroids develop, and various classifications of fibroid depending on where they’re located. Signs and symptoms include spotting between periods, long or heavy periods, pelvic pain or difficulty emptying your bladder. There are various techniques for the medical and surgical management of fibroids.
Endometriosis
Sometimes the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterus and causes pain that can be severe. Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound tests may help identify areas of concern. There are effective treatments for endometriosis, and we’ll advise on the best course of action including gynecological surgery, if needed.
Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything seriously wrong. But it is something that should be investigated as there are many possible causes, from your current contraception to the presence of fibroids or the onset of menopause. We’ll help you investigate to determine the cause and follow-up action.
Painful Menstruation And Pelvic Pain
Having your period shouldn’t put you out of action. If your monthly bleed is accompanied by excessive pain, we can help you find the reason. There can be various causes and it may be a symptom of other problems in the uterus or pelvic organs.
Pelvic pain can also have multiple causes, not necessarily the same ones that cause painful periods. Infections in the womb, some sexually transmitted diseases, and fibroids can all cause pain in the pelvic region.
Vulvar Dermatitis
Vulvar dermatitis is an irritation of the sensitive skin folds around the vaginal opening, causing itchy, tender redness. The good news is, it can be treated.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis could be caused by bacteria, yeast infections, or viruses. The most common types include candida and bacterial vaginosis. It can also be caused by some sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. The patient may recognize a difference in appearance or smell of any discharge, or feel irritation, itching, or burning.
Menopausal Management
The menopause brings with it all kinds of problems for some women, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or hormone imbalances. Menopausal treatment is concerned with the whole woman and her wellbeing, and may include counseling as well as practical medical help.
Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic prolapses can affect any of the organs in the pelvic region, and often a prolapse of one will affect another. It’s quite common, affecting around one third of women at some time during their lives:
Uterine Prolapse - When the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, this allows the uterus to protrude into the vagina. There are various causes, including pregnancy and childbirth, or loss of estrogen coupled with the effects of gravity in older women. Treatments range from vaginal pessaries to surgical procedures.
Bladder Prolapse - Women’s bladders are supported by the wall of their vagina, which can become weakened either through childbirth or with age. Should it become weakened enough, it can no longer support the bladder, which then slips out of place. Bladder prolapse is also associated with menopause.
Pessary Fittings - Vaginal pessaries help support organs that have prolapsed. They are fitted in the office, removable at home for cleaning, and are tailored to each individual. They offer a nonsurgical alternative to surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse.
Surgical Management - We offer laparoscopy/minimally invasive surgery where appropriate, including hysterectomy if necessary.
Screening for STD
It is recommended that all sexually active women, or those who are pregnant, are screened for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, particularly those under 25. Pregnant women of this age, or those at higher risk, should be retested during the third trimester.
Pre-conceptual Counseling
Taking advantage of pre-conception counseling gives you and your partner an opportunity to maximize your health before getting pregnant. It helps you identify areas of your lifestyle you may consider improving. We also offer genetic counseling and screening if you are worried about inherited disorders.
PMS Management
From emotional mood swings to painful cramps, premenstrual syndrome affects up to 75% of women. By learning to manage the condition through behavior therapies to reduce stress, lifestyle changes, or medication, many women find relief.
Adolescent Gynecology
Adolescent gynecology can help spot potential problems in teens before they become pronounced. These important, early age OBGYN appointments provide teens with accurate information about menstruation, pregnancy prevention and STIs, and can include the HPV vaccine.
Screening for Genetically Inheritable Cancers
Genetic screening for some inheritable cancers is available, including ovarian and breast cancer. You may wish to think about having a genetic screening test if you have a family history of cancer and want to assess your risk, or the risk of passing it on to any children.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a test for abnormal cells on or around the cervix. It is sometimes accompanied by a biopsy and may be requested following an abnormal Pap test result. LEEP procedures, where the abnormal cells are cut away with an electrically charged, thin loop of wire, may be recommended.
IUD Placement
We can help you navigate the many options available for contraception and help you decide which is right for you. The intrauterine device, or IUD, offers long-term, reversible birth control that may last from three to ten years depending on the type of IUD chosen.
Nexplanon Placement
Many women find implanted birth control devices more practical and easily managed than other devices or pills. Nexplanon is around the size of a matchstick and is placed under the skin of the arm. It is effective for around three years.