Preventative Wellness Care
Comprehensive Preventative Wellness
We offer well-woman exams which include comprehensive physical examinations, a review of your relevant medical and family history, and appropriate screening as indicated. Such tests may include pap tests, HPV screening, STD testing, and breast cancer screening. HPV vaccination is also offered to our patients. Some of these tests will require a referral or separate appointment to be accomplished. We also work closely with many area specialists and primary care physicians if they or you prefer we monitor your reproductive health only.
Annual Exams
Annual exams include:
- Pap smears (if applicable)
- Breast wellness
- Contraceptive management (hormonal and non-hormonal)
- Pelvic wellness
What Pap Smears Test For
How often should women get pap smears
What Causes an Abnormal Pap Smear
Next Steps for an Abnormal Pap Smear
Colposcopy – A colposcopy is a procedure used to closely evaluate your cervix, vagina and vulva for any signs of disease. We may also take a small amount of tissue for evaluation called a biopsy.
Breast Wellness
What to expect for your breast exams
How to give yourself a breast exam
When you should get a breast exam
All women are encouraged to perform a self-exam once a month. Clinical exams are recommended yearly.
Contraceptive Management
Contraception management is an important component for your overall health. We will counsel you on various forms of contraception available to help you make an informed decision about your method of choice. In addition, we will continually monitor any symptoms of the contraception to ensure the method is proper for you.
Types of Contraception we offer:
Implant – The implant releases a stead flow of presentational hormone that thickens the mucus in the cervices and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent sperm from traveling to the egg. This form of birth control is low maintenance.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) – An IUD is a small t-shaped piece of plastic inserted in your uterus. There is also a non-hormone option called Paragard which is made of copper. The Paragard can provide protection for up to 12 years.
Birth control pills – pills are to be taken once a day at the same time per day. Birth control pills safely stop your body from ovulating. When your body does not ovulate, there isn’t an egg to join with the sperm preventing pregnancy.
Sterilization – There are a few different forms of sterilization. Please consult your gynecologist to determine the right one for you.
Pelvic Wellness
Pelvic exams are performed to check for any abnormalities in the female organs.
How often should you get a pelvic exam
Pelvic exams are normally done with your pap smear. Generally, if you are 21 – 30 years old, you will need a pap smear annually. For 30-65 year olds, you will need a pap smear every three years with an HPV test every five years. For those 65 and older, you no longer need pap smears. If you have an abnormal pap smear, there will be changes to your frequency of testing.
Pelvic exams vs. pap smears
Do Pelvic exams hurt
It may feel uncomfortable or awkward but you will be confident in knowing more about your body and your health.