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 are a recommended service as it helps to monitor your overall gynecological health. Routine exams will help detect symptoms that could lead to disease and if found, provide effective treatment in the early stages. Your annual exam will also include an evaluation of contraception, if applicable. Your physician will monitor possible side effects and ensure you are on the proper contraceptive for your body.

Annual exams include:

Pap smears (if applicable)
Breast wellness
Contraceptive management (hormonal and non-hormonal)
Pelvic wellness

What Pap Smears Test For

During a pap smear, your physician will gently remove cells from your cervix. The sample will be closely evaluated for abnormalities. Pap smears are recommended between the ages of 21 to 65.

How often should women get pap smears

The frequency of pap smears has many factors and can be discussed with your gynecologist. Generally, if you are 21 – 30 years old, you will need a pap smear every three years. 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.

What Causes an Abnormal Pap Smear

If you have an abnormal test result, this means we found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. This is nothing to be alarmed about. There are various causes for abnormal cells. Your gynecologist will schedule a follow-up visit that will be tailored to your personal medical history.

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

For your breast exam, you will need to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to cover yourself. Your provider will look for signs of abnormalities on both of your breast. They will then gently apply pressure with their figure tips to check for any lumps or abnormalities.

How to give yourself a breast exam

You can check your breasts lying down or in the shower. Lift one arm and with the pads of your fingers, gently press down on a section of your breast. You are feeling for any lumps, swelling or hardening of the tissue. Continue the same step for your entire breast area starting from the top of your breast to the bottom in a zig zag motion.

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

Pelvic exams are conducted to ensure the health of your vagina and pelvis, while pap smears are used to test for abnormal cells or changes that could lead to cancer.

Do Pelvic exams hurt

It may feel uncomfortable or awkward but you will be confident in knowing more about your body and your health.

Schedule your appointment with Pacific View OB/GYN today!

Please call us if you have any questions about our services and availability.

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