Gynecology
At Premier Healthcare for Women, we provide a full spectrum of gynecologic services for women of all ages.
Gynecology is the branch of medical science dealing with the female reproductive system. The word “gynecology” actually translates to “the science of women.” The main core of gynecology in our practice is in preventive or maintenance care.
We treat women’s medical issues that include:
Breast Exams
Contraceptive Counseling
Adolescent Gynecology
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Infertility
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Support
HPV Immunization
PAP Smears
Menopause
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Incontinence
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Vaginal Discharge
Well Woman Exam (Annual)
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Annual Exam
Well Woman Exam
At Premier Healthcare for Women, we believe that one of the keys to lifelong health is for every woman to have a regularly scheduled exam with her gynecologist. An annual exam is our best defense to prevent future health concerns. Most of our patients will see us for their annual well woman exam and will associate it with just having a pap smear, but this exam is much more extensive.
The guidelines for pap smear testing have been updated, and in some cases it may not be necessary to have a pap smear every year. Your physician will keep you updated and advise you of the changes which may affect your testing requirements. Most insurance plans may cover a well-woman exam yearly and may not require a co-payment. (Please check with your insurance carrier for this information.) Your well-woman visit is all about you, your body, and your reproductive health.
We are dedicated to providing individualized preventative health care for every patient. Enhancing preventive care, we will evaluate and treat patients for various gynecologic problems, including abnormal pap smears, polyps, fibroids, infections, irregular bleeding, and cysts. Minor procedures, such as treatment for abnormal pap smears, biopsies, and IUD insertions, are done in the office. In addition, we will perform surgeries to help patients when the need arises.
What is included in your well woman exam?
• Physical Exam – Blood pressure, pulse and weight check
• Breast Exam – Your Physician will check for breast lumps, skin changes on the breasts, or any irregularities you have noticed in your own breasts.
• Pelvic Exam – Your Physician will examine your reproductive organs to determine the size and position of your ovaries, uterus, and cervix. This can help detect any issues with the vaginal tract, uterus, and ovaries.
• Pap Smear – The pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer – this is done during the pelvic exam portion of the exam. We recommend patients have their first pap smear at age 21. Depending on your age, a pap smear is done every 2-3 years just as long as your previous pap smear is normal.
• Fasting Labs – It is optional for you to do this at your well-woman exam – it is recommended to have fasting labs drawn every 2 years after the age of 26. It is a way for your physician to check on kidney and liver functions, screen for thyroid disease and diabetes, and check your cholesterol for heart health. If you have already done this with your PCP, then it is not necessary to do this again at your annual exam. We recommend fasting (nothing to eat or drink except water) for at least 6 hours before your fasting labs are drawn.
• STD Screening – We can screen for sexually transmitted diseases at your annual exam. This is done at the time of your pelvic exam and may also include blood work. Every insurance provider is different on the coverage of these tests, so check with your insurance carrier prior to your appointment to see if they are covered with your well-woman exam.
Mammogram Screening Order Form – Based on age and medical guidelines, you will receive an order for your annual mammogram screening.
There is an MMG center located in our office building – you can call and schedule an appointment with them the same day you have an appointment with us.
What happens if my period comes when it is time for my well-woman exam appointment?
No worries! Please keep your appointment.
If the cycle flow is light, it usually does not interfere with the exam, any cultures, or pap smear testing. It is obviously up to you… If you do not feel comfortable being examined while you are on your cycle, we are happy to reschedule you.
Otherwise, we are very accustomed to examining women for health care concerns and our goal is to make you comfortable and happy with your experience.
Abnormal Pap Smear Management
The key to preventing cervical cancer is screening with a pap smear. But what happens when that pap smear comes back abnormal?
We are here to guide you through the results and recommend treatment plans for monitoring and/or treatment.
Colposcopy
Sometimes a pap smear reveals abnormal cells that need further investigation. A colposcopy is an office exam involving a high-powered magnifying scope that looks at the cervix to determine if abnormal tissue is present. The physician will place a speculum in the vagina and then bathe the cervix in a solution that will help light up any abnormal cells. We then use the magnifying scope to examine the cervix closely. We then take biopsies of the cervix in the area that lights up. This is typically only mildly painful (like brief menstrual cramps). The tissue is then sent to the lab for further investigation.
LEEP – Loop Electrocautery Excision Procedure
This is a procedure to help treat abnormal cells on your cervix. A wire loop is used to remove abnormal cells from your cervix. This tissue is then sent to the lab to ensure all the abnormal tissue has been removed.
Problematic Periods
Problematic Periods
The female menstrual cycle is complex and problematic at times. Heavy, painful, and irregular cycles can arise at any point in our lifetime.
We strive to get to the cause of these issues and guide you through options that can ease the stress of these difficult periods.
Abnormal, heavy periods and menstrual bleeding can be caused by many factors, including hormonal imbalances, infections, problems with blood clotting, uterine tumors, certain types of cancer, chronic medical issues, and even pregnancy.
We can evaluate your symptoms and conduct an exam to get to the cause of your problem.
There are many options to help women manage their cycles:
Medical
• Prescription hormones (birth control pills or progesterone-only pills)
• IUDs
• Prescriptions to help lessen bleeding (Lysteda®)
Surgical
• Hysteroscopy – using a camera to look inside the cavity of the uterus to see what is causing the bleeding problems (thickened lining, polyps, fibroids)
• Endometrial ablation – a procedure that is used to destroy the lining of the uterus in women who have completed childbearing
• Total laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Total abdominal hysterectomy
Talk to your physician so you can make an informed, careful decision about how to eliminate your heavy cycles. Let us help you.
Endometriosis
We understand the pain and anxiety associated with a diagnosis of endometriosis. We can offer you the endometriosis treatment that is right for you. It is estimated that 1-in-10 women are affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis is a complicated disease process and can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
With endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. The implants respond the same way the uterine lining does by thickening, breaking down, and shedding. However, since this occurs outside the uterus, the tissue can become inflamed, irritatedm and scarred. It causes pain and other symptoms such as:
• Bowel problems – diarrhea, constipation, painful bowel movements
• Painful urination
• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• Lower back pain
• Heavy or painful menstrual cycle
At Premier Healthcare for Women, we are dedicated to helping you manage this disease.
We offer both medical and surgical options that can help keep endometriosis from affecting your daily life.
ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY
Adolescent Gynecology
Adolescent gynecology is a distinct sub-specialty focusing on caring for all reproductive needs of girls from birth to young adulthood. In young girls, problems can include rashes, frequent urinary tract infections, or early pubertal development.
In the adolescent patient, issues often include menstrual problems, anatomical abnormalities or concerns about puberty. The first gynecologic visit for every young woman is recommended between ages 13-15.
BIRTH CONTROL & CONTRACEPTION
Birth Control
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about contraception and what works best for you and your body.
Birth control is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
At Premier Healthcare for Women, we offer all forms of birth control to patients to help make sure you have access to the birth control that is right for you.
Birth control options include:
• Traditional oral contraceptive pills
• Vaginal rings (Nuvaring®) – like birth control pills, but the hormones get absorbed into your bloodstream through the vaginal tissue. You insert them yourself once a month.
• Birth control patches – like birth control pills, but the hormones get absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream. They are changed once a week.
• IUDs (intrauterine devices) – both hormonal and non-hormonal – these devices are inserted into the uterus by your physician. They can prevent pregnancy without the maintenance of taking a pill every day. It is 99% effective. Once you are ready to conceive, it can be removed at any time.
• Birth control implants (Nexplanon®) – inserted under the skin of the arm by your physician. It lasts up to 3 years and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can be removed at any time by your physician.
• Injections (Depo-Provera®) – an injection that prevents pregnancy for 3 months. Not reversible.