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The physician examines the external genitals (vulva and perineum), the vagina and the cervix with a speculum, and the uterus and the ovaries to determine overall health. This is recommended annually.
A pap smear is a simple screening procedure for cervical cancer and pre-cancer. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix re gently scraped away and examined for abnormal cell growth. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a common, sexually transmitted virus and usually has no symptoms or warnings. HPV testing may also be done with the pap smear.
Your first pap smear should occur at age 21. However, please note we see patients in their teen years for routine gynecologic health screening, problems, and contraception.
Your doctor will advise you on the recommended frequency of pap smears based on your individual risk factors, though generally the pap smear will be done less than annually.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is a different virus than HIV and HSV (herpes). 79 million Americans, most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. But there are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening.
Learn more about HPV from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years) and for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit. Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination.
At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.
Learn more about HPV vaccine from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm.
As part of your routine exam, your doctor will gently manipulate your breasts to feel for any lumps or irregularities. She will also examine your breasts or unusual discoloration, dimples or puckering of the nipple.
The purpose of breast self-exams is to learn what your breasts feel like so you can notify your doctor of significant changes. We encourage our patients to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Most women find these easiest to do in the shower or lying flat on their backs. Use a gentle rotating motion to feel your breasts and call your doctor if you feel any lumps or notice an external change such as discharge from the nipple, dimpling or puckering of the nipple, redness or scaliness.
There are a number of options available to women seeking to prevent pregnancy, although no method is 100 percent guaranteed. They include:
If this is your first pregnancy and you have no known complications, we want to see you when you are about three weeks late for your period or seven weeks pregnant. Our receptionist will help you figure out when to schedule your appointment. If possible, bring your partner with you because we will do an ultrasound. The first time you see your baby’s heartbeat is so exciting!
At your first visit, our doctor’s assistant will ask some questions about your medical history and check your vital signs. If you are a new patient or due for an annual examination, you will have a physical exam, as well as blood work. Please ask us about any concerns you may have, so we can address them. Throughout your pregnancy, you will be seen by a doctor at every visit.
Your first visit will be when you are seven-eight weeks pregnant. We will then see you every four weeks until you are 28 weeks along. From 28-36 weeks, we will see you every other week. In the last month of your pregnancy we will see you weekly. Sometimes, we need to see mothers more frequently. Your prenatal care will be specifically tailored to you and your pregnancy.
We almost always do an ultrasound during your first visit, but if it’s too early to see the baby’s heartbeat, we’ll schedule the procedure for the second appointment. You’ll see your baby on the ultrasound again around 18-20 weeks. Your insurance typically covers both ultrasounds