The practices of gynecology and obstetrics form the foundation of our work at Women’s Health Professionals. From puberty through menopause, our practice offers a broad range of gynecologic services ranging from well-woman annual examinations to surgery for gynecologic cancers, treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic reconstructive surgery.
We want you, our patient, to become an active partner in your health and well-being. Therefore, we do our very best to involve our patients and their families in every aspect of the health care process. We know that there is a myriad of medical information available to women, and it is our desire to help you make sense of and better use this knowledge. From adolescence throughout the continuum of life, we offer innovative health care services for women. Your wellness is our first priority.
When you come to our office, you will be treated warmly and respectfully. The physician or Nurse-Midwife will talk with you about your health, any problems you may be experiencing or any concerns or questions you may have. Then, your examination will be explained to you in detail. Following your examination, any findings will also be discussed with you at length, and your physician or nurse-midwife will help you choose the proper course for your given health needs. Any necessary diagnostic testing will be arranged for you at your convenience including, but not limited to, mammography, bone density studies, urinary incontinence testing and serum cholesterol assessment.
Abnormal Paps
The Pap test checks for changes in the cervix that may become cancer. In women who have regular Pap tests, abnormal changes are almost always caught early. An abnormal test result may mean that further testing and follow-up are needed. One of the main causes of abnormal Pap test results is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV).
The occurrence of HPV is very common in both women and men. More than 100 types of HPV have been found, and about 30 of these types are spread from person to person through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others can cause cancer of the cervix.
If a Pap test result is abnormal, a colposcopy can provide more information about the abnormality. A colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device that allows doctors to find problems that cannot otherwise be seen. This procedure can assess additional problems including bleeding, pain and benign growths. During the colposcopy, the doctor may see abnormal areas or cells and choose to perform a biopsy of a small piece of the abnormal tissue. A colposcopy is a good way to find cervical changes that might become cancer and give the doctors more information about the abnormal cells. Another procedure that your doctor may suggest is the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). LEEP is used to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix using a thin wire loop. An electric current is passed through the loop cutting away a thin layer of the surface cells. The process takes only a few minutes and can be performed as an in-office procedure. LEEP is an effective and simple way to treat abnormal cells in the cervix.
The follow-up that patients receive after abnormal Pap test results depends on several factors and can include a variety of tests and treatments. You and your health care provider will discuss each option and decide which is best for you.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS includes both physical and emotional symptoms that many females get right before their periods, such as:
- acne
- bloating
- fatigue
- backaches
- sore breasts
- headaches
- constipation
- diarrhea
- food cravings
- depression or feeling blue
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty handling stress
PMS is probably caused by the rapid change in hormone levels as the body prepares for menstruation. If your symptoms interfere with you daily activities, you should discuss possible treatments with your doctor.
Painful Periods
Cramps- caused by contractions of muscles in the uterus. These should only last a few days but if they are prolonged or unusually painful, call you doctor.
Irregular Periods- It may take a few years from your first period to develop a regular cycle. However, if you cycles are intermittent you should see a physician.
Amenorrhea- is the absence of periods. There are a number of causes for this problem including stress, significant weight loss or gain and a number of medical issues such as thyroid conditions or ovarian cysts. If you are 16 years old and have never had a period or if you’ve begun puberty within the last three years and still haven’t had a period please call our office to test for any irregularities.
Other issues may arise due to the changes in your body. These can include painful period (dysmenorrhea) or heavy, prolonged periods (menorrhagia). Another problem is endometriosis where tissues of the uterus begin developing outside the uterus and can cause pain. If you feel that something is not right with your pubescent development or your menstrual cycle please contact our office. We want to make your transition into womanhood a smooth and worry free time for you.
We look forward to meeting you and working with you along your journey as a woman!
Heaving Menstrual Bleeding-
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, is a common problem in premenopausal women. Symptoms of menorrhagia include periods lasting longer than 7 days, the need to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow, or a heavy menstrual flow that interferes with your regular lifestyle. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual flow, consult your doctor about the variety of treatments available.
NovaSure®:-
This surgical technique is primarily appropriate for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. NovaSure is a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy during which the lining of the uterus is treated with 90 seconds of electrical impulses. The chances of pregnancy are greatly reduced during the procedure though not completely eliminated. For 77.7% of women, NovaSure drastically reduced or stopped heavy menstrual bleeding.
Puberty-
One of the first life changes a woman will go through is her growth and maturation during puberty. For most girls this change takes place between ages 9 and 15. When these changes begin to occur, it is recommended that you have your first visit with a gynecologist. At Women’s Health Professionals we want to help you take charge of your health from the start!
Endometriosis-
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain, irregular bleeding and sometimes infertility. Endometriosis is a common problem and may run in families. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed between ages 25-35, though the condition probably begins with the first menstrual cycle. Treatment options can include medication to control pain and prevent the endometriosis from becoming worse or surgical procedures. If you have symptoms of endometriosis or if your mother or sister has been diagnosed with this condition, consider getting screened and talking to your doctor.