Gynecology Services

Gynecology is medical care that deals with the female reproductive system. Gynecology is about keeping women healthy as well as treating medical conditions and illnesses having to do with their reproductive system.

Your appointment will cover any questions you may have about your reproductive health, including birth control options, problems with your monthly period, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and pregnancy-related concerns. It is also the time for you to raise any troublesome conditions or symptoms you may have. At least every three years, women 21-29 years old should get a Pap Test, as part of a Well Woman Exam. Women 30-65 years old should get a Pap Test and HPV Test at least every 5 years or a PAP Test alone every three years. Well Woman Exams will go over all the things you need to know and do to keep healthy.

A pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, is used as a screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. It is recommended that women have their first pap smear at 21 years old.

With normal pap smear results:

∙ Women ages 21-29 years old should get a Pap Test every 3 years. 

∙ Women ages 30-65 years old should get a Pap Test and HPV Test every five years or a Pap Test alone every three years. 

∙ Women over 65 years old may not require further Pap screening. 

You should schedule your appointment between menstrual periods. We ask that you not have vaginal sex or douche or insert anything into your vagina for the 24 hours before your exam to avoid irritating the vaginal tissue and increasing the chance of incorrect Pap Test results. At your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your sexual health history and any problems or concerns you have about your reproductive health.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) are spread through intimate sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Many STIs can be cured; however, others cannot. STIs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Herpes/HSV
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis
• HPV

The only way to know for sure is to get tested. STDs or STIs can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That’s why they may go unnoticed until complications occur, or a partner is diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:

• Sores or bumps on the genital, oral, or rectal area
• Painful or burning urination
• Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure. However, it may take years before you have any noticeable problems, depending on the organism causing the STI.

“IUD” stands for “intrauterine device.” IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and are one of the most effective methods at preventing pregnancy. Shaped like a “T” and a bit bigger than a quarter, an IUD fits inside the uterus. IUDs can be placed in a clinic setting and can be a good choice for people who do not want to get pregnant for at least 1 year.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 200 types of HPV, some of which can cause skin warts, genital warts, and some forms of cancer. HPV vaccines can prevent some of the health effects HPV causes.