Why routine gyn care?

Women need yearly exams which may include a pelvic exam, pap smear or additional tests for infection. These should begin at about age 21 or at the beginning of sexual activity, which ever comes first. Not all women seen will want or need a pap smear but regardless of sexual experience, early discussions with a gynecologist or midwife may be of help in managing menstrual concerns.

Prevention of diseases and early detection of abnormalities are the chief reasons for obtaining regular care. Women's internal organs are not visually accessible without a special exam. Like x-rays of your teeth at the dentist, a pap smear detects many minor abnormalities long before they are able to be seen by the doctor or midwife, or felt by the patient.

Routine gynecologic care also allows patients to discuss menstrual difficulties, contraception, hormone therapies, pre-pregnancy preparations, problems with sexuality or intimacy, and menopausal changes. A lot of teaching, such as breast self-examination and calcium content of your diet, may be included in your annual gyn visit.

Every woman should have a regular check-up with an obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife. Although we are always available for emergency or problem visits, we would encourage you to establish a primary relationship with one of the physicians or with one of the midwives. In this way, we will get to know you and your health care needs. In addition, we will become more familiar to you, as well. Of course, we realize that this is not always possible, and you may make appointments with any of us.

We encourage you to speak to one of us if you have problems, questions or concerns about your health care. We are here to help you in whatever way we can. For general information on a broad variety of women's health topics, we have compiled links on this web site to a wide variety of internet resources dealing with pregnancy or gynecologic concerns.

Services provided by our ob-gyns and midwives:

* evaluation and treatment of gynecologic disease
* screening for cancers, including breast cancer and mammography
* evaluation of bone health and risk for osteoporosis
* family planning, birth control
* evaluation and treatment of infertility
* routine exams and paps
* testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
* evaluation and treatment of urinary tract infections
* health history and attention to preventative health care needs
* menopausal health care
* surgery for gynecologic problems (ob-gyns only)

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updated January 2012