A pap smear is a routine test typically performed during a gynecological exam. It’s a test to determine the presence of abnormal or cancerous cells, specifically cervical cancer. Pap smear testing is important because cervical cancer is a type of cancer which often doesn’t have any warning signs or symptoms until the cancer is in the later stages.

During a pap smear, cells are collected from the cervix and sent off to a laboratory for testing. Most test results come back negative, however, there are a few instances where you may have an abnormal pap smear.

Reasons for an abnormal pap smear include:

• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Early cell changes which need monitoring
• Early cell changes which need to be treated early

If you have an abnormal pap test result, your OBGYN doctor will consider these factors when developing next steps:

• Your previous pap test results
• Your previous treatments for cervical cell changes
• Your personal health factors including your age

Your OBGYN doctor may recommend these next steps after an abnormal pap smear:

• Having a repeat pap test in 1 to 3 years
• Having a colposcopy and biopsy
• Receiving treatment for high grade cervical cell changes

When your OBGYN doctor recommends a colposcopy, during the exam, your OBGYN doctor will apply a vinegar solution to the cervix to highlight abnormal areas. A colposcope is then used to light and magnify the cervix and check abnormal areas. A tissue sample can be taken for a biopsy to diagnose cervical cancer.

If your OBGYN doctor recommends receiving treatment for high grade cervical cell changes, treatment may include:

• Loop electrosurgical excision to electrify and remove abnormal tissue
• Cold knife conization to remove abnormal tissue
• Laser therapy to destroy abnormal tissue
• Cryotherapy to freeze abnormal tissue
• Total hysterectomy for severe cases of cervical cancer

To learn more about the importance of pap smear testing and management of an abnormal pap smear result, call your OBGYN doctor today.

When you suffer from pelvic pain, it can be a scary experience. It’s only natural to wonder what is causing your pelvic pain. There can be a simple, benign cause, or pelvic pain can be caused by a more serious condition.

Pelvic pain can be caused by your reproductive system, digestive system, or urinary system. There are some types of pelvic pain that can be caused by muscles or ligaments surrounding your pelvis.

Fortunately, your OBGYN doctor can determine the cause of your pelvic pain and treat it so you can get relief.

Some simple causes of pelvic pain include:

• Ovulation
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Bladder infection
• Urinary tract infection

If you have extremely painful or heavy periods, your OBGYN can prescribe medications, including birth control, to help regulate your periods.

If you think you might be pregnant, your OBGYN doctor will have you take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your doctor will perform an initial examination, which may include imaging to determine a potential due date. Your OBGYN doctor provides a wide range of prenatal services to help you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

If you have a urinary tract or bladder infection, your OBGYN can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Some more serious causes of pelvic pain include:

• Uterine cysts
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis

Your OBGYN doctor may require imaging studies to diagnose your condition. Imaging tests include:

• An MRI
• A CT scan
• An abdominal or pelvic ultrasound

If you have uterine cysts, ovarian cysts, or fibroids, your OBGYN doctor can prescribe medication and offers procedures to remove the cysts.

If you have an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, your OBGYN doctor may discuss surgical options with you.

If you have endometriosis, your OBGYN doctor may recommend taking birth control or your doctor may discuss a partial or full hysterectomy to relieve symptoms.

Your OBGYN doctor is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pelvic pain. To learn more about what can cause pelvic pain and how your doctor can help you get relief, call your OBGYN doctor today.

Your hormones handle a lot of important tasks to keep your body functioning. Unfortunately, there are a few life events which can cause your hormones to be out of balance, so you feel out of balance too.

Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can keep you feeling like yourself. If you are considering hormone replacement therapy, you need to know the facts. These are a few frequently asked questions and answers about hormonal imbalance and hormone replacement therapy:

What Causes a Hormonal Imbalance?

A hormonal imbalance can be caused by natural changes or stages in your life, including puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Hormone levels can also dramatically decrease after a partial or full hysterectomy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance?

You might have no symptoms at all, and still have a hormonal imbalance. You might also experience signs and symptoms which can become severe. These signs and symptoms include:

• Irritability and fatigue
• Mood swings and depression
• Skin dryness and loss of elasticity
• Water retention and weight gain
• Osteoporosis and joint pain
• Less interest in sex
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Memory issues and difficulty concentrating

How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Help?

Hormone replacement gives you back your hormones at stable levels, so you look and feel like yourself again. You will experience:

• Better sleep
• Increased energy
• Enhanced memory
• Increased ability to concentrate and focus
• An elevated mood with less mood swings
• Smoother, more hydrated skin
• Increased interest in sex
• Better weight regulation and less water retention
• Joint and bone protection and increased strength

What Are the Different Types of Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy has made several advances in recent years. You now can choose from:

Systemic hormone therapy, which is in pill form, or patches, rings, gel, cream, or spray.

Low-dose vaginal products, which focus on vaginal and urinary symptoms, not your entire body. Low-dose comes in cream, tablet, or ring forms.

Bio-identical hormone replacement, which is a product identical in structure to human hormones. Bio-identical hormone replacement may have less side-effects than traditional hormone replacement therapy.

Your OBGYN doctor can help you choose the hormone replacement therapy best for you. To find out more about hormonal imbalance and how hormone replacement therapy can help, call your OBGYN doctor today.

There are many forms of contraception out there. It’s important to know your options.

All you have to do is go online, and you’ll soon discover many contraception options, perhaps even more than you even realized. Whether this is your first time considering contraception or you aren’t completely satisfied with the contraceptive method you are currently using, your OBGYN can provide birth control counseling to make a more informed decision regarding your sexual health.

What Types of Contraception Are Available?

Here are the different types of contraceptives available to you through your OBGYN,

• Hormonal birth control includes pills, patches, a vaginal ring, an injection or even an implant.
• Intrauterine device (IUD), which can be hormonal or non-hormonal (copper)
• Barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms and sponges
• Natural methods such as abstinence
• Sterilization

While all of these can be effective in preventing pregnancy, remember that only a condom can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What Contraception is Right for Me?

There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to choosing contraception. Sitting down with your gynecologist to discuss what you’re looking for in your birth control will give your doctor an idea of which approach will be best.

For example, if you don’t think you’ll remember to take your medication every day at the same time, birth control pills might not be the best approach, but a vaginal ring, patch, injection or even an IUD may be a better option. An IUD may be an ideal option for women who want little hassle when it comes to contraception and aren't planning to become pregnant for several years.

The IUD is inserted into the vagina, where it will remain for several years (about 3-6 months for hormonal IUDs and up to 12 years for non-hormonal IUDs). An IUD comes in a hormonal and non-hormonal form, so even those who experience adverse side effects from hormonal birth control can still consider an IUD.

Another factor to consider is your tolerance to birth control medication. We know that some women experience adverse effects regarding hormonal contraception. If you are someone who has been having difficulty finding birth control that’s right for you, know there are several non-hormonal options out there, and your OBGYN can help you choose the one that’s right for you and your health.

Choosing the right contraception isn’t always easy. Fortunately, your OBGYN can sit down with you to discuss your options and help you choose the perfect one for you and your lifestyle.

Are you currently looking for an OBGYN? We know how crucial an OBGYN can be to a woman’s health and nothing is more important than finding an OBGYN that you trust to provide you with personal, gentle and customized care. Here’s why all women should have an OBGYN,

Preventive Care

Preventive care isn’t just for your annual primary care visit. An OBGYN also provides preventive care to women of all ages, from puberty to postmenopausal. Preventive care ensures that you take all the necessary precautions and make healthy choices to support your overall health. Annual gynecological exams are one of the best preventive measures every woman should get to protect against and catch diseases early.

Get Vaccinated

The next time you or your teen comes into the office for an annual gynecological exam, this is the perfect time to talk to us about the HPV vaccine. HPV is a widespread sexually transmitted illness (STI) that can increase the risk for cervical cancer. That’s why everyone who is sexually active or planning to become sexually active should get this vaccine. Children as young as 11 to 12 years old can get the HPV vaccine.

Discuss Birth Control

There are so many birth control options on the market these days that it can be challenging to know which one is best suited to your needs. That’s where an OBGYN comes in. Since they know you, your lifestyle and your health, they can provide recommendations on the best birth control options for you and help you make an informed decision about your family planning needs.

Get Tested

If you are sexually active, it’s essential that you practice safe sex. Regular STI testing can provide you and your partner peace of mind. Since many STIs don’t present with symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested so you know your status. Talk with your OBGYN about whether you should get tested and how often you should.

Postpartum Support

Most moms-to-be are so focused on a healthy pregnancy and delivery that many can’t even focus on post-pregnancy healthy until they are in the thick of it. Unfortunately, the fourth trimester can profoundly impact a woman’s health and mental wellbeing. An OBGYN that can provide advice and support to guide you through this process can be invaluable.