GYNECOLOGY
Annual exams are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. During an annual exam a full medical history will be obtained along with a physical exam and discussion of any problems. Ways to maintain and improve your health will be discussed with your provider.
Most annual exams will include a pelvic exam and Pap smear if you are 21 or older. A pelvic exam includes inspection of the external genitalia, vagina and cervix, and an internal evaluation of the uterus and ovaries. Even women who have had a hysterectomy need an exam to evaluate their ovaries on a yearly basis. Pap smears may not be performed every year depending on the patient’s previous results and their current health status.
Charleston Ob/Gyn offers testing of all kinds to our patients. During your annual exam, we offer Pap smears as well as well-woman testing such as cholesterol profiles, thyroid profiles and testing for diabetes. Certain hormone levels could be tested depending on your medical needs.
Sexually transmitted disease testing is discussed and offered during visits to our office. These tests can be performed through a pelvic exam or a blood draw depending on your symptoms or risk profile.
Testing may include:
- Pap smears for cervical cancer
- Gonorrhea testing
- Chlamydia testing
- HIV testing
- Syphilis testing
- Herpes simplex virus testing
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing
- Trichomonas testing
- PAP Smears, STD Testing, and HPV injections available
When a Pap smear is abnormal, your provider might schedule you for a colposcopy. A colposcopy consists of a microscopic examination of the vagina and cervix. During this procedure biopsies may be obtained which can help your provider recommend the next appropriate step for you.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can be protected against through Gardasil, a vaccination that protects against the nine most common strands of HPV. HPV has been associated with cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. HPV may also cause genital warts.
The HPV vaccine consists of three injections over a six-month period, and women ages 9-26 are encouraged to receive the vaccine. The cost will depend on your insurance coverage. These details will be provided to you prior to your vaccination.
For more information about Gardasil, visit www.gardasil.com.
Difficulty getting pregnant is stressful for any couple. Our providers provide counseling and guidance as well as offer basic fertility testing to help overcome some of the obstacles that couples face.
Causes and symptoms of infertility may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Women over the age of 35
- Tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs
- Chemotherapy
- Painful menstrual periods
- Pelvic infection
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fertility testing and infertility treatments
The providers at Charleston Ob/Gyn are fully equipped to diagnose and manage fertility issues. Please feel comfortable to address your concerns at your office visit.
Charleston Ob/Gyn offers many birth control options so you have a choice and can determine what is right for you.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills: daily oral medications that can not only prevent pregnancy but can regulate periods and make them lighter and less painful.
NuvaRing
NuvaRing: A ring that is inserted into the vagina monthly and works similarly to birth control pills.
IUDs
IUDs: devices that are placed inside your uterus by your provider. They can last from 3-5 years and an also help make periods lighter and less painful. There is also an option for a non-hormonal IUD that can last up to 10 years. This is a great option for women who cannot take birth control pills.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon: a device that is placed underneath the skin of your upper arm and helps control periods as well as prevent pregnancy. Also, a good option for women who cannot use birth control pills.
Depo Provera
Depo Provera: a hormonal injection that is given every twelve weeks.
Condom/Spermicides
Condoms/spermicides: over the counter methods to prevent pregnancy.
The doctors of Charleston Ob/Gyn are happy to be able to offer in-office surgical procedures that are safe, less invasive and lower in cost. This includes hysteroscopy.
Menopause occurs when women stop having monthly menstrual cycles. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 to 55. Some patients can experience hot flashes, painful intercourse, mood swings, night sweats, interrupted sleep, and irritability. These symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy in some women. There are also non-hormonal alternatives for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, such as lubricants or the MonaLisa Touch™.
We recognize the need for a young woman to have a positive first gynecologic experience to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy decision making. Young women can have a variety of problems that include irregular periods, heavy periods, painful periods, or absence of periods. Our providers can help diagnose these conditions as well as treat them medically. We also offer birth control and STD counseling. We strive to make our young patients feel as comfortable as possible as they begin this important process.
For an extensive list of FAQs, visit the Patient Education FAQ site at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.