Teen Services

A well-woman exam is one of the most important steps that women of all ages can take to protect their health. This is an annual preventive screening of breast and gynecological diseases. During the visit, your doctor will discuss your health and lifestyle behaviors and will perform a physical exam of your breasts and pelvis.

There are many different forms of birth control available to women today, and the decision about which type is best for each individual depends on many variables, including past medical history, ease of use, incidence of side effects, cost and risks. Our providers are specialists in all forms of contraception and can help you determine which option may be the best for you.

A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. It’s named after the doctor who discovered it, Georgios Papanikolaou. It’s a quick procedure, during which cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and then examined at a lab for abnormal growth.

For women, many STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, show no signs or symptoms. In fact, that’s why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), because you can have the infection without disease symptoms. If you think you need testing, discuss it with your doctor. STD (STI) testing is not always a standard part of a gynecological exam.

This diagnostic exam is used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A probe is used and may be placed on the abdomen or inserted into the vagina. The ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

An abnormal period can mean many things: heavy bleeding during menstruation (soaking through a tampon or pad in 1-2 hours); irregular or infrequent periods; short menstrual cycles; clotting or thick menstrual blood. A visit to your doctor can rule out any serious underlying problems and help your cycle become more regular or comfortable.

Fibroids are (usually) benign tumors that grow on the wall of the uterus or womb. Fibroids are also called leiomyoma or just myoma. They can be tiny, the size of a seed, or large, the size of a grapefruit, and can occur one at a time or in multiples. They are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and often decrease after menopause. Fibroids can cause discomfort, including heavy menstrual bleeding, rectal pressure and frequent urination. Treatment for fibroids can include medications or surgery.

A woman’s ovaries are two small organs, located on either side of the uterus. They are the size of almonds, and during ovulation they grow an egg inside a sac, release the egg and the sac then dissolves. If the sac does not dissolve, it can fill with fluid or blood and become a cyst. There are several types of cysts, and most are benign, but may cause discomfort, or symptoms such as unusual hair growth, frequent urination, abdominal bloating and pressure, and fever. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

A tumor is a growth of abnormal tissue and can occur anywhere on the body. Some tumors are malignant, and some are not. Like cysts, ovarian tumors may cause minor symptoms and can be very hard to feel, even during a physical exam. Tumors can also produce symptoms like abdominal swelling, bloating, pressure and pain, trouble eating or feeling stuffed, menstrual irregularities, urgent or frequent urination or painful intercourse. Unusual symptoms or changes in your menstrual cycle are things you should report to your doctor immediately.

This often painful disorder occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus begins growing outside of it. Endometriosis can also occur on the bladder, bowel, intestines, appendix or rectum, although this is less common.

Most vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and serves the important purpose of keeping your vagina clean and infection-free. The amount, color, thickness and odor can vary greatly depending on when during your menstrual cycle the discharge happens. Vaginal discharge can also indicate infection if it looks or smells markedly different than usual or if it is accompanied by itching or burning.

Bladder infections, also sometimes called cystitis, urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are bacterial infections. Other organs that can be involved in a UTI are the kidneys and ureters. When bacteria makes its way up the urethra and into the bladder, infection can occur, but such infections are not usually serious and are easily treatable if caught right away.

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing or during physical activity. Stress urinary incontinence is most commonly caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth. Treatment options include TVT or TOT sling procedures, both of which are outpatient procedures that take about 30 minutes to perform. Bladder slings support the urethra like a hammock, preventing leakage.

Our wish for every patient is a long, happy and healthy life. Our team is here to help you create your own healthy living roadmap, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, enjoying a delicious and nutrient rich diet, making time for exercise, managing stress and getting plenty of sleep. We will work with you to create strategies for success, whether you are a new mother, a college student or a great-grandmother.