Women's Health Services
Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecologic Care
Pediatric Gynecology
At Women's Health Specialists, we offer gynecological services to young girls who may or may not have gone through puberty. Our doctors are experienced in working with children and know the extra sensitivity that is required in treating them. The reason for these visits can be for a general preventive exam or to treat a gynecologic problem. Some problems found in young patients can include congenital malformations, vulvovaginitis, pelvic pain and puberty disorders.
Adolescent Gynecology
A first annual exam is recommended for women between the ages of 15-17. Most often their first visit is a "meet & greet" to help acquaint younger women with the basic exam and is based on their gynecological needs, especially if they are not sexually active. At Women’s Health Specialists, our doctors and nurses take special care of our younger patients and adhere to a strict confidentiality policy.
Annual exams are recommended for young women over 21. Gynecologic exams can be a bit overwhelming for young women who may be reluctant to come forward with any issues they face or to ask questions about their changing bodies. We know this is a delicate field and our doctors are very sensitive to the needs of our young patients, developing a trust early on that lasts throughout their lives. Our patient's first visit includes a confidential consultation where many questions about their bodies, menstrual cycles or developmental problems will be discussed with sensitivity and patience and as candidly as the young woman desires.
Visit The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology website to learn more about Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is a serious disease that unfortunately affects a large number of women each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women and affects one in every eight women in the United States. While the exact cause of breast cancer is not known, there are many steps you can take now to help prevent the disease, including regular testing to ensure early detection of abnormalities.
Screening for breast cancer can be done by the patient at home and during regular doctor's visits. A breast self-exam should be performed every month to identify any changes or abnormalities. You should look and feel around your entire breast for any signs of a lump, swelling, irritation or pain. Any of these symptoms or other abnormalities should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
It is recommended to perform monthly breast exams when you reach the age of 20. You should also schedule a breast exam with your doctor every three years. Women over 40 should have a clinical exam and mammogram every year. Talk to your doctor about how you can screen and prevent breast cancer.
Annual Gynecologic Exams
Yearly pelvic exams and Pap smears are important in monitoring your gynecologic health and screening for infection, inflammation or other abnormal cells that may indicate disease. Early detection is important in treating any disease and especially important for cervical cancer and other potentially life-threatening diseases.
Annual exams are recommended for women who are sexually active or over the age of 21. During the exam, the doctor will examine your breasts and pelvic organs for any abnormalities or changes. During a Pap smear, he or she will remove some tissue from the cervix to carefully examine as well. An annual exam is one of the most important steps you can take in preventing disorders of the pelvic organs.
