Questions

Below are the answers to some basic questions which my staff and I receive telephone calls about on a daily basis.

Who needs to have a gynecological exam?

Any woman who has ever been sexually active needs to have a pap smear yearly. This includes women past their childbearing years, women who are menopausal, and women who have had hysterectomies. Also, if you are not sexually active but are over the age of 18, you need yearly pap smears and gynecological check ups.

What is a pap smear?

A pap smear is a sample of the cells taken from the cervix and vaginal walls which is then looked at or "read" by a pathologist to determine if precancerous or cancerous changes are occurring in the female reproductive tract. A pap smear does not hurt; the taking of a pap smear is similar to rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek as you did in science class as a child.

Do I need to have a mammogram?

Mammograms are done in conjunction with a "hands-on" breast exam in order to detect changes in the breasts that might lead to breast cancer. In accordance with the recommendations of the American Cancer Society, women should have their first (or "baseline") mammogram at age thirty-five. Beginning at age forty, mammograms should be done yearly. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or have a problem with your breasts, mammograms may be indicated sooner than this.

What if I am bleeding on the day of my appointment?

There are two answers here! If you are coming in for a routine, annual exam, you will need to reschedule your appointment, as we cannot do a pap smear when you are bleeding. However, if you are coming in for a problem with bleeding, you will still need to come in for an exam.

I am pregnant. When do I need to begin prenatal care?

Congratulations! Prenatal care is best begun as soon as possible after you find that you are pregnant so that any problems that might arise or be discovered can be dealt with quickly to insure a positive outcome for both you and your baby.

Can my husband come with me to prenatal visits?

On your first prenatal visit, you will be having a complete exam and blood work, for which I do not allow husbands to be in the room. However, for subsequent visits, feel free to bring him along - and any big brothers or big sisters-to-be, too!