Gynecology | Pap Smears | Colposcopy | Cryocautery
Our physicians and staff are at the forefront of medical treatments, procedures and technology for the overall health of women. Our team strives to work together to establish happiness, self-esteem, comfort, and optimal health for our female patients and to be efficient and encouraging while providing quality medical care. We understand the importance of women leading a healthy and productive life, and that is why we offer comprehensive treatments and services which includes well woman exams, birth control, menopausal issues, UTI’s, cancer, osteoporosis, anemia and interstitial cystitis.
Gynecology
Gynecology, literally meaning “the science of women”, is the branch of medicine dealing with the female reproductive system, including the uterus, vagina and ovaries. Thanks to many advances in modern medicine and technology, procedures, equipment, and diagnoses in gynecology, treatments are remarkably more effective and efficient than ever before.
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Pap Smears
A Pap smear or test is performed to test women for cervical cancer. By collecting cells from your cervix, your doctor can run tests to determine if cancer cells are present or not. Early detection increases your chance for curing cervical cancer.
An abnormal Pap smear could indicate a number of things such as an infection, sexually transmitted disease, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) or even dysplasia, which are abnormal cells that can be pre-cancerous. It is important to remember that these are just indications of what could possibly cause an abnormal Pap smear. Further tests are needed to determine if there is an actual problem or not.
We recommend women begin getting annual Pap smears at the age of 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active.
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Colposcopy
A colposcopy is performed for a close examination of the cervix and vagina to specifically look for signs of disease. Colposcopies are usually performed to help diagnose conditions such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, cervicitis, genital warts or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix or vagina. Using a microscope device, your doctor will take an extensive look at your cervix and possibly use some vinegar-water to make any abnormal areas be more noticeable. If questionable areas are noticed, a biopsy may be taken for further testing. This will feel like a pinch and may cause some mild cramping.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as Ibuprofen, may be taken to alleviate any discomfort associated with the cramping during the procedure.
Light bleeding or colored discharged may be present following the procedure. Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse for at least one week.
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Cryocautery
Cryocautery is one treatment for cervical abnormalities. In this procedure, nitrous oxide is used to freeze the area where the abnormal cells appear, thus destroying the abnormal tissue. With cryocautery, there is less discomfort with the cold temperature and no infections of the cervix as a result. After the procedure, you may experience a very heavy, watery discharge that may last up to a month. If the area is large or the abnormalities are severe, this would not be recommended for treatment.
To ensure that the abnormal cells have not returned, you need to have a repeat pap smear three to four months after the procedure.
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