Gynecology Specialist

When should adolescents meet the providers at the Center for Women’s Health?

The team at the Center for Women’s Health encourages parents to schedule an appointment for their teens after they’ve started to menstruate or between the ages of 13-15 years. Don’t panic: Your teen’s first visit does not include a pelvic exam unless there’s a problem or she’s sexually active and needs birth control.

A teen’s first gynecological visit is used to introduce her to our team, help her feel comfortable, and simply assess her overall health. She will also have the opportunity to talk about her concerns, whether they’re about personal hygiene, diet, weight, or sexual health.

When should you get routine well-woman care?

Women should get their first pelvic exam and Pap test at age 21 (if they haven’t already had a full gynecologic exam). From this age on, yearly well-woman exams ensure you stay healthy and prevent problems through routine screenings.

Well-woman exams also give you the opportunity to talk with the providers at the Center for Women’s Health. We’re here to answer your questions about any aspect of your physical and emotional health, lifestyle, or relationship concerns.

Services typically included in a well-woman exam include:

• Weight measurement
• Blood pressure check
• Breast and pelvic exam
• Pap smear to test for cervical cancer
• HPV screening
• Birth control prescription
• Nutrition counseling
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
• Immunizations as needed
• Blood tests (as needed) for cholesterol, glucose, and hormone levels

You should get a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer every three years between the ages of 21-29 years and every five years from 30-66.

Do gynecologic services change after menopause?

Basic gynecologic care remains vital during and after menopause. Women still need pelvic and breast examinations to screen for age-related issues such as cancer, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, and common vaginal conditions.

Full menopause services are available from your providers at the Center for Women’s Health. Women may begin to experience hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms in their 40s, when levels of estrogen begin to fluctuate. The symptoms continue after menopause.

When women reach menopause, the drop in estrogen also increases their risk for weight gain and chronic diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease. We’re here to help you find relief. You can count on us to protect your health by screening for menopause-related health concerns.