Four Seasons Women’s Health provides expert medical care for all gynecological needs regardless of age.
Routine or yearly exams
Pap smears and cervical cancer screening
Adolescent Gynecology
STD screenings
Contraceptive counseling
HPV vaccine
Adolescent Gynecology
Four Seasons Women’s Health provides expert medical care to adolescents with gynecologic needs. Our physicians are all females, so even our youngest patients can feel comfortable discussing their health concerns with us. We offer a wide range of services for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of adolescents with gynecologic disorders including, but not limited to: preventive health and guidance for teens and parents, menstrual problems, sexual health, infections, injuries, pain and pregnancy.
Routine and Yearly Examinations
Routine exams are normally performed once-a-year. They can include a breast exam and pap smear. An annual exam establishes a base line of your health. It is a means to detect and treat any new or ongoing health problems as well as to help prevent new problems from developing.
Pap Smears and Cervical Cancer Screening
A Pap test is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix/vaginal cuff. During a Pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix/vaginal cuff is collected and sent to a lab for testing. The cells are examined for abnormalities. The recommended Pap testing schedule is based on your age and on medical conditions that can increase your risk.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screenings
STDs are infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. Many STDS have no symptoms, but can still be passed from person to person. STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Fortunately, many STDs can be prevented by using condoms and most STDs can be successfully treated. The only way to know your status is to have regular STD screenings and limiting sexual contacts.
Contraception Counseling
There are many options when considering birth control/contraception. To select the method that is best suited to your needs and those needs of your partner, you should consult your Four Seasons Women’s Health physician.
- Condoms – This option is a barrier form of birth control. A condom blocks sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are the only form of protection that can help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are available for both men and women.
- Birth Control Pills – This is an oral form of contraception. Birth control pills generally contain two hormones which when taken daily prevent a women from releasing eggs.
- IUD – This option is a device that delivers small amounts of a hormone directly to the uterus. An IUD remains in the uterus and its effects can last up to 5 years. The placement of the device is done during your office visit. When a patient wants to become pregnant, your physician will remove the device and you may try to become pregnant immediately. Another option is available which does not release hormones and can last up to 10 years. Please talk to your physician to see which option is best for you.
- NuvaRing – This option is a soft and flexible ring that is worn in the vagina. NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina and then removed after 3 weeks. A new ring is then inserted 4-7 days later. The hormones are similar to those contained in birth control pills however they are absorbed directly into the blood stream through the vaginal wall.
- Diaphragm – This option is a thin rubber dome device. It holds spermacide in place. To maximize the effectiveness of the diaphragm it should be in place for 6 to 8 hours. A diaphragm must be fitted by your physician but it is inserted into the vagina by the patient. It should be checked periodically to verify that it is fitting properly.
- Patch – In this option a patient wears the patch on the skin. The hormones are the same type as those found in the pill however thye are absorbed through the skin.
- Implant - This option is a flexible rod about the size of a matchstick. It is placed under the skin of the arm. Implants can last up to three years. When a patient wants to become pregnant, your physician will remove the device and you may try to become pregnant immediately.
- Shots – This option is an injection that must be taken once every three months to prevent pregnancy effectively. The shot contains synthetic progesterone that stops the ovary from releasing the egg. It is injected into the arm or hip.
- Tubal Ligation – This option is discussed in detail under Sterilization.
HPV Vaccine
A high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer. In women older than 30, an HPV test may be done at the same time as a Pap test. If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV immunization to prevent infection with the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer and HPV that can cause genital warts. This vaccine is given through a series of three injections.
Hormone Therapy
As women age, the amount of estrogen that they produce decreases. This can cause unwanted side effects such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, insomnia and night sweats. Low estrogen levels also contribute to osteoporosis. Our physicians can help you select an option to fit your lifestyle and needs.
To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, please call our office at 903.533.8811 or use our online Request an Appointment form. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure, please visit our Health Glossary.