Women’s Health Care

An annual physical or annual exam is basically a yearly visit to your doctor to make sure that your overall health is good and you don’t have any medical problems that you are unaware of.  This includes screening for gynecologic cancers. A women’s exam includes a breast exam and pelvic exam.  If you are under the age of 21 and not sexually active you will not likely receive a pelvic exam.  Your provider will explain what will occur during the exam and request consent prior to proceeding.  If you have any concerns or questions, it is important to communicate with your provider.  Our staff is here to help you have the most comfortable experience possible.   

Pap smears may be recommended at your annual exam.  Most women think an annual or pelvic exam equal having a pap smear.  They are often performed at the same time, but not always.  A pap smear is not required prior to age 21.  Due to the advances in technology and the addition of HPV, yearly pap testing is no longer recommended for everyone. It may be recommended every 3-5 years depending on your history and symptoms.  Just because you aren’t recommended to have a pap smear annually, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get an annual/pelvic exam.  An annual checkup is important to your health and wellbeing.

There are many reasons why hormones might be abnormal during a woman’s life. These include puberty, peri menopause and menopause. Other conditions can cause hormone imbalances such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature menopause, and other health conditions. If your periods are abnormal, you are experiencing hot flashes or mood changes it could mean that your hormones are “off.” Having an evaluation and testing when indicated can help discover the cause or at least if hormones are contributing.   Supplementing hormones may be appropriate.  Non-hormonal management of a hormonal issue may be a better course of action at times.  Whatever the cause or treatment we can help you feel your best. 

Bleeding abnormalities affect many women. It may interfere with your lifestyle or be a sign of a bigger problem. It is not normal for your periods to be closer than every 21 days or further than 36 days from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. It is also not normal to bleed longer than 7-10 days.  Bleeding between periods and bleeding with or after sex are also abnormal. If this is occurring, you should be evaluated. You don’t need to live with long, irregular and/or heavy periods. Treatment options depend on the cause of the bleeding.  We have many treatments that can help you enjoy your life without the interruption of a heavy period. 

We offer the full range of contraceptive options at Southern Oregon Gynecology. Every woman has individual plans for fertility, periods and lifestyle.  Women are unique in their ability to tolerate different methods. We can discuss all options with you to discover the best fit. There are both hormonal and nonhormonal options. Long acting contraceptives or LARCs offer reliable contraception that you do not need to think about on a daily basis. These include IUDs – both hormonal and non-hormonal and the Nexplanon implant. Other options include birth control pills, patches and rings.  These require regular action from the user to be effective. Depo Provera is an injection that is administered every 10-12 weeks. The newest addition is Phexxi which is a vaginal Ph modulator. Diaphragms are available as well and can be fitted at our office. And of course, there are condoms. These can be used with all methods and are recommended to prevent sexually transmitted infections. 

Gynecologic cancer screening is included in the “annual exam”. Suspicion for cancer may be detected based on symptoms or during an exam.  Additional testing may be recommended.

We live in exciting times for genetic testing. It is now affordable and available for almost everyone. If you have a strong family history of cancer, we will likely recommend genetic testing. This is done in the office. If the results are positive, you will be connected with a genetic counselor.  We will develop a prevention program with you.

Many vulvar and vaginal issues go unrecognized, ignored or misdiagnosed. It is not normal to have chronic irritation, itching, discomfort or pain. If you suspect you have a problem it should be evaluated.  Sometimes a biopsy is needed to adequately diagnose then appropriately treat.

There are many things you can do to maintain vulvar and vaginal health throughout your life. These include avoiding soaps and irritating products, diagnosing problems appropriately, and treating the changes associated with menopause. 

We offer screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Some STIs present with symptoms but many do not. In order to optimally screen for infections, it is important to undergo a visual exam of the genitals as well as both swab testing and blood tests. This can be accomplished during an annual exam or at a special appointment if you have symptoms, a new partner, or suspect infidelity. It is important to detect and treat STIs early to avoid further spreading and potential chronic health problems.