It is very important for a woman to have annual gynecological exams with a Pap Smear after she becomes sexually active. An initial or annual gynecological examination will include the following:
l A short discussion about the nature of the appointment as well as past medical and
family history.
lBreast exam as well as instructions on how to do it once a month.
lExternal examination of the patient’s lower abdomen, during which the clinician checks for any pain the patient might be experiencing and/or enlargements of certain parts of the female reproductive system.
lPelvic examination includes a general overview of the external and internal genitalia making sure everything looks normal and that the patient is free of any lesions and/or bumps.
lThe pap smear is a screening test for cancer of the cervix as well as vaginal and viral infections. A pap smear should be done once a year after a woman becomes sexually active.
lThe bimanual exam is the last portion of the gynecological exam.
Birth Control Services
Birth Control Options: We offer a variety of birth control options, including Birth Control Pills, Depo-Provera (The Shot), Ortho Evra (The Patch), Nuva Ring (The Vaginal Ring), Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and IUD.
Birth Control Pills
Most birth control pills contain two female hormones-estrogen and progesterone. These hormones prevent pregnancy mainly by turning off the message to the ovary to release an egg. The pill also causes the cervical mucus to thicken making it difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix to fertilize the egg. When taken correctly the pill is 99% effective.
REMEMBER, THE PILL DOES NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST HIV OR STD’s!
Depo Provera
Depo Provera is an injection of progestin given by a healthcare professional every 12-13 weeks. The progestin stops release of the egg from the ovary. Depo Provera is effective 24 hours after the initial injection.
REMEMBER DEPO PROVERA DOES NOT PROTECT YOU
AGAINST HIV OR STDs!
Nuva Ring
NuvaRing is a flexible, contraceptive vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy by releasing two hormones-estrogen and progestin, which signal the ovaries not to release an egg. You insert the ring into your vaginal canal and leave it there for 3 weeks. You remove the ring during week 4 (that is when your period is expected).
REMEMBER, NUVARING DOES NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST HIV OR STDs!
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a shallow, rubber cup, and is placed over the cervix. The diaphragm protects against pregnancy for up to 6 hours after insertion and should remain in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse. It should not be worn longer than 24 hours.
REMEMBER, THE DIAPHRAGM DOES NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST HIV OR STDs!
Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped, latex cup. It is placed directly covering the cervix and should remain in place for at least 8 hours after intercourse and can remain in place for up to 48 hours.
REMEMBER, THE CERVICAL CAP DOES NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST HIV OR STDs!
The IUD (Intrauterine Device)
The IUD is a small device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. It works by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. IUDs are effective for 1 to 10 years, depending on the type. The IUD is an ideal method of birth control for women who need semi-permanent, reversible, yet effective contraception.
REMEMBER, THE IUD DOES NOT PROTECT YOU AGAINST HIV OR STDs!
Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill)
Emergency Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or after an incident where the condom broke or slipped off during intercourse. The first dose needs to be taken within 72 hours after the incident in question; the second dose needs to be taken 12 hours later after the first dose. The effectiveness of emergency contraception varies; depending on the type and brand of emergency contraception prescribed.
In order to receive Emergency Contraception from Access Health Center, a patient needs to schedule a Gynecological Exam and Pap Smear. Please call Access Health Center at (630) 964-0000 for more information and ask to speak to a Health Educator.
STD Testing and Treatment
You should always protect yourself from exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases by practicing abstinence or using latex condoms during intercourse. You should limit the number of partners you have and know their sexual histories. If you feel you have been exposed to STDs, you should seek testing and treatment to prevent yourself from long term complications and spreading.
Access Health Center offers testing and treatment for the following: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and PID.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STD. It is treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it could cause serious health problems in women like PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which could lead to infertility (inability to get pregnant). If left untreated in men, it could also lead to infertility because the bacteria may spread to the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) and cause scarring. Curvature of the penis may also occur.
Symptoms for Gonorrhea include:
* Yellowish vaginal or penile discharge
* Painful or frequent urination
* Painful intercourse
* Itching or soreness in the genitals
* Often, no symptoms appear
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is also a common STD and is treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it could cause serious health problems in women like PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) which could lead to infertility (inability to get pregnant). If left untreated in men, it could lead to a painful infection that can require hospitalization, permanent damage to the reproductive organs, and the inability to have children.
Symptoms for Chlamydia include:
Females:
* Any vaginal itching or yellowish discharge
* Pain and/or spotting with intercourse
* External tenderness in the vaginal area
* Sever pelvic pain with fever
* Pain with urination
* Often, there are no symptoms
Males:
* Burning or itching around the opening of the penis
* Yellowish discharge from the penis
* Pain or burning with urination
* Pain or swelling of the scrotum
* Often, there are no symptoms
Syphilis
Syphilis is a well-known bacterial STD that is treated with antibiotics. There are three stages to syphilis:
Stage one: * Painless red sores called chancres in and around the genitals * Swollen lymph nodes
Stage two: * Skin rash, which often appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
Stage three: * Heart, nervous system, and other internal organs may be affected
Without treatment, the symptoms may go away. However, the disease remains in the body and may cause severe health problems, even death.
Trichomonas
Trichomonas is a highly contagious STD for both men and women. It is treated with antibiotics and is curable. Although it can be asymptomatic (meaning no symptoms are present), it is often associated with the following symptoms:
* Greenish-yellow discharge that may have a foul smell
* Patchy rash in the genital area
* Irritation and soreness in the genital area and thighs
* Painful intercourse and urination
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes has become one of the most common STDs in the country. It is spread by skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse. Symptoms of genital herpes usually occur within 2 to 10 days of sexual contact and can last for up to 2 to 3 weeks. However, some people who are exposed to this virus may never experience an outbreak. Symptoms may include:
* Tingling, burning, or itching in the genital area
* Small painful blisters on the genitals and/or buttocks
* Headache, fever, malaise
* Burning or stinging during urination
There is no known cure for genital herpes. However, there are medications that can make the outbreaks less severe and less frequent.
Genital Warts
Genital Warts are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and are spread from person to person through direct vaginal, anal, or oral contact. Symptoms of Genital Warts include:
* Painless, fleshy, cauliflower-like growths that grow singly or in groups
* Genital warts may be found on the external genitals, but may also appear in the vagina or anal canal where they are less visible and less easily detected.
There is no cure for genital warts. They can be removed, but they often come back. Removal includes surgical methods or topical chemical treatments like TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid).
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a viral and potentially deadly STD. It can be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B is more common and more transmissible than HIV. Symptoms include:
* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
* Fatigue (feeling tired)
* Pain in the abdomen
* Nausea
* Vomiting
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Hepatitis B. This infection is very serious and it can cause chronic hepatitis, severe liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. However, it can be prevented through a series of vaccinations. These vaccinations are recommended for people with multiple sex partners, people who have been previously diagnosed with a STD, users of illegal drugs, people traveling to certain foreign countries, and health care workers.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). You may be at risk for Hepatitis C if you:
* Were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for Hepatitis C
* Have ever injected illegal drugs, even if it was many years ago
* Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992
* Were a recipient of a clotting factor made before 1987
* Have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
* Have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels in the blood)
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, either alone or together, are common causes of PID. This disease is one of the major causes of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (where pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus), and chronic pelvic pain.
PID should be treated immediately with antibiotics. When the condition is severe, a woman with PID may be hospitalized.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and is one of the deadliest of all STDs. This virus can be passed from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, usually semen or blood. On an average it takes about 10 years for HIV to progress to AIDS.
Symptoms of HIV:
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Extreme fatigue
* Swollen lymph nodes (lumps in armpits, neck, groin)
* Fever
* Pneumonia
* Severe outbreaks of herpes
* Cancer of the lymph nodes or immune system
The HIV virus kills the cells of the immune system reducing a person’s defense against opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS and it is almost always fatal. However, there are treatments available that can help slow the deterioration of the immune system.
Breast Exams
Access Health Center has many physicians and clinicians on staff that can evaluate a suspicious lump or mass in the breast. Early detection is the key to preventing breast cancer and performing Self-Breast examinations on a monthly basis is strongly recommended.
Menstrual Disorders
Dysmenorrhea is pain associated with menstruation (menstrual cramps). It is very common and occurs in almost all women. Pain occurs typically in the lower abdomen and lower back. It begins just before or at the onset of menstrual flow and usually lasts from a few hours to one day or more. Pain is frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, and frequent bowel movements with intestinal cramping. A woman may also experience dizziness and fainting.
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. It is a normal condition before sexual maturity, during pregnancy, after menopause, and during the intermenstrual phase of the monthly hormonal cycle. When it is abnormal, it can be caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, or the uterus.
Menorrhagia is a condition when menstrual periods are abnormally heavy or long. It usually occurs occasionally during the reproductive years of most women’s lives.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
PMDD is the intense mood and physical symptoms that happen the week or two before your period and reoccur month after month. These symptoms include:
PMDD can interfere with your daily activities and relationships. It can be frustrating, tiring, or even isolating. Many doctors believe that PMDD may be caused by an imbalance of a chemical in the body called Serotonin. Fortunately, there are medications that can help with the symptoms of PMDD.
Surgical Consultations
Access Health Center offers surgical consultations for: Colposcopy with Biopsy, Laser Surgery for Genital Warts, Tubal Ligation, Hysteroscopy, Hernia Repair, Hemorrhoid Diagnosis & Treatment, Mole Removal, Incision & Drainage, Vasectomy and much more!
Colposcopy with Biopsy
This is a special method of examining the cervix and surrounding tissue. An instrument called a colposcope magnifies the cervix approximately fifteen times allowing the physician to see more than what is normally visible to the naked eye during a routine pelvic exam. A biopsy is taking a small pinch of tissue and sending it to a lab for pathology. The physician may recommend a colposcopy/biopsy for a number of reasons. The most common reasons include an abnormal Pap Smear result, cervical abnormalities, or a history of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus- the virus that causes Genital Warts).
Laser Surgery
Access Health Center offers consultation for laser removal of Genital Warts for males and females.
Tubal Ligation
A sterilization procedure that involves sealing off the fallopian tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. The fallopian tubes are sealed, tied, or clamped.
Bone Density (Osteoporosis) Screening
Osteoporosis is abnormal loss of bone density. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
* Female
* Existing bone fracture
* Small thin body frame
* Family history
* Removal of the ovaries
* Alcohol and tobacco use
* Early menopause
* Low calcium diet
* Lack of exercise
* Eating disorders
* Certain medicines (such as steroids or anticonvulsants)
* Depo Provera use
