GYN VISIT

Topics that may be covered during an unwell visit outside of your yearly exam may include:

Abnormal Bleeding (AUB)

  • Bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex

  • Heavy bleeding during your period or in-between periods

  • Menstrual cycles that are longer than 38 days or shorter than 24 days

  • “Irregular” periods in which cycle length varies by more than 7–9 days

  • Bleeding after menopause

Underlying causes of AUB are wide and varied but I work with you to investigate all pathologies by taking a full history, symptomology, and using diagnostic testing as needed. Some common causes of AUB include, but are not limited to:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

  • Uterine fibroids or polyps

  • Endometriosis

  • Infection of the vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes

  • Intrauterine device (IUD) problems

  • Certain types of medications

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs that are available for screening include:

  • Herpes (HSV)

  • Hepatitis (Hep B)

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhea

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  • Syphilis (RPR)

Vaginal, Vulvar and Urinary Tract Health

Common vaginal conditions that I treat include:

  • Vaginal candidiasis or yeast infection

  • Bacterial vaginosis

  • Trichomoniasis

  • Urinary tract infections

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy prior to 20 weeks gestation. It is estimated that 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage although the actual number could be more than that, since it’s possible for someone to miscarry before they are even aware that they are pregnant. Miscarriages and the grief they elicit can be devastating experiences for some. Should you experience a loss in my care, I am available for emotional support and medical guidance. I can provide resources for grief counseling professionals and/or support groups as needed as well as process genetic testing on products of conception (POC) if tissue was saved and you are inclined to know if genetic aboramilies were part of your experience. I am also available for follow up labs and other necessary tests.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as bleeding from the uterus that differs in frequency, regularity, duration, or amount from normal uterine bleeding in the absence of pregnancy. Oftentimes, finding the cause of AUB is a time-consuming and frustrating process. Examples of this type of bleeding include:

Sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial or viral infections that are spread via contact with vaginal, oral or anal orifices. Some of these infections present with minimal symptoms or you may not even know you are infected until screening results come back positive. Nevertheless, without treatment many of these infections have the potential to become disease processes and lead to a state of imbalance or damage to internal organs.

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that is constantly balancing a state of equilibrium. Maintaining a perfect state of health is not always possible especially when that equilibrium is compromised by an imbalance in the microbiome. An overgrowth of vaginal flora and yeast can cause unpleasant itches and malodors. It can also cause discomfort and lead to more chronic disease states. As your midwife, I am trained to evaluate and diagnose abnormal conditions that come up using certain criteria, including Amsel criteria, and subsequently develop a treatment protocol using homeopathic, herbal or pharmaceutical methods depending on the specific disease state, lab results and your personal preference.