Gynecological Services: With You All the Way
Annual gynecological exams are an important part of maintaining health for women of all ages. You’ll be screened for various conditions based on your age, risk factors, family history and medical background. Depending on your age and profile, your visit to Matlock OB/GYN may include:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- PAP test (Thin-Prep, Liquid PAP available)
- Urinalysis
- Pelvic and breast examinations
- Contraceptive counseling (including IUD placement)
- Mammography referral
- Bone density screening (the latest equipment is on site)
- Menopausal counseling (including Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Ongoing Well Patient Care
Annual examinations are an important part of health care maintenance for women of all ages. In addition to PAP testing, women are screened for various other medical conditions based on their age, risk factors, family history and medical background. Every patient is different, but all women will benefit from screening examinations. Based on age, these examinations may include the following components.
- Height and weight
- PAP test (age 19 or if sexually active)
- Urinalysis
- Contraceptive counseling
- Baseline Mammography 35-40*
- Blood pressure
- Pelvic and Breast Examinations
- Yearly Mammogram
- Bone Density Screening*
*Based on risk factors/ Ask your provider
Contraceptives/Birth Control
Implanon®: Birth Control You Don’t Have to Think About
The physicians at Matlock OB/GYN offer Implanon®, a new matchstick-size implantable contraceptive that is effective for up to three years. A small plastic rod is inserted under the skin on the inner side of a woman’s arm and the procedure is done in the Matlock OB/GYN offices.
Implanon® is made of a soft medical polymer and the implant continually releases a low, steady dose of progestin (etonogestrel) for a period of up to three years. After insertion, the small implant is generally not visible, making it a discreet method of birth control. It is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when implanted properly.
The FDA approved Implanon® in July 2006, and Matlock OB/GYN’s Dr. Kimberly Lefholz is one of the first physicians in the area to be certified by the manufacturer to perform the implant procedure. Only healthcare providers trained through programs sponsored by the manufacturer, OrganonUSA, are able to offer Implanon®.
Implanon® is ideal for women who don’t want to think about birth control every day, week or month because its effectiveness does not depend on patient self-administration. It’s also a good option for women who can’t use contraceptives containing estrogen. The implant can be removed at any time at the request of the user, after which the woman’s fertility returns to her pre-existing fertility level.
Implanon® is a trademark of Organon USA – Inc.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Intrauterine means “inside the uterus”. An IUD is a flexible plastic device that is inserted inside the uterus. At the bottom of the IUD is a polyethylene string. The copper wire changes the chemistry within the uterus and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
It can stay in the uterus for five-to-ten years. The IUD has proven to be highly effective (99%) at preventing pregnancy. The pregnancy rate with an IUD is as low as with having your “tubes tied”.
An IUD may be ideal for you if:
- you want a contraceptive method that is reliable
- you are at low-risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- you are breastfeeding
- you do not want to use hormonal methods such as the pill
It may not be for you if:
- you suffer from a health condition that affects your immune system
- you are allergic to copper
There are currently two IUDs available in the United States : the Copper-T and the Mirena IUD. The Copper-T can stay in the uterus for 10 years. The newest IUD,Mirena, can stay in the uterus for 5 years. Many patients will stop having menstrual periods after Mirena is placed. It is not harmful to stop menstruating while using Mirena and any women find this to be an enjoyable, positive side effect.
Side effects of an IUD are irregular bleeding or spotting (particularly in the first 3 months); increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in the first 3 months, expulsion of the IUD, and need for removal. An IUD does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. An IUD can be placed in the office by your doctor. Insertion causes minimal discomfort and usually requires little more than a speculum exam for placement. An IUD can be removed by your doctor at any time and there is no delay in your fertility after removal.