Some of our other services and procedures include:
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Helps diagnose unexplained pain in the abdomen or pelvis, patients having difficulty getting pregnant, or patients that may have cysts or other masses in the pelvis or on the female organs.
Affirm Test
is a vaginal swab which quickly and reliably distinguishes among three common causes of vaginal infections.
Colposcopy
Helps diagnose cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer), typically discovered through PAP testing. Cervical dysplasia is caused the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Patients with moderate to severe dysplasia may require an office procedure called Loop Excision of the Cervix.
Bone Density Testing
Women usually begin losing bone mass after the age of 30. Following menopause, which typically occurs around age 50, bone density drops rapidly. Women lose an average of 25% of their bone density during the first 5 years following menopause.
More than half of women in their 50s experience a considerable amount of bone loss, and 30% of women over the age of 55 will be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
This increase in bone loss has been attributed to the sharp decline in estrogen production by the ovaries following menopause. Women who have had their ovaries removed surgically are also at risk for bone loss due to declining estrogen levels.
Decreased bone density increases the risk of fractures in the bones, especially in the hips, spine and wrists
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to decrease the risks of declining estrogen in numerous clinical trials. Other drugs and treatments are effective in preventing fractures, and calcium and vitamin D supplements are important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends bone density testing for all women over age 65. Women should also be tested if they have one or more of the following risk factors: prior fracture, smoking, alcohol use, infrequent exercise, petite build, family history, or early menopause.
Bone Density screening is performed in the office and is pain-free. Ask your Matlock provider if this test is right for you.