The board-certified gynecologist, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants here at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett take our responsibility as educators very seriously. Reproductive health concerns can be very complicated and difficult to talk about. However, providing women with the knowledge they need to better understand these issues is a critical part of our job. This is why we are always happy to answer any questions, no matter how small they may seem. Below are a few helpful questions and answers on various topics pertaining to women’s health and wellness including birth control, Pap testing, and yeast infections.
Question #1: Is it possible to remove or undo long-term birth control methods?
Here at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we offer different long-term birth control options for women including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants. However, all of these methods can be safely and easily removed if a woman changes her mind about her preferred birth control method or wants to try to become pregnant.
Question #2: How often should I have Pap testing performed to screen for cervical cancer?
The regularity with which a woman should have Pap testing performed depends on her age and medical history. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women between the ages of 21–29 have a Pap test done at least once every 3 years. For women between 30–65, a combined Pap test and HPV test is recommended every 3-5 years. However, there is value in having it done annually, especially for women with a family history of cervical cancer or a previous Pap test that showed precancerous cells.
Question #3: How are yeast infections diagnosed?
If a woman experiences common symptoms associated with yeast infections, including itching, burning, redness, and an irregular vaginal discharge, it’s important to see a reproductive healthcare professional. Self-diagnosing, even for women with a history of yeast infections, is rarely accurate and a professional diagnosis is still required. In our office, we will perform a pelvic exam and take a vaginal sample to examine under a microscope to perform a culture. This can effectively determine if an infection (and what type of infection) is present and allow us to find the correct course of treatment.
We hope our readers found these questions and answer informative and reassuring. We understand that many women will have additional questions of their own. That’s why we always take the time during appointments to address any questions, concerns, or curiosities women may have. For more information or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. And follow along with us on Facebook and our medical spa, MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics, on Instagram.
