FAQ's - Gynecologic
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GYNECOLOGIC QUESTIONS & ISSUES
When should I have my first gynecology exam and/or Pap test?
When should I have my first gynecology exam and/or Pap test?
Gynecology exams and Pap tests begin at age 21. We are happy to see younger women to discuss contraception, screening for sexually transmitted infections, or any other gynecologic concerns or questions.
What should I do if I think I have a vaginal infection or urinary tract infection?
What should I do if I think I have a vaginal infection or urinary tract infection?
Please call our office for an appointment. Generally, same day appointments are available. Infections can have varying symptoms and it is important to be evaluated by your provider to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment
What should I do if I forget to take a birth control pill?
What should I do if I forget to take a birth control pill?
If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, take two pills at the same time.
If you miss two days, take two pills for the next two days and use a back-up method of contraception such as condoms for the remainder of the pill pack. Be aware that taking two pills can sometimes cause nausea.
Missing pills or taking pills late can sometimes result in very light vaginal bleeding and can also decrease the efficacy of your birth control. Try to take your pills at the same time every day so you are less likely to forget. Setting a daily reminder on your phone may help you remember.
If you consistently have trouble remembering to take your pills on time, talk to your provider about alternative methods of contraception.
Can I get an Intrauterine Device (IUD)?
Can I get an Intrauterine Device (IUD)?
Intrauterine contraception is highly effective, long acting, and rapidly reversible. It is a safe option for most women. Ideal candidates are women who desire long-term contraception, are not planning pregnancy for at least a year, are in mutually monogamous long term sexual relationships, and desire non-estrogen methods. Both Paragard and Mirena IUDs are available in our office. They are inserted during your period, preferably on the heaviest day. If you recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, you will not be menstruating and can schedule the insertion on any day.
I recently started hormonal birth control and am having irregular bleeding. Is this normal?
I recently started hormonal birth control and am having irregular bleeding. Is this normal?
You can expect spotting or light bleeding for the first three to four months after starting hormonal contraception such as birth control pills, Nuvaring, Mirena, and Implanon/Nexplanon. This is a common side effect, not harmful, and should improve with time. It does not mean that your contraception is not working. Sometimes, women miss their period completely when using hormonal contraception. As long as you have been using it correctly, there is no concern about this either.
Should I take the morning after pill?
Should I take the morning after pill?
Emergency contraception, also called the morning after pill, helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It should be taken as soon as possible because the sooner you take it the better it works. It can be taken for up to five days after the incident, but it is more effective in the first 72 hours. It is available over the counter for women 17 years or older. A prescription is necessary if you are 16 or under. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not affect or abort an existing pregnancy.
Can I have a pap test if I have my period?
Can I have a pap test if I have my period?
You can have a pap test when you have your period as long as the flow is not heavy. However, whenever possible, please try to schedule your pap test visit when you do not have your period.
Should I be tested for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
Should I be tested for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
HPV is a very common virus for women in their twenties and is usually only significant if a Pap test becomes abnormal or if HPV persists consistently after age thirty. Starting at age thirty, women should have a Pap test along with testing for HPV.
Should I get the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (Gardisil)?
Should I get the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (Gardisil)?
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is administered to females and males age 9-26 in three doses over a six month period. The Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend routine HPV vaccination to girls at age 11 or 12. The vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual activity) and produces higher antibody when given at this age compared to older ages. Girls and women age 13-26 can still receive the vaccine if they have not previously. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.
HPV can cause genital warts, precancerous lesions of the cervix & vagina, and cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine helps protect against diseases caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. These four types of HPV cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. However, because there are more than 100 types of HPV, the vaccine will not protect against all HPV types. The vaccine will also not protect against HPV types to which you have already been exposed. However, since exposure to all four HPV types prevented by the vaccine is unlikely, vaccination may still provide some benefit. Vaccination does not eliminate completely the chance of developing precancerous or cancerous lesions of the cervix, so it is still imperative that routine Pap testing continues.
The HPV vaccine is administered in three doses. The second dose is given two months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first one. If the second or third doses are not given at those exact intervals, they can be given at any time and the earlier doses do not need to be repeated. Insurance companies will only pay for doses completed by the 27th birthday.
How often do I need a Pap test?
How often do I need a Pap test?
Pap testing begins at age 21. Between ages 21 and 30, Pap tests are performed approximately every two to three years. Beginning at age 30, Paps with testing for human papilloma virus are performed every three years. Based on an individual patient's history, these intervals may change. Please discuss your recommended interval with your practitioner. Pap tests are not performed after age 65 except under unusual circumstances.
Even though you may not need a Pap test annually, you may still schedule a yearly gynecologic exam. A breast and pelvic exam will be performed, prescriptions refilled, referrals provided as needed, as well as any other concerns addressed.
What should I do if I think I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
What should I do if I think I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Call our office for an appointment. Early treatment helps to minimize long-term effects of STIs. Avoid sexual contact until you are treated. Some STIs may have mild or no symptoms at all so intermittent screening can be beneficial.
Will I know if I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Will I know if I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No, not necessarily. Many sexually transmitted infections may have mild or no symptoms and can be transmitted without knowing. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
What should I do if I miss my period?
What should I do if I miss my period?
If you are sexually active and could be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or call us for an appointment.
If you are using hormonal contraception, skipping periods may be a side effect of your contraceptive method.
If you are not on any medication and have not had a period for three months, please call our office for an appointment.
When should I get my first mammogram?
When should I get my first mammogram?
The American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening mammography starting age 50.
If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer due to personal or family history, mammograms before age 40 may be indicated, as well as other enhanced screening such as breast MRIs. Mammogram screening ends at age 75.
Please discuss with your provider when you should have a mammogram.
What can I do about my menopausal symptoms?
What can I do about my menopausal symptoms?
Downtown Women has experienced providers with special interest in the treatment of menopause, including lifestyle strategies, the use of bioidentical hormones, and conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Please call our office to schedule a consultation if you would like more information.
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
2280 South Church Street; Suite 201; Burlington, NC 27215