"In our practice the patient's care always comes first. We are always striving to improve the medical care the patients receive and the warm caring environment where we deliver that care."
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 Annual exams are recommended for all women who are sexually active or plan on becoming sexually active, or who are 21 years old. During the exam, the gynecologist will examine your breasts and pelvic organs for abnormalities that might indicate HPV, or other problems. If you have a Pap smear, he or she will brush some tissue from your cervix, and the sample will then be tested for the presence of pre-cancerous cells.
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Some gynecologic problems we treat that are common among teens include:
- Menstrual irregularities & missed periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Menstrual cramps
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Delayed first period
- Breast lumps
- Uneven breast growth
- Vaginal discharge
- Excessive hair growth
- Gardasil
- HPV
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 The term “osteoporosis” comes from the Greek words for “bone” and “porous.” It is a disease characterized by increasing bone loss which can lead to fractures, height loss and a hump-backed appearance. It is more common than heart attacks, stroke and breast cancer combined. One in two women over the age of 65 will suffer at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis.
A simple, painless bone density test can determine whether you already have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
The most serious risk for people with osteoporosis is hip fracture following a fall. But osteoporotic bones are so weak that it doesn't’t always require a fall to cause injury – even everyday activities can result in a fracture. Spinal compression fractures, for example, are the most common osteoporotic-related injury and can be triggered simply by bending over.
Contrary to popular opinion, osteoporosis is not a natural result of aging. It is preventable. Therefore all women – especially those at a higher risk for developing the disease – should talk to their doctors about keeping their bones healthy. Preventative methods are especially important because osteoporosis is not curable.
Am I at risk for developing osteoporosis?
You have a higher risk of suffering from osteoporosis if you:
- Are going through or have gone through menopause
- Are white or Asian
- Are thin
- Have family members or a family history of osteoporosis
- Have insufficient calcium or vitamin D intake
- Do not exercise
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Take long-term bone-thinning medications.
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 Many women going through menopause experience uncomfortable symptoms as their bodies produce less and less estrogen. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, irritability, vaginal dryness and thinning bones (osteoporosis). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of estrogen and progesterone, can ease these discomforts until natural hormone levels stabilize. HRT is not appropriate for every woman, and treatment may lead to health problems including blood clots, heart attacks, and breast and endometrial cancer. To reduce the risk of developing these or other complications, hormones should be taken in the lowest effective doses and for the shortest time needed. Talk with your doctor about whether HRT is right for you.
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Endometriosis is a genetic condition wherein the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows in abnormal places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic walls. There are a variety of treatments for endometriosis, ranging from medication to surgery. Surgeries include laparoscopy, ultrasonic ablation and electrocautery.
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Gynecologic surgeons were pioneers in developing laparoscopic surgery – a minimally invasive technique that uses an electronic device called a laparoscope to allow surgeons to see inside patients and perform procedures without making large incisions. Laparoscopic techniques can be used in correcting incontinence and prolapse and in performing procedures such as hysterectomy.
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