A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s health and the female reproductive system. This field of medicine focuses on providing care and treatments for conditions unique to women and their sexual health such as fertility, incontinence, and hormonal imbalances.

A few of the common services provided by gynecologists include cervical cancer and HPV screenings, testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, and contraceptive counseling.

• Cervical cancer and HPV screening

There are many strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), and some can lead to cervical cancer. A Pap smear performed every one to three years, depending on your age, can detect abnormal cells that may lead to cervical cancer.

• Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs)

Women often have no symptoms with an STD, so they might have an infection without knowing it. When left untreated, STDs can recur and have debilitating effects.

• Contraceptives counseling

Choosing a method of contraception that’s right for you involves several factors. Dr. Gorens can furnish the information you need to make an informed decision.

• Breast cancer screenings

Gynecologists also provide breast cancer screenings. Women over 20 should examine their breasts monthly for signs of pain, swelling, or lumps. If abnormalities are present, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Gorens. When you reach 40, you need an annual mammogram and clinical exam.

• Excessive menstrual bleeding

Also known as menorrhagia, excessive menstrual bleeding is a condition that involves blood loss and cramps that are so severe that they disrupt your daily activities.

You might have menorrhagia if you pass blood clots that are larger than a quarter, need to double your sanitary protection or have to change your pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a day.

Excessive menstrual bleeding can have a variety of causes, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Dr. Gorens gets to the bottom of your issue and recommends appropriate treatment to give you relief from your uncomfortable symptoms.

Dr. Gorens helps women manage thyroid disorders as part of an overall wellness plan, and your yearly gynecologic exam is the perfect time to monitor your thyroid blood work. She may also check your hormone levels any time you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to your thyroid.

If you’re due for an annual gynecologic exam or have a women’s health issue you’d like to discuss with Dr. Gorens, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Teenage women have questions about their bodies as they enter adulthood. Some become sexually active at a young age and can expose themselves to the risks of pregnancy and disease. A gynecological exam may seem overwhelming, and they may have concerns about confidentiality. Dr. Gorens treats her younger patients with special care and works hard to earn their trust over time. She strives to be the person they can turn to for confidential, professional advice. Women who have reached the age of 18 should have an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear. If the woman is not sexually active before the age of 18, then a full pelvic exam may not be necessary, but a modified pelvic exam is recommended. An exam for an adolescent includes a medical assessment and private consultation in which all her questions will be answered.

Breast Cancer affects one of every eight women at some point in their lives. The cause is not yet fully understood, but detection and prevention methods do exist. Each month, women above the age of 20 should examine their breasts for any sign of pain, swelling, or lumps. If abnormalities are found, they should schedule an appointment with the physician. If no abnormalities are present, a physician exam should be scheduled every 1-3 years. Women past the age of 40 need an annual mammogram and clinical exam. If you are unsure of proper methods for self-examination of the breasts, Dr. Gorens will be happy to educate you as part of a routine examination. 

There are many strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), and some can lead to Cervical cancer. Some strains are transmitted sexually. Routine testing can detect these viruses, and treatment is available. A Pap smear performed every one to three years can detect abnormal cells that may lead to cervical cancer. Women over 30 are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer and should have an HPV DNA test at the same time as the Pap smear to detect many of the HPVs that are associated with developing into cervical cancer. HPVs tend to go away in time, but women should be screened regularly to detect them and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. 

Choosing a method of contraception that is right for you involves weighing many factors, such as health, convenience, frequency, duration, age, and permanency. Dr. Gorens can furnish the information you need in order to make an informed choice. 

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IUDs have few side effects and provide long-term protection against pregnancy. They must be inserted and removed by a trained physician in order to be effective and to avoid complications. The physician must measure the cervix and uterus then insert the device to the proper depth. A removal string remains, but removal must be performed by a physician to prevent serious internal injuries.

Some young patients may have pelvic pain, vulvovaginitis, congenital malformations, or puberty disorders. They may need a preventive exam or treatment for a gynecologic problem. It is recommended that girls over the age of 13 have preventive examinations and consultations in order to establish a relationship of trust with the doctor. The visit begins with a consultation and evaluation with parent and child both present. If a medical exam is needed, Dr. Gorens is experienced and sensitive in working with patients of this age and will do everything to make sure that the visit is positive for the patient and not traumatic. 

Women usually have no symptoms when infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD,) so they may be infected without knowing it. Anyone with multiple sexual partners should be tested periodically, even if they are protecting themselves with condoms. Women should ask their partners about any history of STDs and seek testing and treatment if they even suspect they have been infected. Most STDs can be treated effectively, but some have no cure at this time. Gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Flare-ups of genital warts can be shortened with antiviral medications. HIV has no known cure, but can be treated effectively. Left untreated, STDs can recur and have debilitating effects, so patients are counseled to practice safe sex and seek testing frequently.

When you lose control of your bladder or have urinary leakage, you are experiencing incontinence. That's a common problem for women that can be mild or severe.

In some cases, only small amounts of urine may leak when you laugh or sneeze. In other cases, you may have a total loss of bladder control.

There are several types of urinary incontinence. The most common include:

• Urge: a frequent, sudden urge to urinate that makes it difficult to reach the bathroom in time; also called overactive bladder
• Stress: urine leakage from pressure on the abdomen like sneezing, coughing, or running
• Mixed: having both urge and stress urinary incontinence at the same time.

Physical conditions or medical problems can cause urinary incontinence, but it’s not a disease. Women are more prone to having incontinence because of several factors. Some of these include:

• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Hysterectomy
• Aging

Pelvic floor disorders, neurological disorders, obstructions, and specific diseases can also cause urinary incontinence. Additionally, urinary incontinence is sometimes a temporary condition caused by urinary tract infections, medications, certain beverages, and even spicy foods or chocolate.

Dr. Gorens performs a full physical examination and discusses your personal medical history to determine the cause of your urinary incontinence. Depending on your symptoms, she might also recommend additional imaging and bladder function tests.

Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Gorens might recommend:

• Lifestyle changes, like managing your fluid intake
• Physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor
• Bladder training to retrain your bladder muscles
• Medications to control muscle spasms and relax the bladder

Dr. Gorens might also suggest treatment that includes products from InControl® Medical. These FDA-cleared devices are designed to noninvasively correct incontinence by strengthening your pelvic floor and relaxing bladder muscles.

Some types of urinary incontinence are also treatable with surgery.

Your chances of developing urinary incontinence increase based on several factors including your family history, weight, and age. However, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risks. Some of these modifications include:

• Healthy weight management
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Eating a fiber-rich diet low in bladder irritants

Don’t let urinary incontinence control your life. Call Marsha E. Gorens, MD, or schedule an appointment online today to learn about the treatment options that are available.

Sexually transmitted disease or STD testing can check for any kind of infection using blood, urine, swab tests, or tissue samples. Most STDs are bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, and the most commonly tested for STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Genital herpes
• HIV
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Depending on your specific symptoms, your provider can also test for other less common STDs, including chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale. 

The team recommends a testing schedule appropriate for your situation. In general, you need STD testing if you have symptoms such as:

• New genital discharge
• Genital pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Pelvic area pain
• Fever
• Genital itchiness or burning
• Genital skin changes, including bumps, sores, or other growths

If you have sex with anyone who’s tested positive for an STD, or who has active symptoms of an STD, schedule a test as soon as possible. 

The following guidelines also exist for STD testing, regardless of sexual habits: 

• Everyone 13-64 needs a minimum of one HIV test during their life
• Women under 25 need annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
• Women 25 and older with multiple partners or new partners need annual testing
• All pregnant women need hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis testing
• At-risk pregnant mothers need gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
• Women who have unprotected sex need annual HIV tests
• Women who share drug needles need HIV tests yearly

Don’t be afraid to discuss your sex life and personal habits with your non-judgemental and caring OB/GYN. This information can help them to personalize your STD testing.

Your provider explains the results and what they mean for you. Generally, a positive test means that you have an active infection requiring treatment. 

The specific STD treatment varies with the disease but often includes antibiotics, antivirals, or other types of oral or topical medication. Your provider may also provide counseling on safe-sex practices and how to protect yourself from STDs in the future or decrease the risk of infecting your partner.

An abnormal Pap smear, which often means you have HPV, is a bit different because it may not require immediate treatment. But, your provider may recommend more frequent monitoring so they can remove the HPV cells if they’re likely to become cervical cancer. 

Marsha E. Gorens, MD, makes it easy to get your STD testing and treatment in a confidential and supportive environment. Call the office to arrange your STD testing.