Gynecology F.A.Q

Please call our office at 717.273.8835 with any questions or concerns. One of our nurses will speak to you and address your concerns. Depending on your particular concern, we may have you come into the office to be evaluated.

For women without other risk factors, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that you get a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends beginning yearly mammograms at age 50.

Unfortunately, many STIs have no symptoms in women. The only way to be sure is to be tested.

Call our office for an appointment to come in to be tested. By diagnosing and treating STIs early, the long term effects may be minimized. If you test positive for a STI, both you and your sexual partners will need to be treated. You will need to abstain from sexual activity or use condoms until you have been completely treated.

For the first 3-4 months after beginning hormonal contraception, irregular bleeding and spotting are a common side effect. This occurs as the lining of your uterus responds to the hormones and becomes thinner. It does not mean that the contraception is not working. You may miss your menstrual period completely with some forms of hormonal birth control. This does not mean you are pregnant, as long as you are using your birth control correctly. If you have any concerns about a potential pregnancy, please take a home pregnancy test and contact us for an appointment.

IUDs are a very effective, long acting, and reversible form of contraception. They are a safe option for most women. Paragard, Mirena, and Skyla IUDs are available in our offices. Typically, insertion is easiest during your menstrual period, but we are able to insert them at any time in your menstrual cycle.

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you don’t remember until you are due for your next pill, take two pills at the same time. If you miss two pills, take two pills for the next two days. You will need to use a back-up method of contraception (i.e. condoms) for the rest of the pill pack. If you miss 3 or more pills, you will need to use back-up contraception and start a new pack.

Taking more than one pill at a time may cause some nausea or headaches. If you often have trouble remembering to take your pills, try setting a daily alarm on your smart phone , or talk to your provider about switching to an alternative form of contraception.

Birth control pills are typically very safe to take; however, there are a few medical conditions (e.g. hypertension) which make them unsafe for certain people. There are many different types of birth control pills. Please see your provider so that your medical history can be reviewed and we can help chose the best option for you.

In most cases, no. We are able to perform annual exams and pap smears while you have menstrual bleeding. However, if you have any questions, please call our office at 717.273.8835 to check.

Yes. It is important for us to speak with you and perform a physical exam yearly, along with a breast exam. You can call our office at 717.273.8835 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online.