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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON
WELL WOMAN GYNECOLOGY?
Q. WHAT KIND OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER FOR WOMEN?
A. Susan Gregoire, ARNP, is a Nurse Practitioner with 40 years of experience in women’s health. She provides personalized and gentle care for women of all ages. These services include:
1. Sensitive 1st pelvic exams for teens and women.
2. Educational information on all aspects of women’s health that include:
a. anatomy and physiology
b. body changes
c. menstrual cycle
d. sexuality issues
e. birth control/reproductive choices
f. PMS
g. perimenopause/menopause
h. nutrition for women
3. Evaluation and treatment of
a. PMS
b. sexually transmitted infections
c. menstrual concerns/ cramps/ headaches/ heavy bleeding
d. breast problems
e. sexual concerns
4. Complete physicals/paps/exams
5. Consultation for issues around the menopause
a. evaluation of hormone levels
b. recommendations for bio-identical hormone replacement.
Q. WHEN SHOULD A WOMAN BEGIN “GETTING PAP SMEARS” AND WELL WOMAN EXAMS?
A. The following recommendations are the standard guidelines:
a. if there are female problems/concerns
b. if you are sexually active
c. if you are 21 years of age
The term “getting a Pap smear” is actually part of a health maintenance physical exam also known as a well woman exam, that will include a medical history, blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, a “head to toe” examination, instructive breast exam, pelvic assessment, and pap.
At LIFEWORKS, Susan will spend approximately one hour with you in a comfortable environment.
Q. WHAT IS A PAP SMEAR?
A. This procedure was developed by Dr. Papanicolou, in the late 1940's, to
distinguish between normal and abnormal cervical cells. The Pap Smear is
probably the best cancer PREVENTION tool available in medicine today as it can find abnormal cells before they become cancer and they can be treated. Screenings for any organ system in the body, like mammograms or biopsies only find the cancer after it has developed.
A sample of cells is gently collected from the cervical opening and sent to a laboratory for specific testing. Any changes/abnormalities are quickly addressed to heal the cervix to prevent cervical cancer.
It is recommended that menstruating women receive a well woman exam and Pap a minimum of once every year. However, depending on your personalized needs, your practitioner may recommend you have them more often.
Q. DOES THE PAP SMEAR EXAM HURT?
The exam does not hurt when it is done by a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner and takes about 5 minutes.
You are covered with a sheet and may feel pressure or some pushing/prodding during the short exam. At Lifeworks, Susan strives to makes you as comfortable as possible while answering any questions you might have, woman-to-woman.
To schedule an appointment with Susan call 727 466 6789.
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