Yes, we believe every woman benefits from having both a primary care doctor and a gynecologist. Gynecologists undergo specialized training, spending four years focused exclusively on women’s health, which allows them to provide expert care for reproductive health, preventative screenings, and more. While we don’t handle urgent care needs, we are highly effective in supporting women’s overall well-being and maintaining long-term health.
Yes, even after a hysterectomy, it's still important to have regular gynecological exams. If your hysterectomy was performed for non-cancerous reasons, such as fibroids or heavy bleeding, you may no longer need Pap smears. However, routine pelvic exams are still recommended to monitor your overall reproductive health, check for any signs of vaginal or pelvic floor issues, and address concerns like hormone changes or sexual health. A pelvic exam is currently the screen for ovarian and vulvar cancers. Your gynecologist will tailor your care based on your specific medical history.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color and consistency throughout your menstrual cycle. It’s usually clear or white, and can range from thin and watery to thicker, depending on where you are in your cycle. Normal discharge is typically odorless or has a mild scent.
Signs of a possible infection include:
- A change in color (green, or gray)
- A strong or unpleasant odor
- A change in consistency (foamy or cottage cheese-like texture)
- Itching, burning, or irritation
- Pain during urination or intercourse
If you notice any of these signs or a sudden change in your discharge, it’s important to see your gynecologist for evaluation and treatment.
Good hygiene involves daily habits that help maintain cleanliness and promote overall health. For women’s health, this includes:
- Daily showering: Regularly wash your body, focusing on areas that sweat or produce natural oils. Use mild, unscented soap around the vulva, avoiding harsh soaps or douches that can disrupt the natural balance.
- Proper genital care: Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the vaginal area.
- Changing underwear daily: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce moisture and prevent irritation.
- Menstrual hygiene: Change tampons, pads, or menstrual cups regularly, and wash your hands before and after handling them.
- Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
Practicing good hygiene helps prevent infections and promotes overall well-being. Your gynecologist can provide more specific recommendations based on your needs.
Yes, regular STD screening is important for anyone who is sexually active, even if you have no symptoms. Screening helps detect infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and others that may not show obvious signs but can impact your health. In fact, studies have found that up to 60% of patients with STDs have no symptoms. Your need for screening depends on factors like your age, sexual activity, and risk factors. It’s important to discuss your sexual health with your gynecologist to determine which tests are appropriate for you and how often you should be screened.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus that affects both men and women. It’s spread through skin-to-skin contact. It is estimated that 80% of adults will acquire at least one HPV infection by age 50. It is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. However, one can be infected with HPV without ever having had sex. There are many different types of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts, while others are linked to cervical cancer and other cancers. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some can persist and lead to complications. HPV can also go dormant and then come back. Regular screening and the HPV vaccine are important for preventing HPV-related health issues.
Yes, it’s common to experience menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, during your period. These cramps are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. Mild to moderate cramping is normal, but if your cramps are severe, interfere with your daily activities, or worsen over time, it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis or fibroids. It’s important to talk to your gynecologist if your cramps are concerning, so we can help manage your symptoms or investigate further.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It’s characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and mildly enlarged ovaries with too many follicles. PCOS can lead to symptoms like weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and difficulty getting pregnant. It’s also associated with long-term health risks like diabetes and heart disease. If you suspect you have PCOS, you should see a gynecologist or an endocrinologist. These specialists can diagnose the condition, provide treatment options, and help manage your symptoms to improve your overall health.
You should begin your birth control pills on the first day of your period for best results. Some methods allow for a quick start, where you begin taking the pill the day you receive it. Talk to your gynecologist to determine the best time for you to start, based on your individual needs.
If you miss a birth control pill, the steps to take depend on how many pills you've missed and when you missed them:
- If you miss one pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Continue taking the rest of your pills as scheduled. Even missing one pill might lead to abnormal bleeding.
- If you miss two or more pills: Take the most recent pill you missed right away and discard any others. Continue with your pack but use backup contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days. If you missed pills during the first week and had unprotected sex, consider emergency contraception. Missing two pills or more usually leads to abnormal bleeding.
If you discover you’re pregnant, we encourage you to contact us immediately after your positive pregnancy test. We will arrange lab work to confirm a healthy pregnancy even before the first ultrasound. Typically, your first ultrasound is scheduled around 6 weeks after your last menstrual period to ensure everything is progressing well. During this visit, we’ll discuss your options for obstetric care and hospital delivery, and we’ll help facilitate a smooth transition to your chosen provider.
If you're trying to get pregnant, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances:
- Track your menstrual cycle: Knowing your ovulation window can help you time intercourse for when you’re most fertile. If your menstrual cycle is 21-35 days apart, you are ovulating. An easy calculation can help you time your intercourse is to take your cycle length (count days from first day of last period until the first day of your next cycle) and subtract 14 and that is ovulation day, in general. (Example: My periods are 32 days apart so I ovulate on day 18 (32-14=18).) To count the days of your cycle, day 1 of flow is day 1 of your cycle.
- Time your intercourse: We conceive in our fallopian tube. Semen ascends through the uterus to the fallopian tube where it can fertilize an egg for up to 5 days. However, semen is most fertile right after ejaculation so we recommend every other day intercourse to ensure healthy semen is present for pregnancy. When we ovulate, we are only fertile for up to 24 hours. When we take all of the couples trying to conceive, only 20-25% of them become pregnant each month so it can take time.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and excessive caffeine can improve fertility.
- Take prenatal vitamins: Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid to support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects six weeks prior to trying to conceive.
- Schedule a preconception visit: Your gynecologist can assess your overall health, discuss any medications you're taking and their safety in pregnancy, and identify any underlying conditions that could affect fertility or pregnancy.
- Be patient: It can take several months for healthy couples to conceive, but if you've been trying for a year (or six months if you’re over 35), the criteria for infertility has been met and you need to call your gynecologist.
Infertility is defined by not conceiving after timed, regular intercourse for twelve cycles or one year in a patient younger than 35 and for six cycles in a patient older than 35.
Madison Gynecology and Wellness’s evaluation for infertility includes:
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This is a dye test performed by radiology to confirm that both fallopian tubes are patent. We ask our patient to reach out on the first day of their cycle to schedule this test on day 7-9 of their cycle. This test can be uncomfortable so we recommend an over the counter anti inflammatory prior to the procedure.
- Semen analysis: Semen specimen is evaluated within 30 minutes of ejaculation for sperm count and other factors that can cause male factor infertility. Males cause infertility approximately 30% of the time.
- Laboratory evaluation: Antimullerian hormone and thyroid labs should be performed in the setting of infertility. Antimullerian hormone helps us understand if the women has low egg counts and thyroid abnormalities can decrease fertility.
- Transvaginal ultrasound to thoroughly evaluate pelvic anatomy.
- Laparoscopy is sometimes needed to further evaluate infertility.
If you discover you’re pregnant, we encourage you to contact us immediately after your positive pregnancy test. We will arrange lab work to confirm a healthy pregnancy even before the first ultrasound. Typically, your first ultrasound is scheduled around 6 weeks after your last menstrual period to ensure everything is progressing well. During this visit, we’ll discuss your options for obstetric care and hospital delivery, and we’ll help facilitate a smooth transition to your chosen provider.
Yes. At Madison Gynecology and Wellness, we offer clomid (clomiphene) and Femara (letrazole) if indicated to help patients get pregnant. We are also very thorough in evaluating ways to optimize your reproductive health. We believe every woman planning to become pregnant should have a preconception planning appointment to prep well for a healthy pregnancy.
A fibroid is a non-cancerous growth that develops in or on the uterus. These growths are made of muscle tissue and can vary in size, from very small to large masses that can distort the uterus. Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, but some may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure on the bladder. Fibroids are common and often diagnosed during routine gynecological exams. If fibroids are causing symptoms, your gynecologist can discuss treatment options based on your needs and health goals.
Pap smears are an essential screening tool for cervical cancer, but guidelines recommend stopping routine Pap smears at a certain age or under specific circumstances. Typically, women can stop getting Pap smears around age 65 if they have had regular screenings with normal results and are not at high risk for cervical cancer. Additionally, women who have had a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons may no longer need Pap smears as they do not have a cervix. Your gynecologist will guide you based on your individual health history and risk factors.
Libido (sexual desire) in women is very complicated. Although fluctuations in desire are common in females, a gynecologist should evaluate these concerns due to the complexity of causes.
Yes, you can request a hormone panel at Madison Gynecology and Wellness. A hormone panel is a blood test that measures various hormone levels to help assess your reproductive health, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and evaluate symptoms related to menopause or hormone imbalances. It is not possible to test female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) if you are currently using most contraception techniques. It is also not possible to check both estrogen and progesterone at the same time. Estrogen has to be collected on day 3 of cycle and progesterone has to be checked on day 21-23 of cycle for accurate, interpretable results. Your gynecologist will recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history, and will help interpret the results to guide any necessary treatments.
One in eight women will get breast cancer by age 70. Most women should start getting mammograms at age 40, though some may need to begin earlier if they have a higher risk of breast cancer. The frequency of mammograms depends on your age and risk factors. For women with average risk, it’s typically recommended to have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. After that, the need for continued screening is based on your health and medical history. Your gynecologist will help you determine the best screening schedule based on your individual risk factors.
While self-breast exams are no longer officially recommended as a primary screening tool, it’s still important to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This way, you can notice any changes, such as lumps, swelling, or changes in shape or texture, and report them to your doctor promptly. Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional are more effective for early detection of breast cancer. Talk to your gynecologist about the best approach to monitoring your breast health.
Yes. One in twenty-five women will get colon cancer. Women should begin screening for colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy starting at age 45, even if they have no symptoms or family history. If you have a higher risk—such as a family history of colon cancer, certain genetic conditions, or inflammatory bowel disease—you may need to start screenings earlier. A colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect early signs of colon cancer and remove precancerous polyps. Often, patients prefer Cologuard, as it is less invasive but Cologuard does not offer removal of precancerous polyps to prevent colon cancer in the future. Your doctor will guide you on when and how often you should have a colonoscopy based on your personal risk factors.
You may need a bone density test if you are at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. Women over the age of 65, those with a family history of osteoporosis, or individuals who have gone through early menopause or have certain risk factors may be recommended for testing at younger ages. A bone density test measures the strength of your bones and helps your doctor assess your risk of fractures. Your gynecologist can help determine if a bone density test is appropriate for you based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
Menopause is confirmed when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though symptoms can start earlier during a phase called perimenopause. Common signs of menopause include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings or irritability
- Brain fog
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Joint pain
- Skin and hair changes
- Dry eyes and mouth
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and think you may be in menopause, your gynecologist can offer guidance and treatment options, and in some cases, hormone testing may help confirm the transition.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be managed by a healthcare provider who specializes in women’s health, such as a gynecologist. Gynecologists are well-trained in understanding the complexities of hormone changes, especially during menopause, and can guide you through the risks and benefits of HRT based on your unique medical history and symptoms. It’s important to work with a provider who takes a personalized approach to ensure the therapy is safe and effective for your needs.
The cost of your visit at Madison Gynecology and Wellness depends on several factors, including the type of visit, any tests or procedures performed, and your insurance coverage. We recommend contacting our office before your appointment to discuss pricing and verify insurance details.
The cost of an ultrasound at Madison Gynecology and Wellness can vary depending on the type of ultrasound and your insurance coverage. We recommend reaching out to our office for a specific estimate based on your needs and insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, we can provide pricing details and discuss payment options to ensure the service is accessible to you.