Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my annual exam?
We schedule annuals about 3 months from this time.
What is menopause?
Menopause defined as being without your period for one year. The average age of menopause is 51. You may schedule an appointment to discuss the changes that occur during this time period. If you have bleeding after menopause, you should call us right away.
What do I do if I forgot to take a pill? What if I forgot two pills?
If you forgot one pill, take it as soon as your remember. If you forget to take two pills, take them as soon as you remember AND use condoms for the remainder of that pill packet.
Should I get the HPV vaccination, Gardasil?
Most insurances cover Gardasil vaccination in women aged 9-26. Please call your insurance directly to see if you are covered. We recommend it for all women in these age ranges to help prevent cervical cancer.
When should I get my first mammogram?
Most women start getting their first mammogram at age 40, but this may vary according to family medical history. You should discuss this with your regular provider at your annual visit.
When should I call for bleeding?
For bleeding, any bleeding after menopause is abnormal and should be evaluated in the office. If your cycles are shorter than 21 days or greater than 42 or if they last for greater than 8 days, you should be evaluated in the office. Heavy vaginal bleeding is when you soak a pad or tampon, in an hour or less for over an hour. If you are bleeding and could be pregnant or you have pain with bleeding, please call to be evaluated.
What if I have pain?
If associated with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal vaginal discharge, please seek evaluation. If you have a urinary tract infection and/or back pain, we recommend evaluation. Additionally, if you have had unprotected sex or possible exposure to STI’s, you should be evaluated.
We schedule annuals about 3 months from this time.
What is menopause?
Menopause defined as being without your period for one year. The average age of menopause is 51. You may schedule an appointment to discuss the changes that occur during this time period. If you have bleeding after menopause, you should call us right away.
What do I do if I forgot to take a pill? What if I forgot two pills?
If you forgot one pill, take it as soon as your remember. If you forget to take two pills, take them as soon as you remember AND use condoms for the remainder of that pill packet.
Should I get the HPV vaccination, Gardasil?
Most insurances cover Gardasil vaccination in women aged 9-26. Please call your insurance directly to see if you are covered. We recommend it for all women in these age ranges to help prevent cervical cancer.
When should I get my first mammogram?
Most women start getting their first mammogram at age 40, but this may vary according to family medical history. You should discuss this with your regular provider at your annual visit.
When should I call for bleeding?
For bleeding, any bleeding after menopause is abnormal and should be evaluated in the office. If your cycles are shorter than 21 days or greater than 42 or if they last for greater than 8 days, you should be evaluated in the office. Heavy vaginal bleeding is when you soak a pad or tampon, in an hour or less for over an hour. If you are bleeding and could be pregnant or you have pain with bleeding, please call to be evaluated.
What if I have pain?
If associated with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal vaginal discharge, please seek evaluation. If you have a urinary tract infection and/or back pain, we recommend evaluation. Additionally, if you have had unprotected sex or possible exposure to STI’s, you should be evaluated.
