Patient Education

Unless there is a medical problem, you should have your first pelvic exam around the age of 21 years or sooner if you begin sexual activity.

Women age 40 and older should have mammograms every one or two years. However, the likelihood of developing breast cancer is higher if a close blood relative has been diagnosed with the disease, especially if they were diagnosed before the age of 50. Likewise, women who began having their periods before the age of 12 or who went through menopause after the age of 55 are at higher risk, as are women who had their first child after age 30 or who never had a child. If you believe you may be at a higher risk, ask your physician when you should start being examined.

First, read the instructions that came with your pill. Generally speaking, if you miss one pill, take two pills the next day. If you miss two pills, take two pills on each of the next two days. It’s best to use a backup contraception method such as condoms for the remainder of the month.

You should try to schedule your annual exam for when you are not having your period. However, you can have a pap smear during your period as long as the flow is not very heavy.

Call our office to schedule an exam.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls who are not sexually active. Females who are sexually active may also benefit from the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

If you’ve tested positive with a home pregnancy test, give us a call. We will schedule an appointment for you approximately eight weeks from your last menstrual period.

During pregnancy you should avoid fish that contains Mercury (including swordfish, tile fish, mackerel and shark). Also avoid saccharine, alcohol, deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses, and meat, poultry and fish that have been under-cooked.

For most women, there is no medical reason not to have sex during pregnancy. Unless your pregnancy is classified as high risk or if there are other safety concerns, you and your partner can have sex without fear of harming your baby.

It is safe to exercise in moderation during pregnancy, unless your obstetrician advises against it. Some exercises can help with childbirth.

It is usually safe to travel by airplane up to 35 weeks into your pregnancy. If you need to travel after 35 weeks, check with your physician. To reduce your chances of getting a blood clot during a flight, get up to stretch your legs several times.

Since very little of the chemicals in hair dye are absorbed into your system, it’s probably safe to dye your hair during pregnancy. However, if you’re concerned, you might consider waiting until the second trimester, when your developing baby is less vulnerable. You might also consider streaking, highlighting, frosting or other options in which the chemicals have little or no contact with your scalp.