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Services Provided
Lab work
For your convenience, we have several lab technicians on site to draw your blood should your physician order lab testing.
Bone Density Testing
Osteoporosis, which is the loss of bone mass, is a disease that affects twenty-five million Americans, mostly women. Half of women over the age of 50 have an osteoporosis-related fracture. At OB/GYN Specialists, we have the technology to evaluate bone density with the use of our DEXA machine. Bone density testing is not commonly performed prior to menopause except for unusual medical conditions.
Often this test can be scheduled at the same time as your visit. You will be asked to lie down on a table while the DEXA machine scans your spine and hips (the procedure is similar to having an X-Ray done). If you are over the age of 65, you should have a bone density scan (dexascan) every two years. Bone density testing is covered by most insurance plans.
Surgical Procedures in the Office
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1. Colposcopy
Colposcopy is recommended if the Pap smear results suggest further examination of the cervix is necessary. These results could show atypical cells, pre-cancerous cells or the HPV virus.
A colposcope is a microscope which will give your doctor a magnified view of the cervix. After placing a speculum in the vagina (as when Pap smears are done) a vinegar solution is applied to your cervix. Your physician will use the colposcope to perform the exam.
If abnormal areas are seen, a small sample of cervical cells will be taken and sent to the lab for further evaluation. These results take approximately seven working days. You may experience mild cramping and may take four Advil or two Aleve with food one hour prior to the exam.
Avoid intercourse and strenuous exercise for seven days after the exam. You may bathe or shower as usual. This exam cannot be done during your period.
2. Endometrial Biopsy
Endometrial biopsy is usually done to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding. Your physician will take tissue samples from the inside of the uterus using a thin hollow catheter. The procedure can cause cramping for about five minutes and subsides quickly. Take four Advil or two Aleve with food one hour prior to your appointment. Your period may be heavier than usual after the procedure. There should be no douching or intercourse for five days following the procedure. Tub baths and showers are fine.
3. Essure Sterilization
Essure is an innovative method of female sterilization which can be performed in the physician’s office without the need for general anesthesia. Therefore, it allows minimal inconvenience and rapid return to normal activity.
Essure does not require a surgical incision, but rather involves the placement of a small, flexible device through the cervix into each of your fallopian tubes, Once the micro-inserts are in place, over a three-month period your body tissue grows into the the micro-inserts, blocking the fallopian tubes. Blocking the tubes is intended to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.
Sterilization is not accomplished immediately. Alternate contraception must be used for 3 months following the procedure until an x-ray exam (HSG) is performed to confirm blockage of the tubes and correct placement of the devices.
Advantages of Essure Procedure:
Permanent, non-reversible contraception
No incisions are required (or scars)
Can be performed without general anesthesia
Can be performed in the doctor’s office (Covered by most insurance companies as an in-office procedure.)
Does not contain hormones
Effectiveness appears to be superior to oral contraceptives or traditional tubal ligation.
Rapid recovery
Candidates for the Essure Procedure
Desires permanent sterilization (does not desire additional pregnancies)
Cannot be allergic to nickel
*Additional information may be obtained at www.essure.com
4. LEEP Excision of the Cervix
When the results of a colposcopy and biopsy indicate treatment is necessary, your doctor may recommend a LEEP procedure. Abnormal cells are removed from the cervix using a thin wire loop through which an electrical current is passed. This loop removes a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cervix. This tissue is then sent to the pathologist and results are received within seven working days. Your physician will use a local anesthetic. You may experience cramping so take four Advil or two Aleve with food one hour prior to your appointment. Please avoid intercourse, douching, tampons and strenuous exercise for four weeks after the LEEP procedure. You should schedule this procedure approximately one week after your period. Afterwards you may bathe or shower as usual.
5. Novasure Endometrial Ablation
Say No More with the NovaSure procedure, the quick, safe and simple one-time treatment with No Hormones and No Hysterectomy. NovaSure can treat excessive bleeding so that you can go on with your life. It is a quick, simple, safe, and successful procedure for menorrhagia (heavy bleeding). With an average ablation time of about 90 seconds, patients can be treated for heavy menstrual bleeding without the need for IV sedation.
*Additional information may be obtained at www.novasure.com
6. Cryo Endometrial Ablation
Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue and is a superior method of ablating tissue compared to thermal energy technologies. The currently approved cryosurgical instruments employ cold probes to freeze tissue in a radial pattern from the probe tip. This radial freeze pattern is inherent to the construction of conventional cryoprobes and restricts their use to solid tissues.
7. Sonohysterogram (SONO HSG)
This is an ultrasound study done in our office to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding. During the procedure your physician will insert a small thin catheter into your cervix. The uterine cavity is filled with sterile water. Your physician will then examine your uterus with a vaginal ultrasound. There will be some cramping during this 5-10 minute procedure. Do not schedule this procedure during your period.
8. Cryosurgery of the Cervix
Your physician may choose to ablate or destroy the surface tissue of the cervix after colposcopy if certain types of abnormalities are diagnosed. This freezing or cryosurgery to the cervix lasts about 7-8 minutes. Since mild cramping may occur, you may take advil or aleve with food one hour prior to your appointment.