Gynecology

A well-woman visit is a great opportunity for your physician to take a thorough medical history, talk with you about healthy lifestyle behaviors, and perform various exams, tests, and screenings. At this visit, you may have a breast and pelvic exam, screen for breast and cervical cancer, and talk about your reproductive health and wellness.

We offer minimally invasive surgery with Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital's da Vinci Robot. The most common surgeries performed with the da Vinci system are myomectomy (removal of fibroids), hysterectomy, and endometriosis resections.

The patient experience is very similar to laparoscopic surgery. Patient benefits include:

• Quicker recovery

• Less post-operative pain

• Less blood loss

Watch the video below to learn more!

If you are a candidate for in-office surgery, we can do your procedure in the comfort and convenience of our office. Patients appreciate the decreased time and expense and feel very comfortable in our in office surgery suite. We have an amazing anesthesiologist who comes to our office to ensure patients are comfortable and safe during their procedure.

We offer the following in office procedures:

• NovaSure Endometrial Ablation: If you are not trying to become pregnant and are still premenopausal, NovaSure may be the solution to your heavy periods. NovaSure Endometrial Ablation can reduce or stop menstrual bleeding by cauterizing the lining of the uterus. A triangular mesh device is inserted into your cervix and expands to fit the size and shape of your uterus. Radio frequency energy is delivered through the mesh for approximately 90 seconds.

• Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy uses a scope for the doctor to look inside your uterus. By looking inside, your doctor can determine if there is a fibroid or polyp that may be causing problems.

• D&C: Dilation and curettage (or D&C) is a common procedure used to diagnose uterine conditions such as cancer, polyps, or endometrial hyperplasia, or uterine fibroid tumors. During this procedure, the uterine lining is scraped with a curette and sent for laboratory testing.

• Labiaplasty: Your labia’s function is to protect your clitoris and vagina from trauma. While some women are born with enlarged or elongated labia, others develop issues as a result of childbirth or aging. Labiaplasty allows you to reshape your labia to alleviate discomfort and irritation, chronic infections or pain during exercise or sex.

• D&E: Dilation and evacuation is a procedure used to remove a miscarried pregnancy.

Our in-office 3D mammography service allows you to have your annual screening mammogram as part of your annual Well Woman exam or during any appointment. Almost all insurance companies cover 3D mammograms. However, insurance plans vary so we advise all patients to check their specific plan details.

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue that is used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms may be used as a means to detect any changes in healthy breast tissue, or they may be used to investigate any lumps that look concerning. Certains risks and limitations apply to mammograms, so we encourage you to discuss with your physician what is best for you.

We offer a variety of gynecological screenings to help with the early detection of any reproductive issues before they become more advanced. Screenings we offer include:

• Pelvic Examinations

• Breast Examinations

• Mammograms

• STI Testing

• Bone Density Referrals

• Pap Smears

Pap smears are often performed during a pelvic exam as a way to screen for cervical cancer. During a pap smear, the cells around the cervix are swabbed and then analyzed for any abnormalities. Pap smears are an important, non-invasive way to detect any cervical changes early on. Pap smears are typically recommended between ages 21 and 65.

With so many options available today, your birth control plan can and should be personalized to accommodate your lifestyle and your needs. We provide individualized care to help you find the contraceptive option that best suits you. Explore some birth control options here.

If you're considering an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control or period management, you're choosing one of the most effective and long-lasting methods available. We understand that while IUDs are highly effective, many women have concerns about the discomfort or pain associated with the insertion process. Download our IUD Insertion Management Options flyer.

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of trying. Approximately 15% of couples struggle with infertility. Fortunately, there are a handful of tools and resources couples can utilize to help increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

One option is the oral medication, Clomiphene citrate (Clomid). Clomiphene is used to stimulate ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation. It works by triggering the brain to release the hormones necessary for ovulation to occur. Learn more about Clomiphene.

Virginia Fertility & IVF is a full-service fertility clinic in Charlottesville, VA offering a variety of infertility treatments such in vitro fertilization, donor egg, and egg freezing.