Gynecology

We provide a full range of gynecological services, from routine annual physicals to cutting-edge diagnostics and procedures.

Our services include the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of health issues, including:

Abnormal Pap

A pap smear is a common screening test used to assess cervical cells for changes that could develop into cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is linked to changes on the cervix. At your preventive health visit, you can be screened for this at the same time as your pap smear. This is a newer and more accurate way of predicting who is at risk of precancerous changes of the cervix. The frequency of pap smear screening depends on your age, history, current risk factors, and HPV status. Talk to your provider about the right screening schedule for you.

For women who have abnormal pap smear results, we can perform the following minor procedures:

  • Colposcopy uses magnification to more accurately evaluate the cervix for abnormal cells
  • The LEEP procedure removes abnormal cervical cells and prevents progression to cervical cancer

Adolescent Gynecology

As girls become women, their first visit to the gynecologist can be intimidating. Our staff works closely with adolescents to address any concerns or questions they might have and gently guide them through their first visit.

What to expect during your first visit

A visit to the gynecologist is the first step to establishing a trusted and confidential relationship with a provider who can guide you through your transition to adulthood. During your first visit, your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner will educate you about your body and changes you may be experiencing, and will reinforce healthy living habits. You should bring up any concerns you may have with your period, pain, vaginal discharge, breast or sexual issues.

Your first visit may also include a breast and/or abdominal exam. A pelvic exam will only be performed if you have any pain or bleeding issues. Of course, your first visit will be tailored to your specific needs, and your comfort is our top priority.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone mass) affects approximately 30 million women in the U.S. Bone mineral density testing (DXA scan) is the best way to identify people who have increased risk of fracture before they break a bone. This simple, non-invasive test is available to WHC patients at Anna Jaques Hospital and several satellite locations. To schedule a bone density test, call patient scheduling at 978-834-8210. (Note: a referral may be required)

Locations and Hours for Bone Density Testing

Amesbury Health Center
24 Morrill Place
Amesbury, MA 01913
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

AJH Diagnostic Imaging
@ PMA Medical Office Building

One Park Way
Haverhill, MA 01830
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anna Jaques Hospital
25 Highland Avenue
Newburyport, MA 01950
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday, Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 8:20 p.m.
Saturday, Hours: 8 to 11:20 a.m.

Once you have your testing performed, we will provide you with an individualized treatment plan to optimize your bone health. To learn more about bone health and osteoporosis, speak with your doctor or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Breast Health and Digital Mammography

Women’s Health Care and Anna Jaques Hospital provide comprehensive breast care to patients with both benign and cancerous conditions. Any patient with a breast concern is seen the same day in our office for evaluation. The key to effective breast cancer treatment is early detection. Digital mammography is the gold standard for the detection of breast cancer and benign breast conditions. This state-of-the-art technology produces an image with much higher resolution than standard film mammography, allowing for a more rapid and accurate diagnosis. Other improvements, such as a soft MammoPad® for every patient, make mammograms more comfortable.

For Women’s Health Care patients, testing is available through Anna Jaques Hospital. To schedule a mammogram, call patient scheduling at 978-834-8210.

For more information about breast health and breast cancer prevention, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.

Locations and Hours for Digital Mammography

Amesbury Health Center
24 Morrill Place
Amesbury, MA 01913
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

AJH Diagnostic Imaging
@ PMA Medical Office Building

One Park Way
Haverhill, MA 01830
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anna Jaques Hospital
25 Highland Avenue
Newburyport, MA 01950
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday, Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 8:20 p.m.
Saturday, Hours: 8 to 11:20 a.m.

Endometriosis, Fibroids, and Ovarian Cysts

Many patients with benign gynecologic conditions are referred to Women’s Health Care by their primary care provider. The effects of these conditions can vary, with some patients experiencing pain or bleeding and others showing no symptoms at all. While endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts are all common conditions, they often lead to a great deal of patient anxiety.

Our team works closely with the patient to diagnose and manage her condition and alleviate her anxiety. After an initial evaluation, a pelvic ultrasound may be performed in the office to help diagnose the condition. The patient’s follow-up and next steps may involve further monitoring, medications to relieve symptoms or surgery. Our experienced gynecologists treat these conditions with the most minimally invasive techniques available.

Family Planning and Birth Control

We offer a variety of birth control methods so our patients can choose the one that best fits their lifestyle. Available options include traditional forms of contraception such as pills, patches, rings, and injections, as well as long-acting reversible contraceptives like intrauterine devices or implants.

We also offer our patients permanent birth control, which can be performed using a traditional laparoscopic approach or the latest hysteroscopic approach, which requires no incision and has a very rapid recovery period.

Gynecologic Surgery

As specialists in gynecologic and urogynecologic surgery, our surgeons perform procedures that address the full scope of women's health issues. Whenever possible, these procedures are done laparoscopically, requiring only small incisions, or hysteroscopically, requiring no incision at all. Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include less pain, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications.

We specialize in surgery for many conditions:

  • Incontinence: We perform minimally invasive surgery that helps to stabilize the bladder and/or urethra in order to lessen the effects of stress incontinence.
  • Pelvic pain and infertility: We can diagnose and treat common causes of pelvic pain and infertility such as endometriosis and tubal disease using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse: While there are many non-surgical treatments available for pelvic floor disorders, urogynecologic surgery may be needed to give some women lasting relief from their symptoms. We are able to offer women a variety of urogynecologic surgery options.
  • Permanent birth control: We offer both traditional laparoscopic methods and the latest hysteroscopic method which does not involve any abdominal incisions (ESSURE).
  • Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts: We offer both laparoscopic and hysteroscopic approaches to these conditions when they require surgical treatment. When the condition requires a hysterectomy (if more conservative treatments have failed), it can typically be performed either laparoscopically or vaginally.

Infertility Assessment and Treatment

Couples struggling to conceive have many options with modern procedures to treat infertility. A thorough infertility assessment can be performed in our office to identify possible causes of infertility and provide initial treatment. Patrice Kellogg, NP, has been helping infertility patients for more than 20 years. Patients in need of more advanced intervention can be referred to trusted infertility centers through our well-established relationships.

Heavy or Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding is a common problem for many women. The underlying cause can often be a hormonal or an anatomic problem, such as a polyp or fibroid growing in the lining of the uterus. Testing to determine the cause of the bleeding can be performed at the office visit through ultrasound, biopsy, and/or lab work. Many patients can be treated with medications or an intrauterine device. For patients who need more significant intervention to treat their condition, our providers can perform an endometrial ablation as an outpatient procedure. Visit the American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Menopause

Our physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners can help you learn about and manage the often uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, sleeping problems, and mood swings or depression. Often simple lifestyle or nutritional changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Today there are many safe options available to help ease unwanted symptoms. See your provider if you are having any bleeding after menopause.

Preventive Health Visit

The gynecologist is often the only medical provider that a healthy woman visits regularly. We recommend that patients schedule a preventive health visit every year to review their gynecological health, including breast, menstruation, pain, incontinence, or sexual health concerns. We also take the time during this visit to encourage healthy behaviors and provide diet, exercise, and nutritional recommendations. Based on your unique family history and age, appropriate cancer screening tests may be recommended. By providing education, resources and referrals, we aim to optimize your breast, bone, and colon health.

Sexual Health

Women are often embarrassed by a problem that they may be experiencing in their sex lives. We can help. Please let us know if you are experiencing any difficulties with sex, including lack of interest, painful sex, or inability to get aroused. Many conditions that lead to sexual dysfunction can be treated once the cause of the problem has been identified.

Urogynecologic Care

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Women’s Health Care providers treat a variety of pelvic floor abnormalities, including prolapse (or falling) of the bladder, uterus, rectum or vagina, resulting in pain or difficulty with leaking of urine, stool, or gas. These conditions can significantly affect a woman’s health and lifestyle, but they can usually be effectively treated. Our providers can diagnose exactly what type of abnormality is causing the symptoms, and then select the most appropriate treatment for your specific pelvic floor abnormality.

Patients do not have to live with pain or incontinence. Various treatment options for these conditions include muscular strengthening exercises, physical therapy, medical devices, and surgery.

Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder

Urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine that can occur when there are structural or functional abnormalities of the bladder and/or urethra. Overactive bladder is a common condition that leads women to use the bathroom more urgently and frequently than normal. Fortunately both conditions are highly treatable.

After preliminary evaluation in the office with a thorough history and physical exam, some patients may have a more specialized test called urodynamics to determine the exact cause of the incontinence. Mary Baker, MD performs urodynamics testing at the outpatient surgery suite at Anna Jaques Hospital. Individualized treatment plans are then developed to address the underlying cause.

Vaginal Infections and STDs

Vaginal infections are one of the most common conditions affecting women of child-bearing age. At Women’s Health Care, we can provide testing and treatment for infections and STDs with privacy, compassion and convenience.

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