We manage a woman’s health. She manages the world.
Birth control, Mammograms, PAP smears, STD screenings, and Well-Woman exams.
Birth Control
Here at Sunnyvale Primary Care, we offer a variety of birth control options in order to prevent pregnancy. Depending on your unique situation, methods may include prescribed medications, procedures, or devices. A common form of birth control is the birth control pill, but other options include a birth control shot, temporary items such as a cervical cap, or uterine-implanted devices like a IUD.
We will discuss which option is best for you and actively help manage your birth control.
Breast Exams and Mammograms
It is recommended that all women aged 40 and older begin to get screened annually for breast cancer. A screening mammogram involves an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Clinical or self breast exams are not recommended for women of average risk for breast cancer and are reserved for women with breast complaints/abnormalities or increased risk due to genetics.
Pap Smears
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, screens for changes in the cervical cells including pre-cancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix. It involves collecting cells from your cervix which is the lower, narrow end of your uterus at the top of the vagina. Pap smears are recommended starting at age 21 and through the age of 65 with 3-5 year intervals for normal results and more frequently for any abnormal findings.
STD Screenings
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HPV are recommended each year. Further, pregnant women should specifically be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B as soon as possible.
Tests are typically conducted by obtaining one or more of the following: blood sample, urine sample, swab of the inside of the mouth, swab from the genitals, or a swab of any discharge or sores.
Well-Woman Exams
A Well-Woman Exam is a series of screenings and tests to cover the overall health of a woman. The exam includes, a normal physical exam, a Pap smear if indicated, and sometimes may also include a breast exam, pelvic exam or other procedures. In addition to this, the exam may cover topics like your medical and obstetrical history, family health history, medication history, sexual health, reproductive health, mental health, eating habits, physical activity, and drug and alcohol use.
