Common Gynecological Services
- Routine Evaluations: Annual examinations (Pap smears), Pelvic examinations, Breast exams/Mammogram referrals.
- Health Screening & Diagnostic Evaluations: pap smear, Ultrasound, Management and treatment of fibroids and cysts, treatment of genital warts and biopsies.
- Prenatal Care: Complete obstetric care, preconception pregnancy and high risk pregnancy.
- STD Screening
- Family Planning: Birth Control Pills, IUD, Nuvaring, Injection (Depo-Provera) and Tubal Ligation.
- Gynecological Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Cryo therapy, Colposcopy, LEEP surgery, Treatment of abnormal menstrual bleeding through Endometrial Ablations, Treatment of abnormal vaginal growths, ETC.
Yearly Exam
Have you ever been to an obstetrician/gynecologist or OB/GYN for a pelvic exam and Pap test? If your answer is “no” and you are 21 or older, pick up your phone today and make an appointment. On the other hand, if your answer is “yes,” then how long has it been since your last Pap smear and pelvic exam? All women should have annual Pap smears beginning at age 21, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women 21 to 29 should get a Pap every year, then every other year (or as often as your doctor recommends) from ages 30 to 64.
Fact: The greatest single reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is not having Pap smears according to recommended guidelines.The majority of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in five or more years. Sadly, these women are usually at an advanced stage of cancer when they receive diagnosis.
You should always see your gynecologist if you experience:
- Any unusually and/ or persistent vaginal discharge,
- Bleeding between periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
While a yearly Pap smear is not, in most cases, necessary after age 30, all women still require an annual pelvic exam to check for any other changes or infections. If you’ve had an HPV test that was negative that doesn’t mean you don’t need to have a yearly pelvic exam. The ACOG established these guidelines with full knowledge that HPV causes cervical cancer.
Did you know that with each new sexual partner your risk of getting HPV increases by 15 percent? This means that having multiple sex partners raises your risk of HPV substantially. According to the ACOG guidelines for Pap testing women diagnosed with HIV or other diseases or conditions that lower immunity should continue having annual Pap smears after age 30.
Outpatient Gynecological Surgery
Dr. Kahen uses state of the art surgery centers that are equipped with today’s most modern surgical equipment to allow us to perform a broad spectrum of gynecological and outpatient surgical procedures, as well as diagnostic and treatment procedures. Surgical care centers are facilitated in an environment that provides privacy, comfort and compassion. Our first priority is patient safety and satisfaction.
GYNOCOLOGY FAQS
Q. When Do Women Need Pelvic Exams?
A. Teenage girls should see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 to 15. While pelvic exams are rarely required during this first visit, this visit helps to establish a relationship with the doctor of your choice and to go over your medical and sexual history (even if you have not had sexual intercourse.) This is a good time to ask questions about sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives.
Q. How often do I need a checkup?
A. All women should have annual Pap smears beginning at age 21, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women 21 to 29 should get a Pap every year, then every other year (or as often as your doctor recommends) from ages 30 to 64. Please call our office to schedule your office exam at 818-344-8822.
Q. Can I call Dr. Kahen’s office with medical questions?
A. Yes, as long as you are not a new patient. When you call us with common questions or minor problems, please be ready with as much information as possible to help us. Our qualified medical assistants and nurses can help with advice or treatment options according to our guidelines. If they are uncertain, they will consult with a physician and return your call.
Q. Why am I bleeding at a time other than my menstrual period (breakthrough bleeding)?
A. Birth control is a common cause of breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding caused by birth control will typically resolve itself within four menstrual cycles, women experiencing it while not on birth control medications should call a doctor.
Q. What should I do if I miss a pill?
A. The procedure is different with each type of pill. Read the directions that come with your pills carefully. With some types of pills and depending on how many pills are missed, you may need to use a backup method of birth control or consider emergency contraceptive
Q. What insurance plans do you accept?
A. We are contracted with majority of insurance providers. We accept PPO, Medicare and Providence HMO IPA. Please call our office for more information.
