Our physicians, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners provide gynecologic services for women of all ages, from adolescence through menopause. If you haven’t been to a gynecologist, you may wonder why you should see this type of provider and what to expect when you get there.

Capital Region Women’s Care provides the following women’s health gynecologic services:

  • Annual breast and pelvic exams
  • Pap smears
  • STD testing
  • Mammography
    • Mammography is an X-ray technique used to study the breasts to help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to succeed. Most cases of breast cancer occur in women who are past menopause. Starting at age 40, mammography should be a regular part of your health care. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. ImageCare Medical Imaging is conveniently located in the same building as our office and provides mammograms by appointment. Your provider will review your medical history and determine at what age you should begin this testing.
  • Ultrasound
  • Menopause care
    • Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when she stops having menstrual periods. The years leading up to this point are called perimenopause, or “around menopause”. Menopause marks the end of the reproductive years that began with puberty. The average age at which a woman goes through menopause is 51 years. Most women enjoy a healthy lifestyle after this change. However, there are some common symptoms that you often hear about. Your provider can help you prepare for these changes and deal with any issues that arise.
  • Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
  • Hysterosonography
  • Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
    • A D&C is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions that cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It can also be used to help detect uterine cancer. A D&C provides a sample of tissue from the uterus that is viewed under a microscope to determine if there are abnormal cells. In the unfortunate case that a woman has a miscarriage, a D&C may be done to remove any tissue that remains in the uterus. This tissue may cause infection or heavy bleeding. This procedure can be done in the office or in the hospital. The D&C is often performed with a hysteroscope, in which your doctor uses a slender device to view the inside of the uterus. The hysteroscopy transmits an image of your uterus on a screen that your doctor can view during the procedure. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose or treat a problem.
  • Endometrial ablation
    • Endometrial ablation is used to treat heavy bleeding. Very often, women with heavy bleeding are first treated with medication. If this isn’t successful, endometrial ablation may be used. This procedure destroys a thin layer of the uterine lining and stops the menstrual flow. In some women, menstrual flow is only reduced to normal or lighter levels. If ablation doesn’t successfully control heavy bleeding, further treatment may be required.
  • Family planning services including placement of Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, and Nexplanon as well as laparoscopic sterilization