What gynecological care can a family doctor provide?
Many women see a family doctor for routine gynecological care. Dr. Le provides this care for women of all ages, and Lena, a nurse practitioner student and Dr. Le's wife, plans to join the practice to focus on women's care once she finishes her training. At Westwood Family Medicine in Bluefield, we can help with:
- Pap smears and HPV testing to screen for cervical cancer
- Birth control counseling and prescriptions
- Heavy, irregular or painful periods
- Vaginal infections and urinary symptoms
- Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes
How often do you need a Pap smear?
Cervical cancer screening recommendations depend on your age, your past results and whether HPV testing is used. Many women do not need a Pap smear every year. Dr. Le follows current national guidelines and will tell you when your next screening is due.
Screening works best when it is done on schedule, because it can find changes in the cervix long before they turn into cancer.
How do you choose the right birth control?
There is no single best method. Options include pills, patches, rings, shots, implants, IUDs and barrier methods, and each has different benefits and side effects. We talk through your health history, your plans for pregnancy and what matters most to you, such as convenience or fewer periods, to help you choose.
What help is available for menopause?
Menopause is a normal stage of life, but symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness can be hard to live with. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, non-hormone medicines or hormone therapy. We review the benefits and risks for you personally, along with bone health and heart health as you get older.
What should you bring to a women's health visit?
It helps to know the date your last period started and whether your cycles are regular. Bring a list of your medicines, including any birth control or supplements, and the dates of your last Pap smear and mammogram if you know them.
Write down any questions before your visit, even ones that feel awkward to ask. Symptoms such as pain during sex, bladder leaks or changes in mood around your period are common, and there is often help available. Everything you share is private and helps us give you the right care.
Common questions about women's health and gynecological care
Can my family doctor do my Pap smear?
Yes. Family doctors are trained to do Pap smears and HPV testing as part of routine women’s health care. Having it done by your family doctor means your screening results are kept together with the rest of your health records, and you can take care of other health needs at the same visit.
Should I see a doctor for heavy or painful periods?
Yes, if your periods are so heavy or painful that they disrupt your daily life, last longer than usual, or you feel tired or short of breath. These can be signs of conditions such as fibroids or low iron that are treatable. Your doctor can check for causes and discuss treatment options.
When does menopause usually start?
Menopause is reached when you have gone 12 months in a row without a period. For most women in the United States this happens in their early fifties, but the years leading up to it, called perimenopause, can bring irregular periods and symptoms such as hot flashes years earlier.
Learn more from trusted sources
This page is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. Talk with Dr. Le about your own care.